Kolkata – Tourists from all the 93 countries including India who are traveling to Thailand under the visa-exempt scheme will soon need to register through a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, set to be launched from 1st Dec, 2024. The Thai government’s announcement of this mandatory system comes as part of a broader effort to streamline immigration, enhance security, and monitor the growing number of international visitors.
The ETA system, first announced in June 2024, is expected to officially roll out in December 2024, with full implementation targeted for June 2025. Indian travelers, who have increasingly become a significant part of Thailand’s tourism industry, will be required to obtain an ETA before traveling, even under visa-exemption privileges.
The visa-free scheme for Indian tourists to Thailand, which allows for a stay of up to 60 days, is valid until November 2024. However, with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in December 2024, Indian travelers entering Thailand under the visa-free program will need to complete the ETA registration online. This means the Thailand visa exemption for the Indian travelers will continue beyond the November- 2024, but the ETA will become an additional step for compliance.
What is the ETA System?
The ETA will be a pre-authorization system that visa-exempt travelers must complete online prior to arriving in Thailand. The system, designed to speed up immigration processing and bolster security, will pre-screen tourists to ensure they meet entry requirements.
For Indian travelers, this means completing an ETA registration before each trip to Thailand. Similar to systems in countries like the United States (ESTA) and Europe (ETIAS), the Thai ETA will help monitor travelers who do not require visas but are entering the country for short-term stays.
Key benefits include:
- Smoother entry: ETA holders will be able to use automated immigration gates for quicker processing.
- Improved security: Pre-screening will allow Thai authorities to better monitor tourists for potential immigration violations or health concerns.
How the ETA Will Work for Indian Travelers
Though details are still being finalized, Indian tourists entering Thailand under the visa-exemption program will be required to:
- Apply online through Thailand’s e-Visa portal.
- Provide personal details such as passport information, travel dates, and accommodation details.
- Submit the ETA form before traveling. Approval is expected to take around an hour.
- Upon approval, travelers will receive a QR code for use at automated immigration gates, reducing waiting times at airports and border crossings.
Cost and Application Process
For Indian tourists, there will be no fee for the ETA registration. However, any incorrect or incomplete applications may result in entry delays or potential refusal of boarding by airlines. Therefore, Indian travelers are advised to complete the ETA process in advance to avoid complications at the airport.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new ETA system will affect all Indian nationals traveling to Thailand for tourism purposes under the visa-exemption scheme, which allows a stay of up to 30 days without the need for a formal visa. However, Indian citizens who hold a tourist visa, visa-on-arrival, or long-term visas (such as education or work visas) will not be required to register for ETA.
Indian diplomats and official passport holders will be exempt, as will travelers using specific long-term visas, including Thailand’s Elite Visa.
What Indian Tourists Will Need to Apply for ETA
The following documentation is expected to be required when applying for ETA:
- Valid Indian passport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
- Return flight tickets or onward travel itinerary.
- Proof of sufficient funds (10,000 THB for single travelers, or 20,000 THB for families).
- Accommodation details, such as hotel bookings or other proof of stay.
While there is no specific health requirement at this stage, the ETA system may eventually incorporate public health documentation, especially if health concerns such as COVID-19 require it.
Why Is Thailand Introducing ETA for Indian Tourists?
Indian tourists make up one of the largest groups of foreign visitors to Thailand, particularly since the resumption of international travel after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, more than 1.5 million Indian travelers visited Thailand, and this number is expected to rise further.
The Thai government sees the ETA system as a necessary step to:
- Enhance security and better monitor the entry of high numbers of visa-free tourists.
- Improve the immigration process, making it faster and more efficient for both Thai authorities and travelers.
- Allow Thailand to pre-screen travelers for any risks, such as overstays or previous immigration violations, ensuring better control over tourist flow.
Challenges for Indian Travelers
Indian tourists who do not complete the ETA process before boarding may face difficulties. Thai immigration officials or airlines may deny entry or boarding if an ETA is not pre-approved. To prevent such issues, Indian travelers are advised to:
- Apply for the ETA well before their departure date.
- Ensure all information in the application is accurate and matches their travel documents.
Alternatives for Frequent Indian Travelers
For Indian nationals who visit Thailand frequently or wish to avoid applying for ETA each time, there are several long-term visa options available:
- The Thailand Elite Visa, which allows for long-term residency with multiple entries.
- The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which caters to retirees, long-term tourists, or those planning extended stays.
These visas provide multi-entry options without the need for regular ETA registration.
Implementation Timeline
- December 2024: Initial rollout of the ETA system for Indian tourists.
- June 2025: ETA becomes mandatory for all Indian tourists entering under the visa-exemption scheme.
As Indian tourism to Thailand continues to grow, the introduction of the ETA system will bring about significant changes in the way Indian travelers enter the country. While the additional step may require some adjustment, it is designed to streamline immigration and ensure that Indian tourists enjoy a smooth and secure entry process. Long-term visa options also remain available for those seeking more flexibility.
For more information about Thailand’s ETA system and visa applications for Indian tourists, visit the Thai Embassy website or contact authorized visa agencies.
