Thailand Introduces New ETA System For Visa-Free Tourists But Malaysians Are Exempted
Tourists from 93 countries are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from December onwards.
The Thai government is pilot testing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-exempt travellers starting 1 December 2024
The ETA will allow for a single entry, valid for 60 days per visit, with an option to extend for an additional 30 days. Travellers arriving by air, land, or sea will need to obtain an approved ETA before entering Thailand.
Applications for the ETA will be free of charge. The application process is fully digital and accessible through the official Thai e-Visa website.
This new system aims to improve efficiency at immigration checkpoints for eligible travellers. ETA holders will gain access to automated gates using a QR code for faster entry.
After the pilot phase, the ETA will be integrated with the existing e-Visa platform and is expected to be fully operational by June 2025.
Image via Javon Swaby/Pexels
This initiative applies to foreign travellers from 93 countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and Hong Kong, however Malaysian tourists do not need to apply for an ETA
Thailand, particularly the southern part of the country, is especially popular with Malaysians. In August, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have announced the revival of a direct train route from Penang to Bangkok.
Travellers with diplomatic or official passports, U.N. Laissez-Passer, and tourists from Laos and Cambodia are also exempt from this requirement.
Malaysians will eventually need to apply for an ETA when they travel to the UK and Japan:
What else you should know before your trip to Thailand:
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