What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory online form that every non-Thai national must complete before entering Thailand, whether you arrive by air, land, or sea.
You fill it out online, receive a QR code by email, and show that QR code at immigration when you arrive.
Important: The TDAC is completely free on the official government website. If any third-party site asks you to pay a fee, you’re not on the right site. The only official portal is tdac.immigration.go.th.
Who Needs a TDAC and When to Submit It
Every foreign national entering Thailand needs a TDAC, including children and infants. There are no exemptions based on nationality, age, or visa type.
- For families travelling with young children, parents or guardians can include children under 12 in a group submission.
- Children aged 12 and above need their own separate TDAC submission.
- You can submit a group application for up to 10 travellers at once, which is handy for families or tour groups
- Travel agents and tour leaders can also submit TDACs on behalf of their clients
You must submit your TDAC within 72 hours (3 days) before your arrival date, not earlier
After submission, you’ll receive an email with a digital card containing a QR code. Save this to your phone or print it; you’ll need it at immigration.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete the TDAC
The TDAC website supports MRZ scanning; that’s the two-line code at the bottom of your passport photo page.
You can scan it or upload a photo of it to auto-fill your personal details, then double-check everything before submitting.
One important formatting note: the system uses DD/MM/YYYY date format. So 5 March 2026 should be entered as 05/03/2026, not 03/05/2026.
The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes if you have your documents ready.
Here’s how it works:
- Go to the official TDAC website at tdac.immigration.go.th and click “Arrival Card”
- Enter your passport information — either type it manually or scan your passport’s MRZ code to auto-fill
- Fill in your travel details — flight number, arrival date, and how you’re entering Thailand
- Add your accommodation — enter the name and address of where you’re staying first
- Complete the health declaration — answer the basic health screening questions
- Enter your email address — this is where your QR code will be sent
- Review and submit — double-check everything, accept the terms, and hit submit
Once submitted, download the TDAC document with the QR code from your email. Keep it easily accessible on your phone for when you reach immigration.
Fixing Mistakes on Your TDAC
Made an error on your TDAC? You can update most details after submission using the “Update Arrival Card” function on the official TDAC website.
The fields you can change include your flight information, accommodation address, arrival date, and other trip-related details. However, four fields cannot be edited after submission:
- Full name
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Date of birth
If you need to correct any of those four fields, submit a brand-new TDAC form with the correct information. The system will use your most recently submitted entry.
Try to make any updates at least 24–48 hours before your flight so the corrected information is available to immigration officers when you land.
What Happens at Thai Immigration
When you arrive in Thailand, you’ll show your passport and TDAC QR code at immigration. Officers will scan your QR code to pull up the information you submitted.
Several major Thai airports — including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang — now have Automated Border Control (ABC) gates that use facial recognition linked to your TDAC and passport data.
The process at these e-gates takes roughly 15–30 seconds: scan your passport, look at the camera, and scan your QR code if prompted.
If you forget to submit your TDAC before arriving, you won’t be turned away, but expect delays. You’ll need to fill out the form at a kiosk or on a device at the airport before immigration can process you.
Other Entry Requirements to Keep in Mind
The TDAC is just one piece of your Thailand entry checklist. Here are the other key requirements to be aware of when planning your trip to Thailand:
- Passport validity — your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Proof of funds — immigration officers may ask you to show 20,000 THB per person (approximately $550–600 USD) or 40,000 THB per family. Cash is the most reliable form of proof, and you can carry a mix of Thai baht, US dollars, euros, or other currencies
For the latest on Thailand’s entry rules, check the Tourism Authority of Thailand or your country’s travel advisory before you fly.
Ready to book? Search for flights to Bangkok on Wego or find hotels in Bangkok, hotels in Phuket, and hotels in Chiang Mai to start planning your trip.
Sources
- Thailand Immigration Bureau — Official TDAC Portal
- Thailand Immigration Bureau — TDAC FAQ and Updates
- Tourism Authority of Thailand — TDAC Guideline
- U.S. Embassy Thailand — TDAC Launch Notice
- Philippine Embassy Bangkok — TDAC Advisory for Filipino Travellers
- Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa Exemption and VOA Countries
- Thailand Visa Exemption 2026 — 93 Countries and TDAC Guide
- VisasNews — Thailand Moves Toward Reducing Visa-Free Stay From 60 to 30 Days
- U.S. Department of State — Thailand International Travel Information
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.


