Get your Thailand ETA online
Complete information and practical advice
Discover how to easily obtain your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Thailand. Practical guide, steps, required documents, eligible countries, FAQ and more.
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What is Thailand ETA?
Thailand ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a system currently being implemented by Thai government authorities. This modern system, designed to be fast, practical and secure, aims to simplify entry procedures for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries.
Definition and objectives
It allows stays in Thailand for a short duration, generally up to 30 days, for tourist or business purposes.
Secure
Official Thai government system
Fast
Processing in 24-72h maximum
Accessible
100% online application from home
Why did Thailand launch its ETA?
Following in the footsteps of other nations such as the United States, Canada or South Korea, Thailand wants to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for certain travelers arriving on its territory for several strategic reasons. On one hand, this system aims to strengthen national security by allowing authorities to better control entries before travelers' departure. On the other hand, ETA facilitates entry procedures for tourists while modernizing immigration systems, meeting growing demands for efficiency and digitalization. Furthermore, Thailand hopes to stimulate its economy by making the country more attractive to foreign visitors, while aligning with international standards in migration flow management.
ETA pioneer countries
Click on a country to discover the characteristics of its ETA system:
Strengthen national security
Facilitate entry procedures
Modernize immigration systems
Stimulate tourism economy
Align with international standards
Timeline of Thailand's Electronic Travel Authorization
Visa on arrival (VOA) and exemption system
Until 2023, visitors from certain countries benefited from visa on arrival or temporary visa exemptions (e.g. France, Germany, etc.). Procedures were partly physical, especially at airports or embassies. eVisa (electronic visa) existed but remained limited to certain categories of travelers.
Announcement of visa system overhaul
Thai government announces intention to simplify tourist entry to revive post-COVID economy. The idea of an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization, different from eVisa) appears in local media. Objective: digitalize, accelerate, secure.
Thai Cabinet green light
Cabinet officially approves ETA deployment for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Confirmation that system will first target tourists. Launch planned for mid-2024.
Internal testing and application portal preparation
Development of online application portal and automatic verification systems. Technical tests conducted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Bureau. ETA aims to be 100% digital, with biometric verification on arrival.
Pre-announcement of official launch
Several media announce that ETA will be implemented from June/July 2024. Visa agencies and information sites begin publishing guides. Government publishes list of eligible countries in preview.
Launch of Thailand ETA system (phase 1)
Official website launched (in English and Thai). First phase open to restricted group of pilot countries (EU, UK, USA, etc.). Travelers must present approved ETA before boarding.
Extension to other countries
ETA extended to about thirty additional countries. Better integration with airlines (automatic verification). Processing times shortened through automation.
Integration with other eVisa platforms
ETA integrated into Thailand's global electronic visa portal. Mobile version announced for smartphone applications. Projects underway to offer multi-entry ETA.
Scroll horizontally to see all steps
Thailand ETA project progress
Who can apply for Thailand ETA?
ETA is intended for nationals of countries benefiting from visa exemption for Thailand, for short-term tourist and business stays.
Check your eligibility
Is your country on the list? Find out if you can benefit from Thailand ETA.
What Thailand ETA does not allow
Important to remember
ETA does not guarantee your entry to Thailand. On arrival, immigration officers can refuse access to the territory if conditions are not met.
How to apply for Thailand ETA in 2025?
Required documents
Procedure steps
1. Fill out the online form
Personal information, passport details, travel dates, address in Thailand
2. Submit required documents
Valid passport, recent ID photo, proof of round-trip ticket
3. Pay processing fees
Secure online payment by bank card
4. Receive ETA by email
After verification, ETA is generally issued within a few business days
Ready to start your application?
Follow our guided step-by-step process to get your Thailand ETA quickly and easily.
Thailand ETA advantages in 2025
100% online
No need to go to embassy
Fast processing
Standard timeframe: 24 to 72 hours
Time saving
Smoother border control
Secure
Official government system
Other advantages
Comparison of options for Thailand
Discover the differences between ETA, eVisa and classic visa to choose the best option according to your needs.
Important note
Costs and timeframes may vary depending on your nationality and specific circumstances. ETA represents the most modern and efficient solution for nationals of eligible countries.
Thailand ETA use cases
Discover through these concrete examples when ETA is necessary, recommended or not applicable according to your travel profile.
Eligible student
6-month university stay
Business traveler
7-day professional trade show participation in Bangkok
Backpacker couple
2-month road trip in Thailand
Need help for your specific case?
Each situation is unique. Our experts analyze your profile and recommend the best option for your trip to Thailand.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
New obligation from May 1st, 2025: all foreign nationals must fill out the digital arrival card before entering Thailand.
Obligation from May 1st, 2025
All foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land or sea must fill out the new digital arrival card.
TDAC QR Code
QR code to apply
100% online
Form available on tdac.immigration.go.th
72 hours before
To be filled within 72h before your arrival
Completely free
No fees for this mandatory procedure
Entry methods concerned
Air travel
All Thai airports
Land travel
Land border crossings
Sea travel
Ports and maritime terminals
TDAC exemptions
Transit travelers
Transit or connecting without passing through immigration control
Border Pass
Travelers entering with a Border Pass
Important to remember
- • TDAC is mandatory even if you have an ETA or visa
- • It must be filled in addition to your travel authorization
- • The form is only available online on the official website
- • Don't delay: fill it within 72 hours before your departure
Additional resources: Information on international arrival cards
ETA vs TDAC: What's the difference?
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- • Prior travel authorization
- • Replaces visa for certain countries
- • Valid 2 years, multiple entries
- • Paid (10-30 USD)
- • Optional depending on your nationality
TDAC (Digital Arrival Card)
- • Digital arrival card
- • Replaces paper form on plane
- • Valid for single trip
- • Free
- • Mandatory for all (except exemptions)
Prepare your trip to Thailand
Don't forget: ETA + TDAC = stress-free travel! Anticipate your procedures to fully enjoy your stay.
Thailand ETA entry points
Discover all airports and border crossings where your Thailand ETA is accepted for your entry into the territory.
Available entry points
Suvarnabhumi AirportBKK
Bangkok
Main international airport in Bangkok
Don Mueang AirportDMK
Bangkok
Domestic and low-cost airport in Bangkok
Phuket International AirportHKT
Phuket
Gateway to southern islands
Chiang Mai International AirportCNX
Chiang Mai
Northern Thailand hub
Hat Yai International AirportHDY
Songkhla
Southern airport near Malaysia
Krabi International AirportKBV
Krabi
Access to west coast beaches
Samui AirportUSM
Koh Samui
Boutique airport on paradise island
Aranyaprathet
Cambodian border (vers Cambodia)
Main border crossing with Cambodia
Mae Sai
Burmese border (vers Myanmar)
Northernmost border crossing
Sadao
Malaysian border (vers Malaysia)
Gateway to peninsular Malaysia
Select an entry point
Click on an entry point from the list to see detailed information.
ETA entry points
Important
Check that your ETA is approved before presenting yourself at one of these entry points.
Plan your arrival
Now that you know all the entry points, prepare your ETA and choose the best route for your trip to Thailand.
Discover Thailand through the 5 senses
Immerse yourself in a complete sensory experience and discover Thailand through your five senses. Exclusive tips to prepare your trip and be informed as soon as the ETA is launched.
Taste
The famous Thai curry is characterized by a precise combination of elements: the spice of chili, the creaminess of coconut milk, the acidity of tamarind, the aromatic notes of fresh coriander and the saltiness of fish sauce.
Touch
Hand-woven silk glides between fingers, carved wooden objects carry the warmth of local craftsmanship, and hot sand contrasts with the precise pressure of a Thai massage. Each texture tells a part of Thai culture.
Sight
Ancient temples, with their soaring and meticulously ornate roofs, stand as spiritual jewels in the landscape, while floating markets and verdant rice fields compose a living fresco of eternal Thailand.
Hearing
The hum of scooters mingles with voices in the streets, but it's traditional music — crystalline sounds of the ranat and khong percussion — that, around a temple or local festival, suspends time.
Smell
The scent of jasmine, fresh flower garlands and cooked dishes — Thai basil, green curry, ripe mango — blend in the air and form a mixture of scents typical of Thai streets.
What your PDF guide contains
A complete 24-page guide for an authentic sensory experience
Authentic flavors
15 must-try dishes with their traditional recipes
Secret sites
10 hidden places for unique photos
Sounds of Thailand
Exclusive playlist and traditional music venues
Tactile experiences
Artisan workshops and authentic spas
Frequently Asked Questions about Thailand ETA
No, ETA does not replace the traditional visa. It is designed for short tourist stays of maximum 30 days. For longer stays or other purposes (work, study, etc.), a traditional visa is required.
Do you have other questions?
Our team of experts is here to help you with your Thailand ETA application.
How to travel responsibly in Thailand?
Discover the 10 golden rules for ethical and respectful travel that benefits both local communities and the Thai environment.
Responsible Travel
Let's preserve Thailand's beauty together for future generations
Respect local culture
Dress modestly in temples, greet with the wai, and avoid sensitive topics like the monarchy.
Say no to animal exploitation
Refuse elephant rides or photos with tigers. Choose ethical sanctuaries instead.
Reduce your waste
Bring your water bottle, reusable bag, and refuse plastic straws.
Eat and buy local
Favor markets, artisans, neighborhood restaurants, and local accommodations.
Respect nature
Don't pick anything up (shells, corals), stay on paths, and use biodegradable sunscreen.
Choose responsible accommodations
Look for hotels or guesthouses that practice local economy, recycling, and water reduction.
Travel slowly
Fewer moves, more immersion. Prefer trains and buses to domestic flights.
Protect your digital footprint
Ask before taking photos, avoid posting inappropriate or disrespectful images.
Get involved locally
Participate in a workshop, ethical trek, or well-supervised volunteer action.
Be an example for others
Your behavior encourages other travelers to adopt the same responsible reflexes.
The impact of responsible travel
Every gesture counts to preserve Thailand's cultural and environmental richness
Environment
Preservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems
Communities
Support for local economy and traditions
Experience
More authentic and enriching travel
Ready for responsible travel?
Start planning your ethical trip to Thailand now. Every responsible trip contributes to more sustainable tourism.
Thailand travel checklist
Don't forget anything for your trip to Thailand! Our complete checklist guides you step by step for perfect preparation.
Essential documents
Passport, visa/ETA, tickets, reservations
Health & insurance
Vaccines, medical kit, travel insurance
Money & payments
Bank card, cash, provisional budget
Tech & apps
Phone, adapter, useful apps
Security
Ariane, emergencies, local prohibitions
Equipment
Clothes, sunscreen, accessories
Ready to prepare your trip?
Access our complete interactive checklist and don't miss any detail for your trip to Thailand.
Free checklist • 28 essential points • Interactive format
Recommended travel bloggers
Discover Thailand through the benevolent eyes of these travel bloggers who share their authentic and respectful experiences.
Olivia
Le Ptit Reporter
Passionate about travel, Olivia shares her Thai discoveries with authenticity and benevolence. Her inspiring stories take us to the heart of local culture.
Discover the blogAlex
Vizeo
Experienced explorer, Alex guides us through Thailand with an expert and respectful eye. His practical advice is precious for any traveler.
Discover the blogSolen & James
Trip and Twins
This couple travels in Thailand with their twins, proving that family adventure is possible. Their touching experiences inspire traveling families.
Discover the blogWhy do we recommend them?
Respectful approach
They travel with benevolence and respect for local culture
Authentic content
Their stories and advice are based on real experiences
Engaged community
They encourage responsible and sustainable tourism
What travelers say
Testimonials from readers who followed their advice
Marie C.
Olivia's reader
"Olivia's advice allowed me to discover hidden temples and extraordinary local markets. An authentic experience!"
Jean L.
Alex's follower
"Alex's guides are a gold mine. His practical advice saved me time and money during my trip."
Anne S.
Traveling family
"Trip and Twins gave us the courage to travel as a family. Their tips with children are precious!"
These recommendations are based on our appreciation of their respectful approach to travel in Thailand. We are not affiliated with these bloggers.
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Thailand ETA
Be notified of the ETA launch and receive our free guide.
Thailand ETA
Receive our free guide and be notified of the launch.