From 1 May 2025, the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) Arrival Card will be available in digital form for all international travellers to Thailand. This change marks the end of the traditional paper form and brings many benefits for both travellers and the Thai authorities.
What is the TDAC Arrival Card?
The TDAC Arrival Card is a form that must be completed by international travellers entering Thailand. The required information includes passport details, personal and travel details, accommodation in Thailand and a health declaration. Long-term or permanent residents of Thailand are advised to select the ‘Thailand’ option under ‘Country of Residence’, which will be available once the system is activated.
This information helps the Thai authorities to organise entry efficiently and safely.
Previously: The TDAC Arrival Card on the aircraft
Until a few years ago, the TDAC Arrival Card was a paper form that passengers were given during their flight to Thailand. This card then had to be presented together with the passport when entering the country. Travellers had to fill out the form during the flight and hand it over to the immigration officer on arrival in Thailand. This process was often associated with long queues and additional bureaucracy.
Suspension of the TDAC Arrival Card
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions, the use of the traditional TDAC Arrival Card was temporarily suspended. Instead, health and safety precautions, such as digital traveller registration and Covid-19 testing requirements, were introduced. The TDAC Arrival Card was not required during this time.
From 1 May 2025: Introduction of the online version of the TDAC Arrival Card
How does the new Online-Arrival Card work?
- Pre-registration online: Travellers must enter their personal details, travel dates and health information on the Thai Immigration website. This process is simple and only takes a few minutes.
https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home - Receipt of the confirmation: After registration, travellers will receive a digital confirmation of their TDAC Arrival Card. This confirmation must then be shown on a mobile device or printed out when entering the country.
- No more paper forms required: The digital data completely replaces the conventional paper form. Travellers no longer have to fill out physical forms on the plane, but can complete the entire process from the comfort of their own home or via their mobile device.
- Simplified entry: Upon arrival in Thailand, the digital TDAC Arrival Card is integrated directly into the immigration system. Officials can cross-check the information submitted via a digital system, which speeds up the entire entry process and reduces paperwork.
Is the online registration for Thailand’s new Arrival Card free of charge?
The online registration for Thailand’s new Arrival Card is free of charge.
It is an official procedure by the Thai Immigration Bureau. Make sure to complete the registration only through the official website to avoid scams by third-party providers.
Advantages of the digital TDAC Arrival Card
Speed and convenience: travellers no longer have to wait for planes to fill out paper forms. Pre-registration saves time and greatly simplifies the process.
Greener: Reducing paper consumption helps to reduce the environmental footprint and support Thailand’s environmental goals.
Easy to use: The digital version of the TDAC Arrival Card can be easily filled out and saved on mobile devices or computers, allowing easy access to confirmation upon entry.
Improved efficiency: The digital capture of data reduces sources of error and shortens the processing time at entry, resulting in faster overall processing.
What happens if travellers do not complete the TDAC Arrival Card online?
If travellers do not complete the TDAC Arrival Card online in advance, they may encounter problems when entering Thailand. Although final details are not yet known, there are indications that the Thai authorities will place great emphasis on pre-registration. Travellers who do not fill out the digital TDAC Arrival Card in time might not be integrated into the entry procedure, which could lead to delays and additional bureaucratic processes. To avoid unpleasant surprises, all travellers should ensure that they complete the TDAC Arrival Card online correctly and on time before boarding their flight.
Summary
Overall, the digital TDAC Arrival Card will provide a convenient way to make entry into Thailand smooth and fast, provided that travellers take their responsibility to register on time.