Thailand Unveils E-Visa System, Streamlining Travel for 2025

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand has launched its pioneering Thai E-Visa system, set to revolutionise travel from January 1, 2025. This new digital approach will allow international travellers to obtain their visas online, eliminating the need for paperwork and embassy visits.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented the system after over a decade of development, aiming to fast-track and secure the visa application process. Built around the concept of 3As—Apply, Anywhere, and Anytime—the E-Visa is designed to be accessible and user-friendly. Applicants can apply online at any time and pay fees digitally, thanks to a partnership with Kasikornbank.

 

Director-General Worawut highlighted that this system facilitates seamless interaction with the Immigration Bureau for optimal security. Although some nations still must present payment proof in person, efforts are underway to standardise online payments worldwide.

 

 

The E-Visa covers 94 global embassies and consulates, underscoring Thailand’s ambition to attract more tourists, business people, and students. Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated this initiative simplifies travel, enhancing Thailand’s global competitiveness.

 

The existing visa waiver programme remains for 93 countries, ensuring tourists from these regions enjoy visa exemptions. Inquiries about E-Visa verification were addressed, with electronic confirmation available via email for airport procedures.

 

This move positions Thailand as a leader in smart travel solutions, marrying convenience with robust security measures to enhance its appeal as a top global destination.

 

-- 2024-12-18

 

 

[ikke1959]

Hope it will work better than the 90 days reports. otherwise a lot of congestion at the borders

[ukrules]

Let the inevitable mayhem begin 🙄

[harryviking]

One of the things i used to love in Thailand was the opportunity to travel for 3-4 days or more, to Laos or Penang to obtain a new tourist visa. It was a nice break from the daily routines. Now, the fun has been ruined by this damn "on line" craze!! The world is getting more boring by the day! This is not progress, it is madness. Some things should be left alone! Why must everything be so called "easy"???😣

[The Old Bull]

I have made two three month Non-O visas online. A reasonably smooth process however each embassy employee likes to add their own touch so you will need some kind of other piece of paper depending who you are dealing with.

[Caldera]

Nothing new at all, the only thing that happens is that the eVisa system will be rolled out to a few more countries in January. 

[JoePai]

pioneering 🤣

 

errr NO, not 'pioneering'

[BarBoy]

Digitization streamlines NOTHING for the applicant.

 

Look at embassies in Laos now. Since going digital the wait time to process new visa applications from next year will be 3 weeks instead of 1 day...

 

It makes nothing more efficient, only adds to the bureaucracy and headaches.

[Upnotover]

1 hour ago, harryviking said:

One of the things i used to love in Thailand was the opportunity to travel for 3-4 days or more, to Laos or Penang to obtain a new tourist visa. It was a nice break from the daily routines. Now, the fun has been ruined by this damn "on line" craze!! The world is getting more boring by the day! This is not progress, it is madness. Some things should be left alone! Why must everything be so called "easy"???😣

You still have to be in the country where you apply for the e-visa.  So you still get your trip without having to go to an embassy/consulate.  Now't wrong with that.

[Ben Zioner]

16 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

You still have to be in the country where you apply for the e-visa.  So you still get your trip without having to go to an embassy/consulate.  Now't wrong with that.

Ever heard of VPNs?

[Upnotover]

1 minute ago, Ben Zioner said:

Ever heard of VPNs?

Yes thanks.  I also heard of passport entry stamps showing entry to the country you are supposed to be in.

[lordgrinz]

It's bound to reduce incoming numbers, so I expect it to be scrapped within a short time.

[VBF]

44 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

It's bound to reduce incoming numbers, so I expect it to be scrapped within a short time.

Don't see why - my last 2 tourist visas from UK have been e-Visas.  No longer needed now the visa-exempt period is 60 days for UK passport holders, but it worked well and the turnaround was less than a week.

 

As @Caldera noted, this is not new, merely an extension to more countries.

 

UPDATE - Who the **** is immediately confused at this post? It couldn't be clearer! 🤬

[scorecard]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand has launched its pioneering Thai E-Visa system, set to revolutionise travel from January 1, 2025. This new digital approach will allow international travellers to obtain their visas online, eliminating the need for paperwork and embassy visits.

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented the system after over a decade of development, aiming to fast-track and secure the visa application process. Built around the concept of 3As—Apply, Anywhere, and Anytime—the E-Visa is designed to be accessible and user-friendly. Applicants can apply online at any time and pay fees digitally, thanks to a partnership with Kasikornbank.

 

Director-General Worawut highlighted that this system facilitates seamless interaction with the Immigration Bureau for optimal security. Although some nations still must present payment proof in person, efforts are underway to standardise online payments worldwide.

 

 

 

The E-Visa covers 94 global embassies and consulates, underscoring Thailand’s ambition to attract more tourists, business people, and students. Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated this initiative simplifies travel, enhancing Thailand’s global competitiveness.

 

The existing visa waiver programme remains for 93 countries, ensuring tourists from these regions enjoy visa exemptions. Inquiries about E-Visa verification were addressed, with electronic confirmation available via email for airport procedures.

 

This move positions Thailand as a leader in smart travel solutions, marrying convenience with robust security measures to enhance its appeal as a top global destination.

 

-- 2024-12-18

 

 

'Pioneering'?

E-visa has been in operation for many countries for several years.

 

Reminds me of the 65 year old auntie in my extended Thai family. She's never been more than 300 km away from her birth town of Roi Et. Never been to Bkk, Pattaya, Phuket.

 

She never stops telling everybody that Thailand leads the world in everything. She claims that other countries are not allowed to have tourists and she tries to push her idea that every foreigner should pay 100,000Baht for a document to enter Thailand for 1 week. And should pay double price for everything.

 

She has no cards other than her Thai ID card and driving licenses for car and m.cycle. She claims that all computers are fake. 

[WHansen]

Since 2017 i have applied online for my 60 day visa, visa emailed to me.

Nothing new.

[edwinchester]

Whoever wrote this article desperately needs to learn the definition of 'pioneering'.

[KannikaP]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Applicants can apply online at any time and pay fees digitally, thanks to a partnership with Kasikornbank.

At least that's better than last week's announcement.

[Upnotover]

Just now, KannikaP said:

At least that's better than last week's announcement.

Well.....

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Although some nations still must present payment proof in person

 

[GypsyT]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented the system after over a decade of development,

10 yrs to do something what pimple face nerd in Silicon Valley would do on lunch brake...

 

[StayinThailand2much]

Does that mean, if I have trouble getting it, other countries in the region get to profit? 😆 

[thecyclist]

16 hours ago, harryviking said:

One of the things i used to love in Thailand was the opportunity to travel for 3-4 days or more, to Laos or Penang to obtain a new tourist visa. It was a nice break from the daily routines. Now, the fun has been ruined by this damn "on line" craze!! The world is getting more boring by the day! This is not progress, it is madness. Some things should be left alone! Why must everything be so called "easy"???😣

Yeah, standing in line at the Thai embassy in Vientiane in the hot sun for 3 hours, great fun indeed.