Malaysia’s super-popular northern neighbour is is set to launch a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt travellers in a bid to enhance security and streamline entry procedures.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand is preparing to launch a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for visa-exempt foreign nationals. This requirement will apply to all visa-exempt travellers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea.

The ETA will not function as a visa but as an automated security screening, comparable to the upcoming ETIAS programme for visitors to the European Union’s Schengen area. Its objectives include enhancing security, deterring irregular migration, and monitoring health risks. Travellers are expected to receive email confirmation of entry within 24 hours.

Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption policy, effective from mid-July 2024, applies to citizens of 93 countries. This exemption covers most foreign tourists and requires no prior approval. The 60-day stay can be extended by an additional 30 days by applying at a Thai immigration office. Travellers can also reset their stay duration by briefly leaving and re-entering the country, a common practice known as a “border run.” This has led some to question the necessity of obtaining other types of visas, such as Elite, retirement, or family visas.

Here is the full list of 93 visa-exempt countries that will require an ETA to enter Thailand:

1. Albania
2. Argentina
3. Armenia
4. Australia
5. Austria
6. Bahrain
7. Belarus
8. Belgium
9. Bosnia and Herzegovina
10. Brazil
11. Brunei Darussalam
12. Bulgaria
13. Canada
14. Chile
15. China
16. Colombia
17. Costa Rica
18. Croatia
19. Cyprus
20. Czech Republic
21. Denmark
22. Dominican Republic
23. Ecuador
24. El Salvador
25. Estonia
26. Finland
27. France
28. Georgia
29. Germany
30. Greece
31. Guatemala
32. Honduras
33. Hong Kong
34. Hungary
35. Iceland
36. India
37. Indonesia
38. Ireland
39. Israel
40. Italy
41. Japan
42. Kazakhstan
43. Kuwait
44. Laos
45. Latvia
46. Lithuania
47. Luxembourg
48. Macau
49. Malaysia
50. Maldives
51. Malta
52. Mauritius
53. Mexico
54. Monaco
55. Mongolia
56. Montenegro
57. Morocco
58. Myanmar
59. Nepal
60. Netherlands
61. New Zealand
62. Norway
63. Oman
64. Panama
65. Paraguay
66. Peru
67. Philippines
68. Poland
69. Portugal
70. Qatar
71. Romania
72. Russia
73. San Marino
74. Saudi Arabia
75. Serbia
76. Singapore
77. Slovakia
78. Slovenia
79. South Africa
80. South Korea
81. Spain
82. Sri Lanka
83. Sweden
84. Switzerland
85. Taiwan
86. Tajikistan
87. Tunisia
88. Turkey
89. Turkmenistan
90. United Arab Emirates
91. United Kingdom
92. United States
93. Uzbekistan

The rollout of the ETA system will occur in phases, from December 2024 to June 2025, and is expected to be free of charge. The new requirement will apply exclusively to visa-free arrivals. Travellers will need to submit their applications through the e-portal at www.thaievisa.go.th, which is becoming Thailand’s primary entry point for foreign visitors.

While many details of the ETA system remain under review, potential requirements may include proof of accommodation in Thailand and a return or onward flight ticket. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to release complete information on the specific documentation needed.

There is also uncertainty regarding whether the ETA system will impose limits on the number of 60-day entries per traveller. Previous rules limiting travellers to two border trips per year were recently abolished, but the ETA system could reintroduce limits through automated rejections.

Some exceptions will apply, such as diplomats, who are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, no exemptions have been announced for tourists over 70 years old, a policy that differs from those in other countries.

Approved ETAs will allow entry through electronic gates by scanning a QR code from the authorisation email. The system will conduct checks on passport authenticity, criminal records, and Interpol notices, aiming to streamline the immigration process and reduce disputes at entry points.

As the ETA system becomes a crucial part of Thailand’s digitized immigration process, further updates are expected from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the rollout date approaches.