Answered2 years ago
What is the current status of the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for entering Thailand?
Not sure why other Visa forum rejected post but hope i get info here. Has there been any more news on the Electronic Travel Authority they were thinking about . Flying in January so dont want to be sent home for an oversight . Thanks .
Answer summary
The conversation discusses recent updates regarding Thailand's proposed Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Currently, the ETA has been postponed indefinitely as authorities finalize the details. If implemented, travelers would need to register their trip online up to three days before flying. This system is expected to first launch as a pilot program for Australian travelers. Participants in the discussion also clarify distinctions between the ETA and current visa exemption policies, emphasizing that the ETA is separate from visa on arrival options.
59 repliesnewest first
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Dave *******
If it does happen another nail in the coffin for Thailand tbh . Who even thinks about these stupid ideas . Can you imagine the amount of people that won’t have done it 🤫😳
Michael *******
travel made easy - no standing around in arrival queues, makes it easy to collect tourist tax as well without impacting residents…..been in place in many countries for a while now takes the aggravation away….love flying to Malaysia, Singapore and Aussie these days.
Bob ********
@Dave ******
Singapore has had it for a few years. They have terminals in arrivals if you haven't done it beforehand, Thailand is complicated as they want to add money to an approved system, Australia have just about implemented a similar scheme as you get off the planeStephen ********
@Dave ******
it will be able to be done last minute anyway. I had to do the same for Singapore, more a formality than anything elseDave *******
@Stephen *******
but people don’t want that crapStephen ********
@Dave ******
I know 🤣🤣🤣Dave *******
@Stephen *******
tell me about it had one nearly hit me head on yesterday when Turning 🤬Stephen ********
@Dave ******
I know, but there are many countries implementing it. UK being one of them. But literally takes 3 mins and it's not like there's any decisions to be made, just enter tour details and get a qr code for entry. Problem with the UK doing it is it only effects those entering legally, the dingies will still keep coming from France. More and more illegals driving on the wrong side of the road 😜🤣🤣🤣
David ***********
Just another pointless procedure Thailand is adopting from the West. Soon Thailand will be the west, sad.
Kim *********
@David **********
not much difference from ETA and the former Thai Pass. The purpose now is to try to keep track of the whereabouts of tourists - pointless in your opinion
Bonnie *********
@David **********
Well, everyone wants to make it more like their home countries instead of enjoying the Thai way of life.We find somewhere idyllic, and destroy it.
David ***********
@Bonnie ********
very true. Look at Spain. So glad I spend my time in rural Thailand.
Luit *****************
@David **********
Why is it pointless? It makes it possible to refuse people not complying with rules before they travel.Airlines will not allow you onboard when you did not register.
Malaysia is also using this, and it is not difficult to cope with.
Unfortunately it did not change very much for the long waiting at immigration.
David ***********
@Luit ****************
just another procedure to control you and part you with your hard earned cash. What next? When they ask you are you carrying dangerous goods will they want you to sign a form and pay a fee in future
But I guess being a European citizens you are used to over regulation to keep you under the thumb.
Ivan ************
@David **********
UK also has this. Last I checked the UK was also a European country 🙄****************************************************************************
Luit *****************
@David **********
It not necessary will cost money, in Malaysia it is free. United Kingdom and United States ask indeed some money for it.Other European countries don't have such a system yet.
It is just changing the moment they register you, so the level of controlling your movements do not really change.
When I see how many "so called tourists" do use the visa exemption system meant for tourists, I can understand Thailand wants to control this better.
If this really will work is just another thing.
David ********
Thai immigration wouldn't send you home if you arrived if and when there will be some flexibility until it is fully implemented. Your airline would inform you when you booked
David ********
@David **********
idiot comment go back to your country then you won't because it's to good here. 65 bht for a big beer 🤣 is that the same as the west
Ricky ********
OP@David *******
is that Chang , Singha or Leo ?? 😁
Andrew *******
@Ricky *******
theyre all same price ....and taste the same 😂David ********
@Ricky *******
Budweiser 🤣🤣Andrew *******
@David *******
much cheaper in Vietnam and Cambodia 🤣🤣David ***********
@David *******
the insults and mojis. Says it all. So if you want to trade insults I guess intelligence has been chasing you all your life, you have always been able to run faster.Must admit not an alcohlic so the prices of beer is of no interest to me. No idea what a big beer is, normally served in pints as far as I am concerned, amber not your piss poor lagers.
Andrew *******
@David *******
coffee and beer are usually comparisonsDavid ***********
@David *******
if that is how you see it fine.An ETA is a procedure that approves your travel before you travel. Let's see how you work that one out if it is refused. As someone who is being confused with another person of interest in the UK it is a royal pain in the ass.
All about control. China social.scoring is on yhe way.
David ********
@David **********
such a long reply post slow day mate. The beer reference is only an example of cost l actually don't drink alcohol moron. You could use any product in Thailand compared to your home country cost of living much cheaper here . Well not any product imported is more or less same
Ken ***********
@David *******
surprising as it may be, the price of beer has no relevance to my decision to live in Thailand.Ken ***********
@David *******
that is not my post, it seems you are the idiot not knowing who wrote what. Perhaps you might try to read this thread again to comprehend
Uwe ****
@David *******
That beer comment had me cracking up...🤣 Can't beat that one no matter how you look at it...😂David ********
@Ken **********
I understand your post it's about Thailand changing to ETA and you said it's going like the west. That's why l said idiot comment 🤣😜🤣🤣Ken ***********
@David *******
you need to reread my comment, I made no reference to the ETA. You need to focus more.David ********
@Ken **********
it's cost of living the beer reference is only a cost example. But your reference to the west is stupid how is updating immagration processes not good for incoming and out going.
Steve *******
They’re still thinking
Kool *******
The proposed ETA has been incorporated into the bt300 entry fee, that includes basic travel insurance, that will go into effect sometime in the months to come, first on those flying in.
Priya **********
is this about the 60 day visa you can get now on arrival instead of 30 someone was talking about before?
Kim *********
@Priya *********
you don't get a visa on arrival - you get a visa exempt entry permission. Visa on arrival is for a few countries - around 20 - and costs money
Jim ********
@Priya *********
no, it’s not anything to do with thatKim *********
@Jim *******
it has everything to do with that since it's only for visa exempt entriesPriya **********
@Jim *******
Thanks guys!!Just to confirm: when I come in without a visa just for 30 days you get a visa exempt and need to tell them before online where you are going to go in Thailand?
Jan ******************
@Priya *********
As said this is supposed to be a pilot program just for Australians for six months and it could start in December but it seems to be delayed. Last news is that it's postponed indefinitely while they figure it out. The day it will affect you, you’ll know. Visa exemption is now for 60 days for all 93 countries entitled.
Jim ********
@Priya *********
you don’t need to tell them anything yet. May never happen or could be weeks/months or years. Keep your eyes peeled for updatesRicky ********
OP@Priya *********
if your country is on the list its now 60 days visa exempt . The ETA is a digital I.D with all your details and history like criminal records etc from what i read but its still being decidedJan ******************
@Jim *******
in fact it has something to do with that. Are you travelling on visa exemption you’ll need to pre-register your trip electronically first.Kim *********
@Jim *******
no she is not saying is this about the changes from 30 to 60 - she asks if this is for visa exempt but used the wrong term visa on arrivalJan ******************
@Jim *******
But still a matter just affecting visa exemptions which was the question.Jim ********
@Jan *****************
which is what I said 🤣Jan ******************
@Jim *******
Yes, of course nothing to do with the changes in the days of visa exemption.Jim ********
@Jan *****************
She’s saying is this about the changes of the the visa exempt from 30 to 60 days which the answer is no. It’s something completely separate as you are awareJan ******************
@Priya *********
When and if it’s implemented you’ll need to pre-register trips without a visa electronically before you’ll leave. 60 days is not a visa but a visa exemption and free stamp upon arrival.
Priya **********
@Jan *****************
Thank youRicky ********
OPThanks everyone
Liz *******
I am travelling in March and as far as I know it’s been postponed but I’ve been keeping an eye out for any updates . Just check online every now and then for any updates as it could be implemented anytime
Jan ******************
@Liz ******
First it will be a pilot program for Australians for six months.
Tim *********
I suggest check with Thai embassy in your country a couple of weeks before you fly
Stephen ********
If and when it is implemented, you would simply go online and fill in your details upto 3 days prior to flying. No issues.
Ron ******
@Stephen *******
Completing online pre-arrival/ traveller declarations is becoming the norm for many countries. No reason for Thailand to be any different.Dave *******
@Ron *****
alot of countries that don’t dont do it . So it’s not really the the norm 🤫Stephen ********
@Ron *****
that's why I said what I said
Brandon ************
Yes. The news is that it's postponed indefinitely while they figure it out.
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