The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a free online form that foreign visitors must submit within 3 days before arriving in Thailand, counting the arrival day. It replaces the paper arrival card, applies by air, land and sea, and is needed for every entry. Only the official .go.th site is free.
Since 1 May 2025, foreign visitors have to fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before they enter. It takes a few minutes, but timing mistakes and look-alike websites cause trouble for many travellers.
Figures in this guide were checked at the time of writing and can change. Always confirm with the official source or in your free pre-check.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The TDAC is an online arrival form run by the Thai Immigration Bureau. It replaces the paper arrival card that used to be handed out on the plane. You fill in your passport, travel and accommodation details once per trip and keep the confirmation on your phone.
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| When | Within 3 days before arrival, counting the day you arrive |
| Who | Foreign visitors, including children, who each need their own card |
| How often | A new card for every entry into Thailand |
| Where it applies | Air, land and sea arrivals |
| Official site | tdac.immigration.go.th |
Who does not need a TDAC?
Guides list Thai nationals, airline crew, passengers who transfer without passing through immigration and holders of a local border pass as exceptions. The lists differ slightly between sources, so check the official FAQ if you think you are exempt.
Air, land and sea: what applies where
The card is needed at land crossings and sea ports as well as airports. Holders of a border pass are described as exempt, and so are passengers who transfer without passing immigration.
| Way of entry | TDAC needed? | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Yes | File within the 3-day window, counting arrival day |
| Land border | Yes | Visa-exempt entries by land are generally limited to two per calendar year; see the 30-day rules |
| Sea port | Yes | Same rules as other entries |
| Transit without passing immigration | No | Keep the transfer inside the secure area |
| Border pass holder | No (reported) | Check the official FAQ for your pass |
Is the TDAC free? Fake and paid TDAC sites
The official service is free. Thai authorities have warned travellers about look-alike websites that charge fees, with reports of amounts from about 10 US dollars up to far more, and some of them never submit anything. Any website that collects money for the TDAC is not an official government site. The official address ends in .go.th. If you already paid a fake site, you can still file the free card yourself.
TDAC and your stay in Thailand
The card is only the entry step. The permitted stay is the date stamped in your passport, which is what the rest of your visa life depends on. The online 90-day report form can also ask for your arrival card number, so keep the confirmation. See our 90-day report guide and the 30-day exemption rules.
What if your travel plans change?
File the card within the final three days, not weeks ahead, so a changed flight does not matter. If your date changes after you filed, one guide reports an option to update the card on the official site. If you cannot find it, submit a new card in the window. Use only the official .go.th address. The TM6 paper card was abolished on 1 May 2025, so it is no longer handed out.
Common mistakes
- Filing too early or too late. Count the 3 days from your arrival date.
- Typing details that do not match the passport exactly.
- Forgetting that each entry needs a new card, including a short trip out and back.
- Filing for a child on the parent card instead of a separate one.
- Paying a third-party site for a free form.
Where we come in
The TDAC is free and quick, so you do not need an agent for it. Where we help is the stay after you arrive: tourist visas, extensions, 90-day reports and long-stay visas. See tourist visa and visa extension.
We check your case first and handle the paperwork, so you avoid wasted trips and fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card free?
Yes. The official TDAC on the Thai Immigration Bureau website costs nothing, and any site that charges for it is not the official one.
When should I fill in the TDAC?
Within 3 days before you arrive in Thailand, counting the day of arrival.
Do children need their own TDAC?
Yes. Sources agree that each traveller, including children, needs a card of their own.
Do I need a new TDAC every time I enter?
Yes, every entry into Thailand needs a new card, even a short trip out and back.
Do I need the TDAC at a land border?
Yes. The card applies by air, land and sea. Border pass holders are described as exempt.
What if my arrival date changes?
File within the three-day window before you arrive. If your date changes, update the card on the official site if the option is offered, or file a new one.
Is the TDAC a visa?
No. It is an arrival form. Your permitted stay is the date stamped in your passport.
Where do I file the TDAC?
On the official Thai Immigration Bureau site, tdac.immigration.go.th. Any website that charges for the TDAC is not the official service.
Official sources
Last reviewed on . Thai immigration rules and fees change. We confirm the current requirements for your case in your free pre-check.