Thailand has postponed the introduction of its new ‘electronic travel authorization’ (ETA) for visitors from nearly 100 countries, including Australia. While the ETA will be free, it will be accompanied by the Thai Travel Tax, set at 300 baht, pending Cabinet approval in January 2025. This tax must be paid online prior to arrival in Thailand.
Tourism Minister Sorawong Thientong stated that the tourism fee will benefit the industry by funding infrastructure development and enhancing tourist safety. The ETA was originally scheduled for a pilot phase in December 2024, with a full rollout by June 2025, but these dates have now been postponed indefinitely.
The ETA will be mandatory for visitors from “visa waiver” countries, allowing entry into Thailand without a visa. Similar to the U.S. ESTA system, ETA applications will be submitted online through Thailand’s official e-Visa website. Unlike ETAs from some other countries, a new application will be needed for each visit.
Since July 2024, visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, longer than the previous 30-day limit, with an option to extend for another 30 days upon arrival. Additionally, Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for remote workers and digital nomads, valid for up to five years. This visa is priced at 10,000 baht (around AUD $430) and requires proof of at least 500,000 baht (AUD $21,530) in funds for the duration of the stay. The DTV extends to the holder’s spouse and dependent children, allowing multiple entries with cumulative stays not exceeding 180 days, extendable for another 180 days.
Photo credit: Alexi Van Damme CEO and Founder AX Media Thailand
