Thailand e-visa on arrival launch to exclude UK and Ireland

The new system will be rolled out to citizens from 21 countries, including China and India, starting February 14.

The UK and Ireland though are not included in the initial run, but are expected to be added at a later date.

Thailand’s immigration authorities have partnered with VFS Global to deliver the eVOA service.

Eligible travellers will be able to gain authorisation to travel to the popular holiday destination before departure.

A number of European nations are among the 21 initial partners, including Andorra, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania, San Marino and Ukraine.

The aim of the eVOA is to cut wait times at arrival airports, especially busy hubs like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

It will ensure travellers won’t require physical documents, photos or cash to complete the immigration process at the airport on arrival.

The Thai government says online authorisation, pre-departure, will likely take 24 to 72 hours from time of submission. A 24-hour “express” service is also available.

A typical arrival visa currently costs around 2,000 Thai Baht per passenger (£50). The government is yet to reveal the cost for the eVOA.