Thailand's new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program update!

[@peterclaydon9782]

What I dislike is having to buy an air ticket before you get the otherization to travel ...

[@nigelphillips7405]

This move will alienate people like myself and my Thai wife of 24 years, neither of us is on line or computer savvy, in fact we don't own a computer.

[@Thegentlegoon]

Its 2024, get with the times. How did you purchase your plane ticket? If you were able to get that done than this should be just as simple.

[@luka1790]

Your phone is a computer

[@nigelphillips7405]

@@Thegentlegoon I used a travel agent to buy my tickets, some of us still read books and have the ability to write and don't need a damn computer or mobile phone to run out lives for us.

[@mattelgin213]

I agree 100% with Nigel. I hate jumping through administrative hoops so much, this will dissuade me from going to Thailand in the future. I will vote with my feet.

[@nigelphillips7405]

@@luka1790 apparently so, I used it to make phone calls to people I want to speak to, as I'm in my sixties most of the shit on these devices is of no interest.

[@robinm3031]

The move to tyranny starts with convenience. It marches on thanks to compliance from the Hoi poloi. Europe is doing exactly the same. More control and unending observation. Our fathers and grandfathers gave their lives for freedom. We are pissing it away with sheep like obedience,

[@jaybrox1652]

@@robinm3031 you can rebel and seat at home ....hahaha

[@MauriceSuffield]

stay home be a rebel mate ... all power to you

[@KpKp-s8z]

I am due to visit the UK next year and am on an O/A Visa retirement visia and will not be required to complete an Eta However you just know when you check in at the airport to return you will be told no approved ETA QR code no boarding pass, you can argues as much as your want that you are visia,exempt it will fall on deaf ears as most check in staff will be clueless and just adopt a blanket policy of no QR code no boarding pass

[@johnblack621]

You have my sympathy. I do everything on-line and computers have made my life much easier than no computer. HOWEVER, I have had direct experience of ETAs and these do not work as well as it seems. For example, some are very fussy about the matching of info (eg addresses not recognised) and send back endless error messages. You can be lucky and complete the process quickly but not always. I guess the software will improve but be prepared for a couple of frustrating hours. And don’t be fooled. These systems are introduced to save time and money for the organisation, not the customer.

[@Tridhos]

Just yesterday completed my ETA for Taiwan, response and confirmation returned 2 minutes later, Just hope Thailand can do the same.

[@politenessman3901]

So, Visa exempt countries will essentially have to apply for a Visa. Any info on how far ahead you'll be able to apply would be very helpful.

[@davechristian1149]

I have only found out about this visa today, it's very difficult to complete the form on my phone, so know i have to visit my travel agent who can apply for the visa for a charge of £85, the visa is not free it costs £30. I have only 8 days left till my departure. This is annoying and stressful. Thanks for the video

[@clivebaxter6354]

Just puts people off, more paper work, more obstacles, more confusion

[@benking2159]

So what happens to those with a visa, such as a DTV or TR1 (multiple-entry 6-month tourist visa). Are these people not required to apply for an ETA because they already hold a valid visa? What worries me most is how this will be communicated to the airlines as it may create confusion and airlines tend to overdo controls and restrictions because if someone lands in Thailand without the proper authorization to come into the country, the airline is responsible to fly that passenger back out of the country at their cost...

[@user-retsailor]

As others have noted, this will end the continuous practice of making border runs. This will provide a record of your travel into Thailand and force you to get a different form of Visa to live in Thailand long term instead of a Visa on Arrival tourist visa. It will be curious to see exactly what limits to visiting Thailand that the government imposes with this process. Will they limit the Visa on arrival to 2 times per year, 3 times, 4 times, or just once ?

[@koolazzice447]

As if Thailand didnt already have too many hoops to jumo through already

[@asghartaragheh4840]

This is a bit confusing since it’s asking for proof of residency of the country that you are applying from - well as a USA citizen that’s traveling around Asia what proof would I provide when renting an airbnb in Vietnam when applying for this visa ?

[@RICHM7BV7]

If they just asked for information that I can type in that would work, but if I have to send in images of my photo and passport forget it. I can't get that stuff to work on my phone and I don't own a computer. I'll be spending my money in another country!

[@097534]

When will all this crap end

[@darrenbulger3097]

Never

[@ThePatriot-gm1fg]

It will only get worse over time.

[@salsabil44]

Never ever, it´s Thailand!

[@justsayin...2784]

Leaving for Thailand for 3 months at the end of November. Sounds like it will go into effect while I'm already there. ...but, while there, will be making a brief side trip to Indonesia -- will this be required for RETURNING to Thailand?

[@salsabil44]

I am from UK and flying to BKK in two weeks. I´ve just been to the Thaivisa site and there is NO mention of ETAs? I assume this is the same as an evisa? I have submitted an application but the site crashed as my payment was going through! I will try again tomorrow. I´m actually flying on to Vietnam 4 days later, before returning to Thailand two weeks later - how the hell am I going to apply again from Vietnam and send documents (as pdf or jpgs only) with only my mobile phone? So as a member of one of 100 visa exempt countries I now have to apply for a visa, and pay a fee?? So much for encouraging tourism??? And could they not have implemented it at low season?

[@seanjayasekera]

Is this actually required? Or is it optional for those who wish to speed up the arrival process at the airport?

[@baanthaiimmigrationsolutions]

It is not required at this time. The pilot program has not been announced, but we expect implementation to begin in 2025

[@seanjayasekera]

@@baanthaiimmigrationsolutions Thank you for clarifying:)

[@ddyeo503]

There is no reason anymore for an exempt visa now that the ETA will be needed before you get on the plane. To me this is a round about way of requiring a visa to enter Thailand. So I call the ETA a visa. I am planning my 11th trip back to Thailand in October of this year. And because of all this online requirements coming up, this will probably be my last trip to Thailand. I don't have a smartphone and I'm not computer savvy. I think Thailand wants to cut back on tourist coming into the country. And they will start with us old guys first that are not a computer literate. And using the Thai E visa website with my daughter during Covid, we could never get that website to accept what we put down. That site is a disaster in my opinion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@johnnorwich9638]

Will this be mandatory in December of 2024? I'm flying there mid December? Or is this optional?

[@michaelrooney2216]

Thank u so much

[@aladin6392]

No computer or smartphone=no life…

[@DTMDave-tg2yu]

I guess this might stop visitors who currently are doing more than two entries a year, if they can get away with it. Nice to see Thailand catching up with the rest of the world and hopefully it speeds up entry at the airport. Thanks

[@ThePatriot-gm1fg]

It's not about that, but it will stop border runners right in its tracks. Alongside ALL remaining consulates going to the e-visa system, soon everyone who doesn't have a visa will be spending some time outside the country before being permitted to reenter except for Lao, Malaysian and Cambodian nationals, for whom nothing will change.

[@ianwallace16]

Are you still required to have an outbound flight booking? 60 days on arrival then maybe 30 days extension…and the likelihood of travelling to another SE Asian countries?

[@ThePatriot-gm1fg]

Yes and yes.

[@michaelteague3372]

He says no fee.......the website says $82.......

[@keninchicago]

Any details about those on long term visas (1 year or more) will have to submit ETA ?

[@uweballmann6692]

@keninchicago It is only for people arriving Visa Exempt

[@ThePatriot-gm1fg]

No

[@kwhatten]

Any idea whether the 60 days STARTS on arrival or (like now) with a tourist visa immediately upon receiving the visa?

[@jaybrox1652]

@@kwhatten always on arrival.

[@ralph-lt1if]

The official website still stating no visa required for USA citizens staying 60 days or less. Am I missing something?

[@tw25rw]

It's correct.

[@ddyeo503]

From the latest news this ETA won't start until Dec. of 2024. But of course the Royal Gazette will make the final decision,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@DanV2B]

Will this apply to entries by land ?

[@ThePatriot-gm1fg]

Yes

[@mikeyone2]

How will it work for boarder runs? If i come in on a 60 day and get my 30 day extension then decide to slip out to Vietnam or wherever do i need to get another one? also land crossing is it needed?

[@kwhatten]

Likely.

[@dand2334]

This will be the first step in ending border runs. You better get a real visa for long stay and not a tourist one.

[@karmasutra4774]

I was trying to talk about this on Reddit and the admin said it was not true and banned me lol I was just asking questions and getting clarification. Appreciate the information I go in February for a few days

[@zeluis9219]

I visit Thailand regularly and that's a step forward on arrivals. Pity that can't be reciprecot in EU's

[@ThePatriot-gm1fg]

No, it's a step backwards and the EU will implement its own version next year.

[@josequiroz917]

So if im staying for 14 days i need to apply for this visa?

[@scotttracy9333]

Yes

[@efs7967]

I am coming for holidays i am not going to do any electronic visa shenanigans .... buy buy Thailand , there are better places to go where i am not being digitally tracked .

[@RavenAutoPartsCo]

Checkout Cambodia. There are some gorgeous girls over there and it's a bit cheaper to live there.

[@jordandavis7253]

What is the website?

[@er70ca72]

What if you do not use a computer

[@ThePatriot-gm1fg]

An agent may be able to help you

[@zeztox]

Man i cant imagine how nice it would be just to land and head for the taxi almost instantly. You're already tired from the trip so this will be nice.

[@kwhatten]

Go to Malaysia!

[@roninr8199]

There is no visa que. Only immigration would be there. Even if you are local citizen you have to cross immigration. Flying first time overseas?

[@bigstick8699]

Quick question: if I send 50 days in thailand end of year until December 31st, does the 60 dau rule reset on Janurary 1st? I do have plans to be in asian from mid November to early February. While I plan to spend most of my time in Thailand, I also plan to book a free trip out of thailand for a few days to a week or do. TIA if you can help answer my question.

[@roninr8199]

@@bigstick8699 no it doesn't reset. The day you enter based on your country eligibility you should stay for 60 days. Read that you can further extend for 30 days by visiting immigration office. You can go to Malaysia and again get back but be prepared to answer immigration officers why you are staying long.

[@galenhieb867]

I think this ETA may in part be meant to replace the TM6, which is no longer being used. I think there are many countries that use similar electronic systems. Only makes sense.

[@clivebaxter6354]

TM6 was useless

[@koolazzice447]

​@@clivebaxter6354Yes, as is this ETA

[@aaronstestlab]

1:04 this dude is actually simping for more bureaucracy. Hope you have trouble looking yourself in the mirror.

[@ghorpestad]

93 countries, not 97

[@ThePatriot-gm1fg]

Probably 91, because Laos and Malaysia won't be required to get one.

[@carolcolton4901]

I will be getting a retirement visa for one year with renewal every year, so this doesn't apply to me! Thank you for the information!

[@danielwebb9889]

Yes it will....just wait.

[@sailor_kittyx9574]

How do I apply guardian visa in US? US citizens. Please help.

[@chromecobalt]

Sounds stupid