Thailand Travel Rules CHANGED in 2025 – What You Must Know!

If you’re planning a holiday to Thailand or have already booked your trip, here are some important updates about entering the kingdom in 2025. Now, last year, the Thai government announced that it was implementing an Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA program. Now, when this is implemented, it will require all visitors to Thailand to fill out an online form before beginning your journey here.

The pilot was supposed to launch last December, and the program was supposed to be fully implemented by June 2025. We’ve been advised that the ETA program will be further delayed. This is because the Ministry of Tourism will be launching a Digital Arrival Card, or TM6, for all travelers including long term stay visa holders.

If you’ve ever traveled to the kingdom before you’ll recall the paper arrival card that you used to fill out on the plane. The arrival card was suspended for one year beginning in April 2024 to ease congestion at the major ports of entry including Suvarnabhumi Airport. The new digital arrival card is expected to be ready for use by May 1st 2025.

We’re being told that to avoid any Any confusion as the new Digital Arrival Card is being launched, the introduction of the ETA program will be pushed to later in the year. What will the Digital Arrival Card include and how will you access it? We’re advised it’ll be the same information that the paper card required, including passport details, flight information, where you’ll be staying in the kingdom, along with some contact information.

We also understand that you’ll access this through an app that is currently being beta tested. So, as of now, here are the five things to know as you plan your holiday to Thailand. First, the good news is passport holders from 93 countries will still enjoy visa exempt stays of up to 60 days. It can be extended for another 30 days of immigration.

Second, if you’re planning your trip before May 1st, it’s business as usual, so there’s no need to download an app or complete an ETA form. Third, if you’re planning a trip for the summer holiday, it is likely you will need to download an app from the Ministry of Tourism and complete a digital TM6 arrival card before you enter the kingdom.

Fourth, if you’re traveling later this year, you should check to see if the ETA program is in place prior to your trip. And finally, stay tuned to this channel or check in with your trusted Thai travel resources as you’re booking your holiday to make sure you have the latest updates on entry requirements.

Thanks for watching, and if you found this helpful, please like and subscribe