ETA Thailand (Electronic Travel Authorization) 2025: What Foreign Travelers Should Know About Entry Rules
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in 2025, you should know about ETA Thailand and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). For foreign travelers, including Indonesian citizens, these two new systems simplify entry. We explain them in clear steps here, explaining what they are, what they do, and how to apply for them.
What is ETA Thailand?
The Electronic Travel Authorization is known as ETA Thailand. Before entering Thailand, you must obtain online travel permission. In 2025, it will become mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries.
Thailand ETA is not a visa. The system screens travelers before they arrive. The ETA confirmation will be given to you upon arrival if you have been approved.
Why Is Thailand Implementing ETA?
To improve traveler screening, immigration tracking, and national security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) introduced the ETA Thailand system. As a result of this system, visa-exempt foreign visitors who were not previously pre-screened can now be monitored.
The number of foreign arrivals will increase as more countries join the visa-free entry program. Through the ETA, these travelers are verified before entering Thailand, reducing the risk of illegal entry, public health risks, and identity fraud.
TDAC stands for Thailand Digital Arrival Card
The TM6 arrival form has been replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). From May 1, 2025, all non-Thai citizens will have to fill out this card online before entering Thailand. Basic information is collected, such as:
- Information about a passport
- Itinerary for travel
- Details of the accommodation
- Declaration of health (if necessary)
Thailand’s new digital immigration system includes ETA Thailand and TDAC.
Who needs ETA in Thailand?
ETA Thailand applies to visa-exempt travelers from eligible countries. Indonesian citizens are included in this category. Passport holders with Indonesian passports must:
- Before you fly, apply for an ETA Thailand
- Within 72 hours of arrival, submit the TDAC
- Visas are required if you are from a country that requires them.
Regions and countries include:
List of all countries (grouped by region)
The African continent:
South Africa, Mauritius, and Morocco
In Asia-Pacific :
Among them are Indonesia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand.
Europe:
The UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, and more than 40 other countries
America:
The USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru
Middle East countries:
Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Qatar
Once the system is launched, the full list will be available.
How Will ETA Thailand Work? Overview
- The visa-exempt scheme requires an ETA for every entry to Thailand
- Through the Thailand e-visa portal, you can apply online
- Based on machine-learning background checks, ETA approval will be provided within one hour
- At launch, ETA will be free of charge
- A QR code will be generated by ETA for use at automated immigration gates
- Without an ETA, travelers may be denied boarding or delayed at immigration
TDAC vs ETA Thailand: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | ETA Thailand | TDAC (Digital Arrival Card) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Pre-arrival travel authorization | Digital replacement for TM6 form |
| Required For | Visa-exempt travelers | All non-Thai citizens |
| Apply Before Travel? | Yes | Yes |
| Documents Needed | Passport | Passport, travel, accommodation info |
| When to Apply | Before booking or at check-in | Within 72 hours before arrival |
| Issued By | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Thai Immigration Bureau |
How to Apply for an ETA in Thailand
Steps to follow:
- Visit the official website of ETA Thailand
- Choose your nationality
- Enter your personal and passport information
- Please upload the required documents (passport scans, travel information)
- Applicants must pay an application fee
- Please submit your application
- Please wait for an email confirmation
How to Fill Out the Thai Digital Arrival Card
- Visit the official website of TDAC
- You can choose your language
- Please provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number
- The flight number, arrival date, and accommodation details should be added
- Any health or vaccination information (if applicable)
- Download the digital receipt after submitting it
Requirements for ETA Thailand (Expected)
Prepare the following before applying for ETA Thailand and TDAC:
- The passport must be valid
- Planned travel (flights into and out of Thailand)
- An email address
- ETA payment method (credit/debit card) if required
- Address of the hotel or accommodation
Funds proof:
- For solo travelers, 10,000 THB
- Families receive 20,000 THB
- There may be a need for health documents in the future
ETA Thailand restrictions (expected)
- The ETA only applies to short-term visa-exempt travel
- The duration and number of entries have not yet been confirmed
- Digital nomads and long-term travelers must use other visas
- The ETA does not replace the normal visa process for visa-required nationalities
What’s new in ETA Thailand 2025?
- ETA Thailand has been operational in 2025
- All visa-exempt nationalities must complete this requirement
- The TDAC requirement will take effect on May 1, 2025
- For faster immigration processing, both systems work together
How to Register for ETA Thailand?
To register, visit the official ETA Thailand website, select your country, and follow the instructions. Verify the details on your passport match those on your travel documents. Delays will occur if the information is incorrect.
How to Know If ETA Thailand is Active?
Has ETA Thailand already been implemented?
No, It will be launched in June 2025, as expected. Make sure the status of the visa is confirmed with the official Thailand immigration sources before traveling.
Will ETA be linked to the 300 THB tourist fee?
There is a possibility that Thailand’s 300 baht tourism fee will be collected through ETA registration.
ETA Thailand Benefits
- Online approval in under an hour
- Faster entry with QR codes at e-gates
- There is no need to visit the embassy
- (At launch) free of charge
- Works with the new 60-day visa exemption
FAQs About ETA Thailand
Conclusion
You must understand ETA Thailand and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in order to enter Thailand smoothly in 2025. To avoid airport problems, Indonesian and other travelers need both. You must apply for ETA before your trip and submit the TDAC within 72 hours of your arrival. Make sure all information is accurate by using the official portals.
