Thailand ETA 2025: What travelers need to know before they apply

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If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in late 2025, there’s an important update you should know about. The country will introduce the Thailand ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), a new entry requirement for specific travelers.

For those used to visa-free entry to Thailand, this will change how you plan your trip. Whether you're visiting for a vacation, business, or a layover, this guide will cover everything you need to know so you can plan ahead and avoid any last-minute issues.

Find out if you’ll need a visa or ETA

What is the Thailand ETA and who needs it?

Since July 15, 2024, visitors from visa-exempt countries could stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa and extend their stay by another 30 days while in the country. The ETA system is now being introduced to replace visa-free entry for these specific travelers, creating a more structured approval process before arrival.

The Thailand ETA is a digital single-entry permit similar to the UK ETA and the Israel ETA. Instead of arriving and getting stamped in, eligible travelers will apply online before their trip and get approval electronically.

Who needs the Thailand ETA?

Starting June 2025, travelers from 93 visa-exempt countries must apply for an ETA before entering Thailand, whether arriving by air, sea, or land.

Here’s the full list of nationalities that will require an ETA:


Africa	Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa
Americas	Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Uruguay
East/Central Asia	Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
Europe	Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Middle East	Bahrain, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
Oceania	Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga

Most of these travelers will need to apply online before arrival, but there are a few exceptions. Nationals from Argentina, Chile, and Myanmar must obtain their ETA upon arrival at Thai international airports.

Who doesn’t need the Thailand ETA?

Some travelers are exempt from this requirement, including:

Diplomatic or official passport holders
UN Laissez-Passer holders
Border Pass users
Foreign nationals with valid long-term Thai visas (such as the Thailand Elite Visa or Destination Thailand Visa (DTV))

Why was the Thailand ETA introduced?

The Thailand ETA is designed to improve the arrival experience for travelers as well as Thai immigration officers. Currently, travelers from visa-exempt countries simply show up at the border and are registered on the spot. This often leads to long lines at immigration checkpoints, especially at busy international airports.

Once the ETA system is in place, visitors will already be pre-registered, meaning:

✅Faster entry: Since immigration officials won’t need to manually process every visa-free traveler, lines at arrival checkpoints will be shorter and move quicker.

✅More efficient border control: The system allows Thai authorities to screen travelers before arrival, preventing potential security risks before they arrive.

✅Less time spent at immigration: Instead of filling out paperwork at the airport, travelers will complete the process before departure, making entry more efficient.

How to apply for the Thailand ETA online

Applying for the Thailand ETA will involve filling out an application, submitting the required documents, and paying the necessary fees. Once submitted, the application will be reviewed, and travelers will receive their ETA approval by email.

There are two ways to apply: through the official Thai government portal or with iVisa. While the government website may seem like the obvious choice, it can come with some frustrating roadblocks. One traveler who applied for a Thailand Tourist eVisa shared this experience:

”Uploading documents on the e-visa website was a nightmare. The system kept rejecting my files without any explanation”.

And that’s just one issue. If something goes wrong—like a payment failure or a missing document—it would help to have real-time customer support to fix the problem. But the government portal doesn’t offer live assistance, so travelers who run into trouble may face delays or even rejections without a way to get quick help.

This is where iVisa makes the process easier.

What documents are required for the Thailand ETA application?

Although the Thai government has yet to publish the full list of requirements, applicants will likely need:

A valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Flight itinerary: Proof of entry and exit flights.
Accommodation details: Hotel reservations or an address where you'll be staying.
Proof of sufficient funds: At least 10,000 THB (approximately US $296) per person or 20,000 THB (approximately US $592) per family.

These requirements may change once the Thailand ETA system is fully operational.

Thailand ETA FAQs

1. Is the Thailand ETA currently operational?

Not yet. The Thailand ETA system was supposed to launch in late 2024, but it’s now expected to roll out fully by June 2025. Until then, travelers from visa-exempt countries can still enter Thailand without needing an ETA.

2. Do I need an ETA to enter Thailand as a visa-exempt traveler?

If you're from one of the 93 visa-exempt countries, you’ll need to apply for an ETA before traveling to Thailand. However, diplomatic passport holders, border pass users, and UN officials are exempt.

3. How do I apply for the Thailand ETA?

Once the system is live, you’ll be able to apply online via the Thai eVisa portal. For a stress-free experience, we recommend the iVisa platform. The process will involve creating an account, filling out a form, and submitting your documents.

4. How long will it take to get the Thailand ETA approved?

The ETA is expected to be approved within hours after applying. When you apply through iVisa, we have a Super Rush option that will get you the ETA in the shortest time possible.

5. How long will the Thailand ETA be valid?

The ETA will allow a single entry into Thailand for up to 60 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a 30-day extension once you're in Thailand.

6. Will I have to pay for the Thailand ETA?

There’s no fee for the ETA (at least for now). This could change later, but as of the latest updates, Thailand isn’t charging for ETA applications. It’s important to keep in mind that there will be a processing fee for our visa service, which gives you access to a simplified form as well as an expert application review.

7. Can I work or study in Thailand with an ETA?

No, the ETA is only for tourism and short business visits. If you want to work, study, or stay long-term, you’ll need to apply for the right visa.

8. What happens if I try to travel without an ETA once it’s required?

If you don’t have an approved ETA, airlines may not let you board your flight to Thailand. Even if you make it to the airport in Thailand, you could be denied entry or face delays.

9. When will the Thailand ETA be mandatory?

Thailand plans to fully enforce the ETA system by June 2025, so by then, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply before arriving.