New Thai eVisa service means faster entry for 21 countries

Thai Airways International expects to benefit from a new visa service that allows visitors from 21 countries, including China and India, to get a faster and more convenient entry to  Thailand. The collaboration between Thailand’s immigration Bureau and outsourcing specialist VFS Global will allow visitors using a new a new eVisa on arrival (eVOA) service to get a faster immigration service at dedicated major airports in Thailand from February 14. Those eligible to use the service will receive their travel authorization prior to departure. They go to the eVOA visa website, pay the fee using debit or credit card, wechat or Alipay and receive an eVOA code that can be printed or kept on mobile phones. They receive their pre-travel authorization within 24 to 72 hours or can pay extra use an express service for more urgent travel. READ: Thai receives its first 787-9 Dreamliner eVOA applicants benefit from dedicated Immigration counters at major airports such as  Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok, as well as at Phuket and Chiang Mai. No documents need to be filled out; travelers only need to present a passport. VFS Global says travellers who undertake the eVOA application process don’t need to carry physical copies of information such as hotel booking confirmations or air-tickets no local currency is needed at the immigration counter. The company has also worked with the Immigration Bureau to provide a fast track service at Suvarnabhumi. In addition to India and China, other countries covered by the scheme's launch include Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Kazakhstan,  Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. “With the eVOA service, we are proud to offer a new age digital solution which enhances the overall experience for the modern day traveller who seeks to visit Thailand from 21 countries across the globe. Immigration Bureau commissioner  Surachate Hakparn said in a statement. Thai Airways International president Sumeth Damrongchaitham, said customers would be able to request an eVOA any time when using the thaiairways.com or thaismileair.com websites or when making mobile transactions on Thai Airways and Thai Smile applications. He predicted Thai would be able to reach even more customers through the service.