CNA Explains: What is an ETA and why are more countries like Thailand implementing it?

Was Singapore also introduce its own ETA? &nbsp,

Mr Herison said that Singapore’s existing SG Arrival Card, which was implemented during the COVID-19 epidemic to display incoming travellers ‘ health position,” strongly resembles an ETA” in how it collects information for immigration certification. &nbsp,

But, it differs from an ETA as it is for every adventurer at air and sea gates, including Singapore people. &nbsp,

Mr. Wong claimed that an ETA is improbable to be implemented in Singapore.

Given that the free movement of goods and people is essential to our overall market, he said, “it’s a little more challenging for a nation like Singapore to have this requirement.” &nbsp,

Does implementing an ETA hurt a country’s hospitality business? &nbsp,

Assistant Professor in Human Geography Zhang Jiajie said that in common, a “borderless universe” philosophy is extremely obsolete. &nbsp,

According to Dr. Zhang, who is from the Nanyang Technological University’s National Institute of Education,” seamless travel is bound to get a seat to the focus being given to the securitization of the frontier in the name of national safety.” &nbsp,

States are becoming more selective about the types of guests they want to draw, according to Mr. Wong, aside from safety concerns.

For instance, young backpackers who may spend a lot of time in the country but do n’t spend much money might be turned off by an ETA fee, in contrast to wealthy tourists. &nbsp,

” There’s a general move towards higher-value tourism”, he said. &nbsp,

He added that larger nations have a local tourism industry and may not rely heavily on immigrants to increase commerce income. &nbsp,

Nevertheless, locations are then making a cost-benefit research on how they approach hospitality, and some are choosing the more careful approach. &nbsp,

” States that have decided to introduce the ETA may have determined that the advantages of erecting a more restrictive e-border outweigh the possibility costs,” said Dr. Zhang. &nbsp,

What does travelers be aware of? &nbsp,

Less unexpected trips are what this means for travelers, according to the industry experts. &nbsp,

” Although the approval process is generally fast, usually within 24 hours, visitors may ensure they have important documents, such as evidence of hospitality and a return ticket, ready”, said Mr Herison. &nbsp,

” This shift encourages earlier itinerary planning and may reduce last-minute flexibility” .&nbsp,

Before making a reservation, Mr. Wong argued that travelers can search travel websites like joinsherpa.com to find out what documents are needed based on their nationality and travel location. &nbsp,

He also urged people to stay away from a growing number of scam websites that defraud visitors of the ETA application fee. &nbsp,

The onus is on the individual to make sure they are visiting the official website, he said.” Scams like this invariably lead to scams and impersonation websites,” he said. &nbsp,