Australians planning to travel to Thailand will soon need to complete an additional requirement before boarding their flights. The Thai government is implementing a mandatory electronic travel authorization (ETA) that must be secured prior to travel.
Introduced by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this new system aims to improve the screening and monitoring of foreigners arriving in the country.
According to officials, “The ETA will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.”
The Thai ETA will be necessary for travelers from nearly 100 visa-waiver nations, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, the US, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and most European countries. It resembles the USA’s ESTA and upcoming travel authorization systems being established in Europe, the UK, and Japan. The pilot launch is scheduled for December this year, with a complete roll-out expected by June 2025. ETA applications will be processed online through the official Thai e-Visa website. Unlike some countries’ ETAs, which may permit multiple entries over several years, travelers will need to apply for the Thai ETA each time they wish to enter Thailand. Fortunately, it is anticipated to be free of charge.
Once granted, ETA holders will enjoy the convenience of automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints. This announcement coincides with an extension allowing tourists and business travelers from visa-free countries to remain in Thailand for up to 60 days, with an option to extend for another 30 days upon arrival.
Additionally, Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), specifically designed for remote workers, digital nomads, and visitors participating in approved activities. Costing 10,000 baht (approximately 430 Australian dollars), this visa permits a stay of up to five years, provided applicants demonstrate they have at least 500,000 baht available for the duration of their stay.
The DTV also includes benefits for the holder’s spouse and dependent children, allowing them to stay for five years with multiple entries and the possibility of extending their stay by another 180 days, according to Executive Traveller.
