BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC—Citizens of several Caribbean countries are among those from 92 other visa-exempt countries who must obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) permit before entering Thailand.
The authorities in the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia said that the new measure will begin rolling out on December 1 and be fully implemented by June 2025.
They said the measure had become necessary due to increased tourism and to curb illegal immigration.
Jamaica, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala are among the Caribbean countries affected by the measure.
The proposed ETA will be free of charge for a stay of up to 60 days for tourism purposes. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the system will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of screening and tracking foreigners entering Thailand.
“Travelers applying for visas are already tracked in Thai Immigration systems, so this new tracking system is intended to expand visibility over those foreigners entering without a visa,” the authorities said, noting that Thailand’s ETA system is similar to those around the world, “such as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which are designed to enhance security, prevent illegal migration, and monitor public health risks.”
Holders of diplomatic and official passports, as well as UN Laissez-Passer and Border Pass users, will also be exempted from the ETA requirement.
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