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From May 2025, a new administrative requirement will disrupt the habits of travelers wishing to enter Thailand. This essential formality promises to transform the process of entering Thai territory by integrating an essential digital approach. The details regarding this requirement are still unclear, but it is imperative for all visitors to prepare for this development in order to enjoy a peaceful stay.
From May 1, 2025, travelers wishing to enter Thailand will have to comply with a new requirement: complete a Digital Arrival Card. This transition to a digitalized process aims to improve the management of arrivals and streamline the transition to immigration. Although this promises to simplify administrative formalities, crucial details still need to be worked out. This article highlights this new formality and its potential impact on foreign visitors.
A shift from paper to digital
Traditionally, travelers had to complete a paper arrival card before passing border control. This document, often considered binding, required personal information as well as details regarding the stay in Thailand. With the introduction of the Digital Arrival Card, this process will now be done online, allowing passengers to submit their data before departure. This digitalization aims to reduce queues at immigration counters, thus making the experience more pleasant.
Examples of digitalization already exist in other Asian countries. THE Cambodia, for example, has established a similar system with its E-Arrival, also making it possible to speed up the passage of travelers while strengthening entry management.
Details still needed
Despite the announcement of this new formality, several points remain unclear. First, it is not yet clear how long before arrival travelers will have to submit their information. Furthermore, Thai authorities have not disclosed the specific data required on the form, nor whether additional documents, such as a copy of passport or a proof of accommodation, will be necessary.
The method of access to this dedicated platform is also uncertain. Details regarding the website or application that will host this process remain to be confirmed. THE airlines could also have a role to play in the process, but nothing has been made official on this yet.
A modernization challenge for Thai tourism
The implementation of this electronic arrival card is part of a broader framework of modernization of the tourism sector in Thailand. In 2024, the country recorded approximately 25 million visitors, a figure which, although impressive, is below the 39 million of 2019. Through this reform, Thailand aims to solidify its position among the top destinations in Asia.
This new requirement could also respond to the challenges of security and migration control. By collecting information on travelers in advance, the authorities will have better visibility on entry flows and will be able to anticipate risk profiles, thus improving the security of the country.
Implications for travelers and tourism professionals
Although this reform aims to simplify entry procedures, it could pose challenges for some travelers, particularly those uncomfortable with digital procedures. People with limited access to the Internet or facing language barriers may encounter complications when registering online.
For their part, the travel agencies and the airlines will have to adapt to these new requirements. They will have the responsibility to inform their customers in advance and, potentially, to help them complete this formality in order to avoid inconvenience upon arrival in Thailand.
While the wait continues regarding the specific terms of this new formality, it is certain that traveling to Thailand will take on a new dimension from May 2025. Tourists will need to ensure they respect this requirement to fully enjoy their stay in this country rich in culture and magnificent landscapes.
New requirement to enter Thailand from May 2025
- Essential formality : Electronic arrival card.
- Effective date : May 1, 2025.
- Pre-fill : Information to be provided online before departure.
- Reduction of queues : Facilitation of controls at the airport.
- Regional comparison : Similar models in place in other Asian countries.
- Objective : Modernization and improvement of the traveler experience.
- Blurred aspects : Details on the submission deadline and the required information to be specified.
- Access to the platform : Uncertainty about the submission method (website or application).
- Security issues : Better anticipation of migratory flows.
- Impact on travelers : Possible complications for those unfamiliar with digital technology.
- Adaptation of professionals : Need for information and support for customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new requirement for entering Thailand from May 2025? A electronic arrival card must be completed online before departure.
Q: Why was this new formality put in place? This measure is part of a process of digitalization of border controls and aims to facilitate immigration operations.
Q: What does the electronic arrival card replace? It replaces the old paper arrival card which had to be fulfilled at the airport.
Q: When will travelers need to submit their form? Details regarding the exact submission deadline have not yet been specified by the authorities.
Q: What information will need to be provided in the electronic arrival card? The authorities have not yet specified which precise information will be required.
Q: How do I access the platform for this new formality? There dedicated platform This arrival card has not yet been officially announced.
Q: Who will be responsible for supporting travelers in this process? THE travel agencies and airlines will undoubtedly be involved in informing and helping travelers.
Q: What challenges might this measure pose for some travelers? Travelers less familiar with digital approaches or without Internet access could face complications.
Q: What is the objective of this reform for Thailand? It aims to modernize tourism and to better manage the influx of travelers into the country.