Sunday, January 26, 2025 As global travel evolves, many nations are moving away from visa-free travel and adopting Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) systems to enhance security, manage growing tourism, and modernize entry processes. Thailand and the United Kingdom are the latest to make this change, joining countries like Australia , Brazil , Indonesia , Egypt , Germany , India , and Saudi Arabia . These countries are replacing traditional visa-free policies with streamlined, digital pre-approval systems that allow governments to pre-screen visitors, manage border traffic, and even generate revenue through application fees.
This shift reflects a broader global trend of balancing convenience with stricter control measures, ensuring safer and more efficient travel experiences. Here’s why Thailand and the UK are following this path and how it fits into the bigger picture. Thailand, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has always been a favorite destination for tourists worldwide.
Until now, travelers from several countries could enter Thailand visa-free, but the country is now adopting an ETA system. This change aims to modernize travel processes and improve security measures without making things cumbersome for visitors. Thailand’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) , effective November 6, 2024 , will apply to nationals of 93 countries who were previously visa-exempt for 15-, 30-, and 60-day stays, as well as those using visa-on-arrival services.
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