Thailand is set to introduce a new travel permit for foreign visitors who have visa-free access to the kingdom. According to a report in Channel News Asia, the document will be an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that nationals of 93 countries, regions and territories — including Malaysia — will need before they travel to Thailand. The move was first announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2024, and will be implemented in line with the country’s e-Visa system.
What is an ETA?
An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, is a document that citizens of 93 countries with the right of visa-free entry for 60 days to Thailand must obtain before they travel to the kingdom. This list includes Malaysia, and all other ASEAN countries except for Myanmar, whose nationals can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 14 days. While an ETA is a way to pre-screen visa-exempt short-term travellers into Thailand, it is not a visa. The start date for the Thailand ETA has not yet been revealed, but reports state that a pilot programme will launch in December 2024, and that the initiative will be fully implemented in 2025.
While Thailand is only the second country in Asia to introduce an ETA — the first being South Korea — some countries like Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, and the United States have similar arrangements. The UK’s ETA came into effect for six Middle Eastern countries in early 2024, and will be rolled out completely by April 2025. The European Union’s ETIAS, which is similar to the ETA, will be implemented in 2025.
How to apply for Thailand’s ETA?
Visitors to Thailand who can enter the country visa-free for up to 60 days can apply for an ETA on the Thai e-Visa website. While no official details about the application process are currently available, such as which documents are required, a valid passport will likely be essential. Other necessary paperwork that may include proof of travel plans out of Thailand and accommodation details.
Thailand ETA cost and validity
Most other countries charge ETA applicants an administrative free — for instance, the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) costs US$21 (about RM87), and the UK ETA will be £10 (about RM56). However, the Thai ETA will reportedly be free of charge. And unlike other ETAs, which are valid for several years and multiple visits, Thailand’s version will reportedly be valid for 60 days, with a one-time extension of 30 days, and can only be used once. Visitors will have to apply for new ETAs for subsequent visits. There is also no word from the Thai government about whether transit passengers will need an ETA.
Make travel easier in Thailand with an eSIM
Once you’ve got your Thailand ETA, you should also ensure that you make your stay in the country hassle-free by having a reliable internet connection. An eSIM like Saily provides flexible data plans in Thailand with an array of validity periods so that you don’t have to get a local SIM at the airport or rely on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
With Saily, you can get data packages ranging from 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB for US$2.99-US$17.99 (about RM12-RM75), with validity periods lasting 7-30 days. All you need to do is choose an eSIM plan and download the Saily app. Your plan will be automatically activated when you arrive at your destination.
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