Thailand to Launch ETA (e-Visa) System for Indian Travelers in 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, Thailand will introduce its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in India, as announced by the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday. This system aims to streamline visa applications for Indian travelers through an online platform, offering convenience and efficiency.

The Royal Thai Embassy also confirmed that the 60-day visa exemption for Indian passport holders; allowing travel for tourism and short business purposes; will continue to remain in effect until further notice.

Key Details About the ETA System

The upcoming e-Visa system will be available for all visa types via the official website thaievisa.go.th, with an offline payment method included. Applications will be processed within 14 working days from the date the visa fee receipt is issued.

The embassy announced the following deadlines for submitting visa applications before the ETA rollout:

• Ordinary passport applications at designated visa processing companies will be accepted until December 16, 2024.

• Diplomatic and official passport applications at the Embassy or Consulate-General will be accepted until December 24, 2024.

Also read: 10 Things to Buy in Thailand to Make your Honeymoon Memorable

Visa-Free Entry Extended for Indian Nationals

In a separate announcement, Thailand indefinitely extended its visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals in November. This allows Indians to stay in the country for up to 60 days without a visa, with an option to extend their stay by an additional 30 days at local immigration offices.

Thailand’s Popularity Among Indian Travelers

Thailand continues to be a top travel destination for Indian tourists, thanks to its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, mouthwatering cuisine, and affordable yet high-quality accommodations.

By October 2024, Thailand welcomed approximately 1.64 million Indian tourists, making India the third-largest source of international visitors after Malaysia and China. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates this number to surpass 2 million by year-end, contributing nearly 90 billion baht to the country’s economy.

The popularity of Thailand among Indians has surged in recent years. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the country attracted 9.4 million foreign tourists, generating 454.6 billion baht (£9.7 billion) in economic contributions.

Also read: Srilanka vs Thailand: Where to go for a budget trip

Why Thailand Remains a Favorite

India was Thailand’s second-largest source of tourists in 2022, with nearly 1 million Indian visitors out of a total 11 million foreign arrivals. The visa-free entry policy has been a crucial factor in driving this growth.

With the launch of the ETA system, Indian travelers can expect smoother entry procedures, ensuring Thailand remains a preferred getaway for both leisure and business travel.