Starting December 1, 2024, Thailand will implement an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-exempt visitors, including those from India. This program seeks to simplify immigration procedures and improve tracking of foreign nationals, in line with Thailand’s initiatives to improve national security and visitor management. This statement follows Thailand’s decision to expand visa exemptions in July 2024.
The ETA will apply to nationals of 93 countries who are now visa-free, except travellers from Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Each ETA allows for a single entry and is valid for up to 60 days, with the possibility of a 30-day extension.
The ETA application procedure will be completed online, with no fees required, assuring a pleasant experience for travellers. The ETA system will be implemented with an e-Visa system, which will be merged by June 2025, resulting in a consolidated online application.
Holders of an ETA can use automated immigration clearing gates, which speed up the admission process by reading QR codes. However, overstaying will result in penalties, such as daily fines. While the ETA expedites immigration, it does not ensure entrance, as border officers have discretion.
