Traveling to Thailand has just become much more convenient with the launch of a new tourist web portal called “Entry Thailand.” This online platform, created by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, brings together various services and information that make planning and managing your trip a breeze. Whether you’re looking for flight information, fulfilling visa and entry requirements, booking accommodations, or staying up-to-date with local events, this portal connects you to everything in one place.
What services and information can be found on the New Tourist Web Portal?
The Entry Thailand portal serves as a one-stop destination for tourists aiming to simplify their travel experience. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, the portal provides valuable tools and information to guide you through everything from visa applications to real-time travel updates.
Here’s a quick overview of the three key services available:
1. Tourism Service System
- Visa Applications: Apply for Thai e-VISAs as well as long-stay, investor, executive, diplomatic, and official visas.
- Tourist Assistance: The “Tourist Police I Lert U” app provides 24/7 support for those in need.
- National Park Reservations: Easily book houses, camps, or tents through the National Park Reservation system.
- Travel Tools: Book train tickets through the SRT D-Ticket app, track real-time train locations, and check live flight statuses at major airports.
2. Travel Information
- Bus Routes: Details on bus origins, destinations, types, and rates, particularly in Bangkok.
- Commuter Train System: Information on Bangkok’s trains for easy travel between the city and nearby areas.
- Flight Information: Real-time flight statuses for both arrivals and departures.
- Regional Breakdown: Explore top destinations, ranked attractions, and recommended experiences across the country’s four main regions — Northern, Central, Northeastern, and Southern.
3. Government Directory
- The portal also provides access to official government services, making it easier for tourists to navigate processes and find necessary resources during their visit.
How will the new Tourist Web Portal help tourists travel more easily?
The Entry Thailand portal provides a variety of services to simplify travel for tourists. You can book activities like Muay Thai classes, check train schedules, and access travel resources, all in one convenient location. Inspired by tools developed during the pandemic to ensure safe entry into Thailand, this platform aims to strengthen the country’s standing as a leading travel destination.
This portal will also serve as a central location where travelers can meet two new travel requirements that will be mandatory in 2025. Certain travelers will need to register electronically before entering Thailand, and all tourists will be required to pay a tourism tax. Both of these systems will be integrated into Entry Thailand so that travelers can complete both tasks on the same convenient platform.
How can tourists apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
Thailand’s new ETA system will require visitors to register online before entering Thailand. This will digitize much of the registering tasks currently carried out by border officials to make tracking visitors easier while reducing congestion at Thai immigration checkpoints.
This system will be for visa-free visitors to Thailand only, launching in December 2024 and becoming mandatory in June 2025. Travelers will be able to apply for their ETA directly through the Entry Thailand portal, making the process simpler and more efficient.
When will Thailand’s new tourism fee start, and how much will it cost?
Thailand’s government is planning to introduce a tourism fee for foreign visitors. Travelers arriving by plane will need to pay 300 baht, while those entering by sea or land will be charged 150 baht. This fee is aimed at supporting the development of tourist attractions and improving safety measures. Though it hasn’t been implemented yet, it’s expected to be introduced in Q4 2024 at the earliest, or more likely in the first half of 2025.
The Entry Thailand portal will eventually enable travelers to easily pay the fee online as part of their pre-travel preparations and receive a more convenient digital receipt. This update is expected to simplify and accelerate entry procedures and further reduce congestion at airports and other checkpoints.
Who should you contact with visa-related matters in Thailand?
If you’re planning to use the new Entry Thailand portal to simplify your trip, you’ll need to have your visa in order. Siam Legal is ready to assist with all your visa needs. Whether you’re applying for a tourist visa, extending your stay, or managing Thailand’s visa regulations, we offer expert guidance to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
With a team of experienced lawyers familiar with Thai visa laws, we provide full support for everything from visa applications to getting you fully prepared for your trip. Contact Siam Legal and we’ll handle the red tape so you can enjoy the Land of Smiles free from immigration worries.