The Thai ETA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation)

[ozfarang]

When does the Thai ETA begin.

 

Haven't heard anything about it for a while. I'm arriving 16 February 2025, will I need an ETA to enter?

[DrJack54]

Assume you are arriving visa exempt.

I haven't seen updates and guessing it will be delayed.

https://eta.in.th/en 

[Pattaya57]

 

[Phillip9]

13 hours ago, ozfarang said:

When does the Thai ETA begin.

My best guess--never. 

 

Considering how bad their IT systems are, I doubt they can ever succesfully implenent a system that can handle the 100,000+ people arriving daily.

[harryviking]

11 hours ago, Phillip9 said:

My best guess--never. 

 

Considering how bad their IT systems are, I doubt they can ever succesfully implenent a system that can handle the 100,000+ people arriving daily.

It might even become a disaster for many people already bought their tickets and then the site crashes and leave these people with no chance to enter their flight! Thailand should stop trying to be so damn high tech! They just cannot handle it 100 pct!!

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, harryviking said:

It might even become a disaster for many people already bought their tickets and then the site crashes and leave these people with no chance to enter their flight!

I don't see that as an issue.

If "the site crashes" it would simply not be required.

 

What's more concerning (imo) is listed requirements. 

From link I posted earlier...

 

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel plans, including tickets into and out of Thailand
• Accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or residential addresses
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay (e.g., 10,000 THB for single travelers, 20,000 THB per family).     

 

• If such items actually included flight tickets (especially onward/return), "evidence" of sufficient funds, etc then that would put some folk off

[Upnotover]

12 hours ago, Phillip9 said:

My best guess--never. 

 

Considering how bad their IT systems are, I doubt they can ever succesfully implenent a system that can handle the 100,000+ people arriving daily.

The immigration system works rather well already.  It handles all entries and exits, knows the history of each person, ties old passports to new, etc. I have never been delayed in either direction by a "system failure".  If there is a problem it is likely with them working out how to collect their THB 300 from "tourists" -  I suspect this is the cause of the current delays.

[tomazbodner]

18 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I don't see that as an issue.

If "the site crashes" it would simply be not required.

What's more concerning (imo) is listed requirements. 

From link I posted earlier...

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel plans, including tickets into and out of Thailand
• Accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or residential addresses
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay (e.g., 10,000 THB for single travelers, 20,000 THB per family).     

 

• If such items actually included flight tickets (especially onward/return), "evidence" of sufficient funds, etc then that would put some folk off

Aren't those current requirements for an exempt entry?

[Phillip9]

16 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I don't see that as an issue.

If "the site crashes" it would simply not be required.

 

When any country implements this kind of system, it becomes one of the requirements you need to complete before you can board your flight.  

 

They would need to have some kind of backup plan to communicate to all the dozens of airlines that the system crashed and its no longer required.  It certainly wouldn't be simple, and there would be a lot of panicked passengers trying to complete it worried they would not able to get on their flight.

 

 

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, tomazbodner said:

Aren't those current requirements for an exempt entry?

They are, however take just couple of examples. 

Onward flight: for many folk reporting they often fly visa exempt without onward flight that might change things.

 

Financials: not sure how that is shown (proved) prior to entering Thailand. It's meaningless. 

The funds (while rarely checked) is about having it on your person upon entry to Thailand.

 

Proof of accommodation: the address of where you stay required previously on TM6 ...was commonly "Nana Hotel Soi 4 Sukhumvit" nonsense address.

I wouldn't lose sleep over this nonsense. 

 

 

 

 

 

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Phillip9 said:

They would need to have some kind of backup plan to communicate to all the dozens of airlines that the system crashed and its no longer required.  

You could be correct.

My guess (no rhyme or reason) is that a simple "ETA not required at this time" 

The items that are listed as requirements for the ETA are currently done with ease by the airlines and immigration.

 

Like the plain sentence from @Upnotover above ...

"The immigration system works rather well already" 

 

Personally don't see a purpose for new bit of paperwork.

 

 

 

[Pattaya57]

On 11/28/2024 at 1:22 PM, DrJack54 said:

Assume you are arriving visa exempt.

I haven't seen updates and guessing it will be delayed.

https://eta.in.th/en 

 

 

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

What's more concerning (imo) is listed requirements. 

From link I posted earlier...

 

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel plans, including tickets into and out of Thailand
• Accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or residential addresses
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay (e.g., 10,000 THB for single travelers, 20,000 THB per family).     

 

You are quoting ETA requirements as fact but the link you posted is not an official Thailand website (Isn't eta.in a random Indian domain website?)

 

I have not seen anywhere formal that you have to provide proof of flights, money and accommodation for an ETA application as you state

 

Edited yesterday at 10:21 AM by Pattaya57

[DrJack54]

17 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

You are quoting ETA requirements as fact but the link you posted is not an official Thailand website (Isn't eta.in a random Indian domain website?)

Not posting as facts. Of course it's not MFA. 

Information regarding this ETA sketchy at best. 

Siam Legal have same requirements posted.

Time will tell. 

[Pattaya57]

9 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Not posting as facts. Of course it's not MFA. 

Information regarding this ETA sketchy at best. 

So then why are you posting that you are concerned by the requirements listed on that "sketchy at best" Indian website?

 

Edited 23 hours ago by Pattaya57

[DrJack54]

11 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

So then why are you posting that you are concerned by the requirements listed on that "sketchy at best" Indian website?

 

Here is MFA site re ETA.

http://www.thaievisa.go.th/ 

 

You try and find useful information.

 

[Pattaya57]

As for the reason of ETA delay, I read over a month ago it was because they are going to use the e-visa application portal for ETA applications, however e-visa is not available in all of the 93 countries now eligible for visa exempt entries.

 

So it's not workable until all 93 countries can apply for e-visa

[VBF]

2 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

I don't see that as an issue.

If "the site crashes" it would simply be not required.

What's more concerning (imo) is listed requirements. 

From link I posted earlier...

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel plans, including tickets into and out of Thailand
• Accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or residential addresses
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay (e.g., 10,000 THB for single travelers, 20,000 THB per family).     

 

• If such items actually included flight tickets (especially onward/return), "evidence" of sufficient funds, etc then that would put some folk off

Aren't those current requirements for an exempt entry?

They're pretty much the same as the current requirements for a Tourist Visa from London.

If that was implemented, the ETA would simply become a tourist visa in all but name!

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, VBF said:

If that was implemented, the ETA would simply become a tourist visa in all but name!

Agree, however the visa exempt is free. 

SETV has an application fee and to make matters worse both options now grant same 60 day stamp. 

[VBF]

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Agree, however the visa exempt is free. 

SETV has an application fee and to make matters worse both options now grant same 60 day stamp. 

Agreed - I was thinking that when I posted. Your concurrence simply illustrates how badly thought through the ETA actually is!

Of course, as it hasn't actually been implemented (yet?) we none of us really knows what will actually happen.

 

My personal feeling is that the ETA is only being considered to bring Thailand into line with USA and Europe in the eyes of "the powers that be"

[Pattaya57]

20 minutes ago, VBF said:

They're pretty much the same as the current requirements for a Tourist Visa from London.

If that was implemented, the ETA would simply become a tourist visa in all but name!

That's why it can't be true. I travelled extensively to Thailand on visa exempts between 2008-23. If I had to do an ETA that required proof of money, inward/outward flights and hotel accommodation every time I'd be retired somewhere else right now. There's no way I would have gone through with that hassle when other countries are easier to visit by just getting on the plane with your passport.

 

Edited 22 hours ago by Pattaya57

[VBF]

1 minute ago, Pattaya57 said:

That's why it can't be true. I travelled extensively to Thailand on visa exempts between 2008-23. If I had to do an ETA that required proof on inward/outward flights and hotel accommodation I'd be retired somewhere else right now as there's no way I would have done it.

Given the history of inexplicable and apparently illogical changes to the system, I think perhaps your choice of the word "can't" might be better as "shouldn't" 🙄

[DrJack54]

Off topic: Thailand perhaps introducing ETA.

What about Vietnam that has many countries likewise visa exempt available. Will things change there.

 

I'm unaware as Oz folk need tourist visa to enter Vietnam. 

 

 

 

 

 

[harryviking]

15 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

I don't see that as an issue.

If "the site crashes" it would simply not be required.

 

What's more concerning (imo) is listed requirements. 

From link I posted earlier...

 

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel plans, including tickets into and out of Thailand
• Accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or residential addresses
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay (e.g., 10,000 THB for single travelers, 20,000 THB per family).     

 

• If such items actually included flight tickets (especially onward/return), "evidence" of sufficient funds, etc then that would put some folk off

I agree. It will be a hassle that many will skip and go elsewhere all together. What a dumb thing to even think about!

[ThaiVisaCentre]

16 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

 

 

You are quoting ETA requirements as fact but the link you posted is not an official Thailand website (Isn't eta.in a random Indian domain website?)

 

 

We actually run said website to keep individuals informed.

 

Also .in.th is not a indian website, the .th TLD is owned, and operated by Thailand. You may be confused because of the .in.th SLD but this is a commonly used for Individuals, companies or organizations in Thailand.

 

As for the current situation with the ETA we are still waiting for updates.

Once we have more info the website will be updated, and those who have subscribed for updates will be notified accordingly.

Edited 7 hours ago by ThaiVisaCentre

[Pattaya57]

21 minutes ago, ThaiVisaCentre said:

 

We actually run said website to keep individuals informed.

 

Also .in.th is not a indian website, the .th TLD is owned, and operated by Thailand. You may be confused because of the .in.th SLD but this is a commonly used for Individuals, companies or organizations in Thailand.

 

As for the current situation with the ETA we are still waiting for updates.

Once we have more info the website will be updated, and those who have subscribed for updates will be notified accordingly.

Ok, so why are you posting the following is required for an ETA? This is much more than I recently provided for a Tourist e-visa

 

Your Ste States:

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel plans, including tickets into and out of Thailand
• Accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or residential addresses
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay (e.g., 10,000 THB for single travelers, 20,000 THB per family)

It's currently unclear if health insurance or medical records will be required. However, potential health concerns could lead to such requirements in the future.

[ThaiVisaCentre]

17 minutes ago, Pattaya57 said:

Ok, so why are you posting the following is required for an ETA? This is much more than I recently provided for a Tourist e-visa

 

Your Ste States:

• A valid passport
• Proof of travel plans, including tickets into and out of Thailand
• Accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or residential addresses
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay (e.g., 10,000 THB for single travelers, 20,000 THB per family)

It's currently unclear if health insurance or medical records will be required. However, potential health concerns could lead to such requirements in the future.

Nothing is final, and this is based on information discussed an provided on these pages:
 

• May 28, 2024 - The Public Relations Department
• May 28, 2024 - Office of the Fiscal Policy
• May 28, 2024 - Economic Planning Department
• May 28, 2024 - Thailand DWR
• May 30, 2024 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• May 31, 2024 - Thai Government Public Relations Department
• June 20, 2024 - Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Aug 24, 2024 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 

If you're traveling soon, there's no need to worry. It appears to be delayed yet again, and implementing something like this will take time. There will be plenty of information available, and it will also be communicated through the IATA Timatic system otherwise airlines will have trouble following any new requirements (very similar to how the Thailand Pass system was rolled out across airlines).

But also note that most of the mentioned requirements you quoted are already required to enter Thailand in many cases.

 

We created that website because we frequently receive inquiries about the ETA. Having a single point of reference makes it easier for everyone to stay informed on the topic, reducing the need for people to repeatedly contact our team for updates.

If an official government-operated page existed for this topic, we would have linked to it. However, as of now, the information available is limited to a collection of meetings and proposals. Unfortunately, the topic is also surrounded by scaremongering and news articles that often lack the helpful clarity needed.

Edited 7 hours ago by ThaiVisaCentre

[Pattaya57]

To put the above stated ETA requirements into perspective, when I recently applied for a Tourist e-visa I had to upload a passport copy, a Pic and a home bank statement. I was never asked for accommodation details and I just had to enter a flight number and epected arrival date, not provide the actual ticket. Also, since July they've removed the financial requirements for Tourist Visa.

 

So basically you just need to upload a Pic and passport copy to get a tourist e-visa.

 

But an agent says you'll need all the stuff in the above post to get an ETA for visa exempt entry lol

 

Edited 6 hours ago by Pattaya57

[ThaiVisaCentre]

Just now, Pattaya57 said:

To put the above stated ETA requirements into perspective, when I recently applied for a Tourist e-visa I had to upload a passport copy, a Pic and a home bank statement. I was never asked for accommodation details and I just had to enter a flight number and epected arrival date, not provide the actual ticket. Also, since July they've removed the financial requirements for Tourist Visa.

 

So basically you just need to upload a Pic and passport copy to get a tourist e-visa.

 

But an agent says you'll need all the stuff in the above post to get an ETA for visa exempt entry lol

 

Technically, proof of accommodation and a return flight are required for exempt entry. Without them, an officer has the discretion to deny entry.

 

Having a actual applied for visa like a TR visa will be scrutinized less than attempting to enter with exempt entry, also your Thailand travel history may come into play as well.

 

That said, many people enter without any issues. In Thailand, proposals often surface publicly long before they become official and can go through numerous changes in the process. Sometimes these changes happen quickly, other times slowly, or the proposals may simply fade away and never materialize.

[Phillip9]

3 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

 

But an agent says you'll need all the stuff in the above post to get an ETA for visa exempt entry lol

 

 

Every country that I have been to that has a similar ETA system just asks you to certify that you have all the required documents to enter the country.  It's just a bunch of check boxes--yes, I have accommodation, yes I have a return flight, yes I have money....You never have to upload any documents.  

 

I'm sure Thailand will be the same if they can ever implement the system.

[Caldera]

21 hours ago, VBF said:

My personal feeling is that the ETA is only being considered to bring Thailand into line with USA and Europe in the eyes of "the powers that be"

 

Okay, since we're posting personal feelings now... mine is that the main reason to roll out the ETA is to collect the often delayed tourist fee to enter Thailand.

 

Then in typical Thai fashion, they planned to use the existing eVisa site for this purpose, but forgot to consider two things: Firstly, eVisas aren't available everywhere yet. Secondly, does the eVisa system scale to the much higher number of visa exempt entries without problems?

 

That's why it's getting delayed.