Thailand’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program update!

Mark Friedman: This is a quick update. If you’re planning a holiday to the kingdom this winter or in 2025, Thailand is expected to implement an electronic travel authorization program. Starting with a pilot test in December of 2024. Here’s what you need to know before you make your way to the airport. The program applies to all 97 countries where passport holders can enter Thailand visa exempt.

This includes the U.S., U.K., E.U., Australia and Japan. Applications will be available online through the official Thai E-visa website. The application will be similar to other countries ETA programs and you’ll need to provide some basic biographical and travel information like the information on your passport, where you’re staying and your flight data.

Unlike other programs, it’s expected that you will need to submit an application for each trip you’re planning to make to the kingdom. Now while a bit of additional paperwork is never fun, here’s two pieces of good news. First, it’s hoped that by providing this information in advance, visitors will enjoy the convenience of automated passport gates at immigration.

I think we all appreciate any time savings when we’re starting a holiday. Second, it’s expected that there will be no charge to the traveler for this program. Finally, as of now, the visa exempt entry to Thailand remains a generous 60 days, with the opportunity to extend for another 30 days by filing Form TM 7 at any immigration office and paying 1,900 baht.

A trip here for up to 90 days really provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture. Now we’ll post additional updates as this ETA program rolls out, so please stay tuned. Thanks for watching, and if you found this helpful, please like and share with your fellow global travelers.