Southeast Asia's second largest economy to introduce electronic travel requirement for visa-exempt tourists

By Hoang Phong September 19, 2024 | 04:58 pm PT

Chinese tourists take pictures in downtown Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Thailand has announced it would implement a mandatory electronic travel authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt travelers starting from December to streamline immigration procedures and enhance foreigners' screening.

The new system will apply to citizens from all visa-exempt countries entering Thailand by land, air, or sea, except for those from Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia, according to a report by CNBC citing a source from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"This move is part of Thailand’s broader efforts to enhance national security and improve visitor flow management, while maintaining its status as a major global tourist destination," the ministry stated.

The ETA will allow for a single entry into Thailand and will be valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, with an option for a one-time extension of up to 30 days.

Travelers holding an ETA will be able to use automated immigration gates at entry checkpoints, speeding up the clearance process by simply scanning the QR code on their ETA.

Currently, citizens from 93 countries and territories, including Australia, China, India, the U.K., the U.S., and Southeast Asian neighbors, enjoy visa-free entry into Thailand.

Thailand has received over 21 million foreign tourists between January and August, up 33% year-on-year.