Starting from January 1, 2025, Thailand will roll out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in India, the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has said.
However, authorities in India have said that the 60-day visa exemption for Indian passport holders for tourism and short business purposes will continue to be kept in place, VisaGuide.World reports.
The new changes aim to further facilitate the visa application process and will also include an offline payment option.
Through a statement, the Embassy stressed that the e-visa system would cater to non-Thai citizens applying for all visa categories.
In addition, the Embassy stressed that applicants are required to submit their visa applications exclusively through the official website.
Each application can be applied by the applicants themselves or by other representatives. However, it warned that it shall not bear responsibility if any application submitted by a representative is incomplete.
In addition, those interested can get further details on the application process on the same website.
Processing Time of e-Visas to Be Around 14 Working Days
The Embassy has stressed that in order to complete their visa requests, applicants are required to pay visa fees. Further details in this regard are yet to be provided by the Embassy and Consulate-Generals.
The Embassy also said that the visa fees are non-refundable under all circumstances. In addition, the processing time for e-visas is expected to take about 14 working days from the issuance of the visa receipt.
The Embassy also provided a timeline for transitioning from the existing visa application system to the new system that will take effect from January 1, 2025.
The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi said that those obtaining ordinary passports can submit their visa applications until December 16, 2024. At the same time, submissions will be accepted at the Embassy or respective Consulate-Generals until December 24, 2024, for those holding diplomatic and official passport applications.
Expansion of the E-Visa System
In October this year, authorities in Thailand unfolded plans related to the further expansion of its electronic visa issuance (e-Visa) service. This option is now available in 39 countries and 59 embassies and consulates worldwide.
At present, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened the e-Visa system at 59 Thai Embassies and Consulates-General abroad. Foreigners who are in the country or territory/territory/contact point where the embassy and consulate-general are located.
Through a statement, Thailand’s Department of Consular Affairs said that the new changes had been introduced in order to make it easier to apply for a visa, permitting applicants to submit their applications online without being required to head to an embassy or consulate in person.