Answereda year ago

Do I need an ETA or a digital entry permit to enter Thailand with a retirement visa?

Thailand retirement visa TDAC Thailand Digital Arrival Card re-entry permit visa and immigration British passport

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Steve **********

asked Aug 28, 2025

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I have a retirement visa and re entry stamp in my passport but I’m seeing conflicting information about if I need to complete an ETA electronic travel authorisation or a digital entry permit. I’m not even sure if these are the same thing. Can someone who has traveled back to the kingdom please advise me. I’m traveling on a British passport.

Answer summary

A user traveling on a British passport with a retirement visa and a re-entry stamp sought clarity about needing an ETA or a digital entry permit for re-entry into Thailand. Community members clarified that there is no ETA; instead, travelers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before each arrival, regardless of their visa status. It was emphasized that the retirement stamp is an extension of stay, not a visa, and that the TDAC must be filled out within three days prior to arriving in Thailand.

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Tod *********

I think you're not understanding, and to be honest it doesn't matter in the least, look at your current stamp and you'll see the wording I mentioned on it (extension of stay permitted until) that is NOT a visa, it's exactly what it says, an extension, and you have it for a year.

You also have a valid re-entry permit (also good for as long as the extension was granted) so you can exit/re-enter the country with out losing the current extension you're on.

You STILL file a TDAC when you come into the country just like I said

I messaged you about this post, and had also messaged you several years ago and you never read those messages either 🙁

Best of luck with it,

FILE a TDAC before you come back

your 90 day report will be due 89 days from the date you stamp back into the country

a year ago

Anna *********

That’s a confusing question but if you mean the TDAC )arrival card) yes you have to complete it every time you arrive in Thailand

a year ago

Alan ********

All nationalities need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within 3 days prior to arrival, regardless of type of visa or having no visa

a year ago

Tod *********

There is no ETA, that was never implemented by the Thai government. What they did instead was implement something called the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)

I would wager you're not on any Visa at all :O , and instead if you look at your stamp it would probably say "extension of stay permitted until" and have a date. That's not a Visa that's exactly what it says it's an extension, and you have a valid reentry permit.

Be that as it may, you are indeed required to file a TDAC before you come into the country.

You can do it from 3 days before you travel right down until you're standing in the arrival hall (they have kiosks there).

This is the website:

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a year ago

Steve **********

@Tod ********

I have a retirement visa and a single re entry permit as far as I’m aware you can’t get a re entry without a valid long term visa. So the question still stands do I require a TDAC ?

a year ago

Colin *********

@Steve *********

how long since you were granted your ORIGINAL 'retirement visa'? Less than three months, then yes, you're still in the visa. If though, it's been longer than three months since you were granted your original visa, then, as Tod said, you are on an "Extension of Stay". Once you get your first 12 month Extension of Stay, the original visa is no longer valid. Correct terminology is important.

As has been mentioned, all foreigners are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before going through Thailand Immigration. That can be a maximum of 72 hours before you arrive in Thailand, down to the time you arrive at the airport or land border crossing.

a year ago

Steve **********

@Colin ********

I am very grateful for all the help that’s been provided however I’m now confused as I’m on my first retirement visa that is currently less than 90 days old. How is this an extension?

I’m not sure it even concerns the question I originally asked. I’m now aware I need the DTAC and have completed the information required. So with the visa stamp and re entry all within date in my passport I don’t foresee any issues.

Thanks again for the help.

a year ago

Colin *********

@Steve *********

ok, as your 90 day report was due next week, you are actually on an "Extension of Stay" as Tod Daniels suggested. Once you were granted that twelve months Extension of Stay, it cancelled out the original visa. As I mentioned in my previous comment, terminology is important so that others know exactly what you mean when you are here asking for help. It also avoids people new to these things from getting confused.

Yes, as you said, since you left Thailand, with a re-entry permit, your 90 day report will be due 90 days from when you arrive back in the country. Count the date you arrive back as day 1 in your 90 days, whether you arrive back in Thailand on the first flight arriving in the morning, or last arriving flight of the day. The 90 day report is only required if you're going to spend at least that many days consecutively in the country. It seems that most Provinces require the first 90 day report after returning from another country, to be done in person at the local provincial Immigration Office, then subsequent reports can be done online if it's more convenient. When you're back in Thailand, it is best to go to the Immigration Office in the Province where you live and ask them for their specific requirements, as each office varies a little.

@Tod ********

will, I'm sure correct or add to what I've said and you can guarantee he knows his stuff.

a year ago

Steve **********

@Colin ********

I’m as yet not required to do my first 90 report it was due next week the first week of my return to Thailand. As I’ve left the country I don’t think it will be required until 90 days after I re entered the kingdom. Or that is how I understand it. Please correct me if this is not the case

a year ago