Singaporeans visiting Thailand will soon need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as the system enters its beta testing phase. The pilot phase is set to begin in December 2024, with a full rollout expected by June 2025. This new requirement will apply to most visa-exempt countries, including Singapore, and will affect travellers entering Thailand by land, air, or sea.
Background
The ETA system aims to enhance the screening and tracking of foreign nationals entering Thailand. This initiative follows the Thai government’s expansion of the visa exemption in July 2024. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the ETA is part of a broader effort to ensure national security while promoting Thailand as an attractive tourist destination.
Applicable to all visa-exempt visitors
All visa-exempt visitors will be required to obtain an ETA before entering Thailand. This includes travellers from 93 countries such as Singapore, India, China, and Australia. However, holders of diplomatic passports, official passports, UN Laissez-Passer, and Border Pass users will be exempt from this requirement. The ETA will allow a single entry of up to 60 days per visit, with one possible extension of 30 days. The application process will be conducted online and is expected to be free of charge.
Integration with e-Visa system
The ETA will be introduced alongside the e-Visa system, with plans to integrate both into a single online application submission platform by June 2025. This integration aims to streamline the entry process for visitors and improve the efficiency of Thailand’s immigration system.
National security and tourism
The introduction of the ETA system is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance national security while maintaining its appeal as a tourist destination. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that the new system would help in better tracking and screening of foreign nationals, thereby ensuring a safer environment for both residents and visitors.
Future implications
As the ETA system becomes fully operational, it is expected to significantly impact the flow of tourists into Thailand. The streamlined process aims to make travel more convenient while ensuring that security measures are upheld. Travellers planning to visit Thailand in the future should stay informed about the new requirements and prepare to apply for an ETA well in advance of their trip.
