Four other Caribbean nations will no longer enjoy visa-free access

Durrant Pate/ Contributor

Starting December 1, 2024, travelers from Jamaica will no longer enjoy visa-free access to Thailand. 

Four other Caribbean nations—Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago—will not enter Thailand without a visa. Instead, they must secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting. 

This change is part of Thailand’s efforts to strengthen immigration controls and enhance border security for international visitors. Previously able to enter Thailand without a visa, travelers from these Caribbean nations must now comply with the new ETA process.

Thailand has been an attractive destination for travelers from the Caribbean. Cities like Havana, Santo Domingo, and Kingston have seen increasing numbers of tourists heading to Thailand’s beaches and cultural hotspots. 

The new ETA requirement ensures that these travelers continue to enjoy Thailand while strengthening border security measures.

How the ETA Works

Thailand will require all travelers to obtain an ETA for entry via air, sea, or land. The system will launch as a pilot program on December 1, 2024, and become fully operational by June 2025. 

Travelers from the Caribbean can apply for their ETA online through Thailand’s official e-Visa portal. The process is fully digital and will be free.

The ETA will allow a single entry into Thailand and is valid for 60 days. For those wishing to extend their stay, a one-time extension of 30 additional days is available, making it easier for travelers to enjoy longer visits without the need for multiple re-entries.

By requiring an ETA, Thailand aims to ensure that visitors from the Caribbean can experience a smooth, secure entry process while adhering to modernized border control measures. Thailand’s decision to require an ETA from travelers from the Caribbean marks a shift in immigration policy. 

ETA offers both enhanced security and streamlined entry. This move reflects Thailand’s commitment to modernizing its border management while maintaining a welcoming environment for global visitors.