Starting 1 May 2025, all non-Thai nationals travelling to Thailand, by air, land or sea, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before they arrive. This new system is designed to replace the old paper-based arrival card and make the entry process quicker, safer, and easier.
Why is Thailand introducing the TDAC?
Thailand welcomes between 30 and 40 million tourists every year. To better manage this growing number of visitors, the government is moving towards a paper-free process that helps speed up immigration, improve public health tracking, and strengthen border security. The TDAC is part of this effort.
It also allows officials to screen travellers more efficiently and avoid long queues at immigration counters.
Who needs to complete the TDAC?
All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. It applies to travellers coming by plane, land border, or sea. Thai citizens are exempt.
When and how to submit the TDAC
Travellers must submit the form within three days before arrival in Thailand. The process is done online through the official Immigration Bureau website and here is what you need to know about the process:
- Submissions are free of charge
- A QR code is sent by email once the form is submitted
- The QR code must be shown upon arrival in Thailand
You can submit the form individually or as part of a group (up to 10 people per submission). You can also update your information before you arrive, but some personal details cannot be changed once submitted (such as name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth).
What information do you need to provide?
To complete the TDAC, travellers must fill in the form in English only. You can choose to enter the information manually or scan the MRZ (machine-readable zone) of your passport to auto-fill details.
The required information includes:
- Passport details (upload or manual entry)
- Personal information (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Travel itinerary and flight number
- Accommodation details in Thailand
- Health declaration (especially if travelling from a flagged country)
If you’ve been in a high-risk country within the last 14 days, or your flight is on a watchlist, the system will prompt you to provide extra health details as required by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.
What happens after submission?
Once you’ve submitted your TDAC:
- A confirmation email with a QR code will be sent to you
- Keep a digital or printed copy of the QR code with you
- You’ll need to show this at immigration when you arrive
If your travel plans change, you can return to the system and update your TDAC, as long as your core personal data stays the same.
Important notes
- The TDAC is not a visa – if you need a visa, apply separately
- The form is available in English only
- You cannot update the following once submitted: Full name, Passport Number, Nationality, Date of Birth
- Group submissions allow up to 10 people
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is now a must for all foreign travellers starting 1 May 2025. It’s free, easy to complete, and helps speed up your arrival at Thai borders. Make sure to submit your TDAC within 3 days of your arrival, and keep your QR code ready. For full details or to submit your card, visit https://tdac.immigration.go.th.
Header Image Credit: BiG-FOTOSKIT from pixabay
