Thailand Rolls Out Digital Arrival Card System for International Travellers

Starting May 1, 2025, Thailand will introduce a mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for all foreign visitors, marking a significant shift from paper-based immigration procedures to a streamlined digital system. The move, aimed at enhancing the tourist experience and expediting border processes, reflects the country’s broader commitment to technological advancement in its tourism infrastructure.

The TDAC will be required for all foreign nationals entering Thailand via air, land, or sea. The only exemptions apply to travelers transiting without crossing immigration and those using border passes in specific zones. Thai citizens are not subject to this requirement.

According to Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, visitors can submit the TDAC online via the official portal starting three days prior to arrival. Each traveller must individually provide their passport details, travel itinerary, accommodation address, and contact information.

Faster Processing and Greener Travel Experience

Tourism authorities expect the digital form to cut immigration processing times by up to 60%, significantly reducing queue times at airports and checkpoints. By accessing traveller data in advance, immigration officers will be able to conduct faster verifications, allowing smoother entry for the millions of tourists Thailand welcomes each year.

The digital upgrade also aligns with Thailand’s environmental goals, eliminating the need for millions of paper arrival cards previously distributed annually. This paperless system supports the country’s sustainability initiatives while improving operational efficiency at its borders.

Authorities emphasise that the change is not just about convenience but also about maintaining Thailand’s competitiveness as a leading Southeast Asian destination. With other countries in the region modernising their travel systems, Thailand’s adoption of the TDAC underscores its proactive approach in delivering a seamless and welcoming experience to global visitors.

For travellers, the TDAC marks a new era of faster entry, better preparation, and eco-friendly processing—all while enjoying the rich culture and scenic beauty that the “Land of Smiles” continues to offer.