The Thai ETA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation)

[ozfarang]

Anyone know about this upcoming travel requirement?

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/thailand-eta-visa-waiver

 

The Thai ETA will be mandatory for visitors who enjoy visa-free travel to Thailand: an extensive list of almost 100 ‘visa waiver’ countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA, Singapore, China and Hong Kong, along with most European nations.

[tomazbodner]

It's planned to be like ESTA for US - online form to fill out, like a visa form, upload documents, pay fee online. Within usually minutes (we'll see about that) you'd get an email with a travel authorisation, which you print out or have on you just in case. You proceed to check-in counter of flight to Thailand, and they'll check your passport against the list - and if you have it, you're allowed to board, if not, you could probably do it right there and a short moment later continue checkin.

 

In Thailand it's a check just like a visa, whether your passport has been authorized and you're allowed to enter.

 

ESTA is valid for 2 years, some others are valid 1-2 years. Basically that gives government a chance to check the background of visitors before they arrive. And collect some revenue from the visitors, like 500 baht...

[ozfarang]

@tomazbodner did you read the article in full, not just the paragraph I quoted from the link?

 

After reading your post I don't think you did

 

 

Edited September 3 by ozfarang

[sandyf]

"Once approved, ETA holders will be able to use automated passport gates at immigration checkpoints."

 

I would hope that once that comes about, visa and re-entry permit holders will also be able to use the passport gates.

[Maestro]

30 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

...ESTA is valid for 2 years...

 

An ESTA is useless for travel to Thailand, isn't it? How long will Thailand's ETA be valid?

[terryq]

From the linked article....

 

Quote

A new ETA application will be required for each visit to Thailand – unlike ETAs from several other countries, which remain valid for multiple entries across several years – although the Thai ETA is expected to be free of charge.

 

 

[tomazbodner]

4 hours ago, ozfarang said:

@tomazbodner did you read the article in full, not just the paragraph I quoted from the link?

 

After reading your post I don't think you did

 

 

You're right. I have read the official announcement, not linked article and that one didn't mention that it would be required for every entry. This article clarifies that. Thank you.

[freedomnow]

I guess this will sting free tourist visa-exempt visa-runners after a certain trigger point.

[Lorry]

So, it's almost like, not visa- exempt for everybody,  but everybody now needs a visa (called ETA).

Great.

I really needed more Thai bureaucracy to spice up my life. 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

I suspect there will be an algorithm that will deny an ETA based upon number of entries and lengths of stay.

[freedomnow]

55 minutes ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

I suspect there will be an algorithm that will deny an ETA based upon number of entries and lengths of stay.

Yes, bounced before even getting to a border.

[Pattaya57]

Some key points from

https://visasnews.com/en/thailand-accelerating-on-eta-introduction/

 

Here is the latest information on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that will soon be introduced in Thailand (to be confirmed in the coming months):

1. ETA should be available by December 2024 in a pilote phase;
2. The ETA system should be fully deployed by June 2025;
3. The ETA application will be submitted on the electronic visa (e-Visa) portal 
4. Whether arriving by air, sea or land, all visa-exempt travelers will be required to hold an approved ETA before arriving in Thailand;
5. The ETA should be requested for each entry into Thailand (single entry);
6. The ETA should be free of charge;

7. ETA holders will be able to use the automated gates at immigration checkpoints using the QR code on the ETA

 

This hopefully should take away the guess work of how many visa exempts are allowed. If a problem of too many don't issue an ETA, however if ETA is issued people should be rubber stamped in (and can avoid IO anyway by just using QR code at automated gates)

 

Edited September 4 by Pattaya57

[Dan O]

17 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

Some key points from

https://visasnews.com/en/thailand-accelerating-on-eta-introduction/

 

Here is the latest information on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that will soon be introduced in Thailand (to be confirmed in the coming months):

1. ETA should be available by December 2024 in a pilote phase;
2. The ETA system should be fully deployed by June 2025;
3. The ETA application will be submitted on the electronic visa (e-Visa) portal 
4. Whether arriving by air, sea or land, all visa-exempt travelers will be required to hold an approved ETA before arriving in Thailand;
5. The ETA should be requested for each entry into Thailand (single entry);
6. The ETA should be free of charge;

7. ETA holders will be able to use the automated gates at immigration checkpoints using the QR code on the ETA

 

This hopefully should take away the guess work of how many visa exempts are allowed. If a problem of too many don't issue an ETA, however if ETA is issued people should be rubber stamped in (and can avoid IO anyway by just using QR code at automated gates)

 

That site has several glaring errors in their explanation of what the ETA and E visa are,  like most similar sites so I wouldn't put too much faith in the accuracy of their information. 

[Pattaya57]

5 minutes ago, Dan O said:

That site has several glaring errors in their explanation of what the ETA and E visa are,  like most similar sites so I wouldn't put too much faith in the accuracy of their information. 

Please quote what you think the "several glaring errors in their explanation of what the ETA and E visa are". It doesn't even mention e-visa other than you apply for ETA via e-visa portal?

 

It reads fine to me and I've read two other sites and found this one to be the most clear

 

Edited September 4 by Pattaya57

[Rob Browder]

18 hours ago, freedomnow said:

I guess this will sting free tourist visa-exempt visa-runners after a certain trigger point.

Either that - OR, by allowing them to use the auto-gates, it will free them from Immigration's "agent fee to enter hassle free", if "too many times" corruption.  Time will tell.  It all depends on the attitude of the ministry(ies) responsible for how it ultimately operates. 

 

Are they in the "Help Thais get more jobs by letting in foreign money" crowd, who pushed through the 60-day exempt and DTV?  Or, are they in the "Keep the poor Thais poor in the sticks" crowd?  Or, the "I don't care - I just want my brown envelopes" crowd?

 

Look at the political dynamic - both historically and current.  Jobs in manufacturing and tourism reduce the pressure for socialist handout-policies and political volatility, by offering young people employment.  If stability is the goal, it's a no-brainer.

Edited September 4 by Rob Browder

[Lorry]

23 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

• The ETA system should be fully deployed by June 2025;
• The ETA application will be submitted on the electronic visa (e-Visa) portal 
• Whether arriving by air, sea or land, all visa-exempt travelers will be required to hold an approved ETA before arriving in Thailand;
• The ETA should be requested for each entry into Thailand (single entry);

That's really a visa required from everybody. 

 

But the system will be set up by the professionals who gave us electronic 90 days. So, it will be quick and easy.

And please buy a smartphone to apply (remember the people buying a smartphone to apply for the digital wallet?). We are still discussing whether foreign smartphones can be used. 

 

They forgot to mention that an ETA can be done by an agent for a small fee 

[Lorry]

On a serious note: 

3 minutes ago, Lorry said:

The ETA should be requested for each entry into Thailand (single entry);

It means a sharp reduction of backpackers spontaneously coming overland (AN members rejoice).

Places like Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam  - you can just go.

Thailand has entry hurdles.

 

It also means a sharp reduction of elderly farang visitors (eg AN members).

I know many who find all things digital a nuisance. 

 

Fortunately for Thailand,  there is a nearby big country where people are used to digital surveillance, they will feel at home.

[sandyf]

If you consider the EU justification.

 

According to the European Commission, it is planned to be implemented "for the identification of security, irregular migration or high epidemic risks posed by visa-exempt visitors."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Travel_Information_and_Authorisation_System

 

It would appear that Thailand has the right approach. Single entry -  FOC.

[Pattaya57]

1 hour ago, Lorry said:

 

It also means a sharp reduction of elderly farang visitors (eg AN members).

I know many who find all things digital a nuisance. 

 

Pretty sure most of us 'elderly farang visitors' are not on visa exempt so won't be impacted at all 😉

[Dan O]

On 9/3/2024 at 3:16 PM, tomazbodner said:

It's planned to be like ESTA for US - online form to fill out, like a visa form, upload documents, pay fee online. Within usually minutes (we'll see about that) you'd get an email with a travel authorisation, which you print out or have on you just in case. You proceed to check-in counter of flight to Thailand, and they'll check your passport against the list - and if you have it, you're allowed to board, if not, you could probably do it right there and a short moment later continue checkin.

 

In Thailand it's a check just like a visa, whether your passport has been authorized and you're allowed to enter.

 

ESTA is valid for 2 years, some others are valid 1-2 years. Basically that gives government a chance to check the background of visitors before they arrive. And collect some revenue from the visitors, like 500 baht...

How do you suppose the airline is getting a list and who's supplying it? Have the airlines agreed to this? I don't believe iys gonna work like that 

[Caldera]

I'd say it's fairly obvious that they won't be able to roll it out within the time frame mentioned.

 

This will need to be a super reliable and scalable system once each and every visa exempt traveler will be required to use it for each and every entry. Just look at the mess with the eVisa system (fixed after a fee years, but some people still despair apparently) and 90-day reporting (fixed and broken on and off in an endless loop).

[Pattaya57]

19 minutes ago, Caldera said:

I'd say it's fairly obvious that they won't be able to roll it out within the time frame mentioned.

 

This will need to be a super reliable and scalable system once each and every visa exempt traveler will be required to use it for each and every entry. 

 

They already have that system as they said ETA will be via the e-visa portal, which works quite well now (I recently got a non-imm O issued on a Saturday in <72 hours)

 

They also introduced the new DTV into e-visa with no problems so a simple ETA which likely only requires upload of passport ID page should be pretty easy 

 

Edited September 4 by Pattaya57

[DrJack54]

3 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

Pretty sure most of us 'elderly farang visitors' are not on visa exempt so won't be impacted at all 😉

Bit surprised.

Your previous posts indicate frequent stays in Thailand using visa exempt entry.

Only current entry from a non O retirement.

So indeed...many over 50,s do use visa exempt entry for several months each year visits to Thailand 

[tomazbodner]

3 hours ago, Dan O said:

How do you suppose the airline is getting a list and who's supplying it? Have the airlines agreed to this? I don't believe iys gonna work like that 

Well it works for others. Without ESTA you can't check into a plane when your ticket is to US. What would stop Thai government from sharing this information system with airlines with flights to Thailand?

[isaanistical]

5 hours ago, Lorry said:

Places like Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam  - you can just go.

No.

Malaysia for one has a similar system in place, in which you have to e-tell them where you will stay as well as when you enter and leave (https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main). Each time you visit, which is particularly stupid/annoying as the Thai one probably will be.

EU's ETIAS is another similar  money-maker (sorry, security check).

 

Many here are confusing "authorisation" with "visa". I'm still visa-exempt in (eg) EU, Oz or Malaysia, but I sure can't get in without doing the e-cr5p and paying the fee. Thailand is limping onto that bandwagon.

Having said that, we presume it will be as efficient, transparent and safe (data-wise) as all the other Thai e-nonsense. Much of what Thai Immigration issues cannot be accessed unless you are already in Thailand,much more is gibberish in English translation - but then, surely none of us expects this to work soon or out of the box?

Remember when we thought TM30 was baffling? Happy days..................

[Patong2021]

5 hours ago, Dan O said:

How do you suppose the airline is getting a list and who's supplying it? Have the airlines agreed to this? I don't believe iys gonna work like that 

 

The EU will implement its ETIAS system by May 2025.

The USA and Canada already have a shared data system. Passenger data is shared to the respective border security agencies  at online or counter checkin.  The airline industry is moving to Biometrics. At some point the airline biometrics will be linked to the  immigration screening systems of countries. For example;  Star Alliance member airline participants (Lufthansa Group, Air Canada)  biometric facial recognition system allows the passenger to make their way through security, into the lounge and through the boarding gate quickly and with almost no contact. In the future, all it will take is a single scan - without a boarding pass or smartphone. This is now being rolled at multiple airports.

 

Back to Thailand, the   e-visas are brilliant. They will help avoid minimize the entry of known  criminals and  deviants. They will effectively track entry and departure of  visitors by type of visa. As mentioned above, the border hoppers will  no longer be able to easily bounce back and forth and will need to secure the correct visa. More importantly, it will speed the process at the border. No more delays while the computer search is done. 

[Patong2021]

1 hour ago, isaanistical said:

No.

Malaysia for one has a similar system in place, in which you have to e-tell them where you will stay as well as when you enter and leave (https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main). Each time you visit, which is particularly stupid/annoying as the Thai one probably will be.

EU's ETIAS is another similar  money-maker (sorry, security check).

 

Many here are confusing "authorisation" with "visa". I'm still visa-exempt in (eg) EU, Oz or Malaysia, but I sure can't get in without doing the e-cr5p and paying the fee. Thailand is limping onto that bandwagon.

Having said that, we presume it will be as efficient, transparent and safe (data-wise) as all the other Thai e-nonsense. Much of what Thai Immigration issues cannot be accessed unless you are already in Thailand,much more is gibberish in English translation - but then, surely none of us expects this to work soon or out of the box?

Remember when we thought TM30 was baffling? Happy days..................

ETIAS is FREE.

[Yagoda]

they use a similar app to get into Cambodia now

Edited September 4 by Yagoda

[Dan O]

10 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

The EU will implement its ETIAS system by May 2025.

The USA and Canada already have a shared data system. Passenger data is shared to the respective border security agencies  at online or counter checkin.  The airline industry is moving to Biometrics. At some point the airline biometrics will be linked to the  immigration screening systems of countries. For example;  Star Alliance member airline participants (Lufthansa Group, Air Canada)  biometric facial recognition system allows the passenger to make their way through security, into the lounge and through the boarding gate quickly and with almost no contact. In the future, all it will take is a single scan - without a boarding pass or smartphone. This is now being rolled at multiple airports.

 

Back to Thailand, the   e-visas are brilliant. They will help avoid minimize the entry of known  criminals and  deviants. They will effectively track entry and departure of  visitors by type of visa. As mentioned above, the border hoppers will  no longer be able to easily bounce back and forth and will need to secure the correct visa. More importantly, it will speed the process at the border. No more delays while the computer search is done. 

Matching biometric data from passports is one thing. But for Thailand to produce a list to every airline possibly involved in transporting travelers giving the exact date, time and airline is quite a bit different. The airlines would also need to buy into screening which will be difficult at best as it will impact their cost structure. To produce a ETA do you actually believe the Thai govt will be able to do background checks on every applicant worldwide? They can't even do that right now with the evisa system in place which is more detailed than the proposed ETA system. The best they can hope for is matching to the imm system for past issues occurring inside Thailand along with entry and exit history. They already have that capability for a few years and you see how well they use it now. You may want to think about the logistic to be able to do that anytime in the near future.  I talking reality not lip service on a wish list of tech ablility

 

[Pattaya57]

^ Some people massively overthinking this. ETA will be a simple emailed Authorisation form you print out to show the airline/immigration just like every other Thailand e-visa portal application.

 

Edited September 4 by Pattaya57