Visiting Thailand? Here’s how to complete the compulsory digital arrival card

Thailand introduced a mandatory online entry requirement called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for all foreign nationals travelling to the country last year. The system replaces the earlier paper-based arrival card and requires travellers to complete an online form before entering Thailand.

The TDAC is part of Thailand’s immigration digitisation effort aimed at streamlining entry procedures, improving border security and supporting public health checks. All non-Thai nationals must submit the form before arrival, regardless of whether they enter by air, land or sea.

Online submission replaces paper arrival card

Under the new system, travellers are required to complete the digital form at least three days before their arrival date in Thailand. The submission is done through the official Immigration Bureau portal. The process applies to both individual travellers and group submissions, with groups allowed to include up to 10 people.


Officials have stated that the digital system is designed to reduce queues at immigration counters and improve data accuracy during entry checks.

Details required in the form

To complete the TDAC, travellers must provide passport details, personal information, travel itinerary, accommodation details in Thailand and health declaration information.

The system allows passport data to be auto-filled by scanning the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), although travellers are required to verify all details before submission. Authorities have also made it clear that certain details cannot be changed after submission, including full name, nationality and date of birth.

Health-related information may also be required depending on recent travel history, country of departure or nationality, in line with public health regulations.

Step-by-step process for travellers

Travellers begin by selecting either individual or group submission on the TDAC portal. They then enter passport and personal details, followed by travel and accommodation information. A health declaration must be completed before reviewing all entries.

Once all details are verified, travellers submit the form and receive the Thailand Digital Arrival Card via email. This document must be downloaded or printed and carried during travel and entry into Thailand.

Travellers can also update their information before departure by entering their TDAC number, date of birth and nationality on the portal. However, changes to core identity details are not permitted after submission.

Important rules to follow

The Immigration Bureau has stated that all information must be filled in English. The system also includes dropdown suggestions for faster entry, where users can type a few characters to select options.

Authorities have clarified that the TDAC is not a visa and does not replace visa requirements. Travellers must still ensure they meet Thailand’s visa or visa exemption rules before departure.

Digital system aimed at faster entry

The introduction of the TDAC marks a shift towards a fully digital immigration process in Thailand. Officials say the system is expected to reduce paperwork, speed up airport clearance and improve coordination between immigration and health authorities.

For travellers, completing the digital arrival card before departure is now a mandatory step in the travel checklist when visiting Thailand.