Answereda year ago
Do I need to complete a TDAC before boarding my flight to Thailand?
THIM and TDAC notice
Need a clearer THIM and TDAC explanation? Read the THIM guide on thim.in.th.
I was just informed that I have to have a TDAC filed before I board my first flight out of US Just a heads up for everyone it is Alaska airlines
Answer summary
The post discusses the requirement of filing a TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) before boarding the first flight to Thailand, specifically with Alaska Airlines. Comments indicate mixed experiences, with some suggesting that filing it ahead of time is more convenient to avoid long lines at immigration. It is also noted that the TDAC can be completed anytime before arriving in Thailand, even upon arrival at the airport.
44 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
TG *********
Yeah the lines queing up at immigration to fill out last minute TDAC is huge. Best to do it right before you depart. Make sure you use the official Thai government website and not one of the pay scam sites.
Official Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) – No Fees Required
Official Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) – No Fees Required
**************************************
Dennis **********
Difers from airline to airline, 3 trips this year 1 airline asked to see it other 2 didn't
David *********
OPWhen I flew back in the spring it never came up until I got to immigration in Bangkok
Pete ********
@Dennis *********
Which airline?Dennis **********
@Pete *******
EVA asked to see it , Qantas and China Southern didn'tPete ********
@Dennis *********
Thanks, I'm flying EVAKim *********
@Dennis *********
stupid to ask for that since it can be filled out when he arrives.Dennis **********
@Kim ********
they might be afraid of it being rejected in Bangkok and then having to fly them home , who knows what there reasoning isKim *********
@Dennis *********
hmm - maybe
Tom ********
It's just the new version of the old paper arrival card, nothing to stress about, fill it in up to 72 hours before you fly.
Greg ******
Airlines should not be enforcing entry BS.
Nga ****
@Greg *****
if immigration denies you entry, the airline is responsible for flying you back. So why wouldn’t they enforce the so called BS entry policy?Greg ******
The airline should not be responsible for entry requirements.
Milan ********
The government makes them pay for your deportation, so they have a strong interest in ensuring you have the right paperwork before you board.
Greg ******
The government should not hold an airline responsible for the actions of an individual.
Michael *******
They are trying to be helpful to avoid snarl ups in arrival halls -just like the days when hosties handed them out before flight landed called customer service I think😉
Tommi *******
@Greg *****
Agree but they sure are.. Cebu Pacific denied me due to a minor discrepancy on my Visa to Vietnam.Jo **********
@Tommi ******
it really depends on the airline. In 20 years coming to Thailand many times per year never been asked by Singapore Airlines or KLM.Jo **********
@Greg *****
I completely agree with you. especially an entree card
Charmae *******
And ???
Roger ********
Alaska Airl8nes was your first flight and they demanded proof that the TDAC was completed?
Just very odd since Alaska Airlines doesn't have a flight to Bangkok and the rules are that it can be done anytime before immigration in Thailand so it can even be done at the airport, or at least BKK, on arrival.
Just very odd since Alaska Airlines doesn't have a flight to Bangkok and the rules are that it can be done anytime before immigration in Thailand so it can even be done at the airport, or at least BKK, on arrival.
John *********
@Roger *******
but he is David English 🤦🏻♀️😹
Christopher **********
If this was the original flight on a single ticket, Alaska might be the only time a person would check in. In this case, Alaska might be the one to ensure immigration will be possible. I have had United check things (eg COVID vaccine and insurance when it was required) even though the trip was United then ANA after Tokyo.
Jack ****************
@Roger *******
yeah, last time I came back it wasn't on my radar (avoid news mostly) and had to do it during my bkk transfer. 5 or 6 kiosks and only me. It's really for tourists- if you live in Thailand the forms are broken. Or were anyway.
Neil ********
Takes 5 minutes at home ( 72 hour window) and the queue at BKK hours to get access and you are tired.
John ***********
@Neil *******
Not something I would want to do on arrival.Jo **********
@John **********
no but last time I entered I forgot to do it. So I did it when we taxied to the gate at Bangkok airport!Jo **********
@John **********
I live in Thailand so have a Thai phone simJohn ***********
@Jo *********
The advantage of having an international or eSIM so you have data when you land.
Colin **********
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Trapper *******
You can do it after you land as well... A lot more convenient to do it 3 days prior though 😉
Todd *********
@Trapper ******
not if they don’t let you board the aircraftSean **********
@Trapper ******
especially inconvenient if one does not have access to Wi-Fi or cell data 😜
Jeff *************
@Sean *********
airport has free WiFi when you get there it can be done, but smarter to do it before you leave from the USTrapper *******
IndigoG********
Nothing new about that...
Kim *********
IndigoGrape5836 it certainly is new - and incorrect. Can be done when arrived.
Graham ******
@Kim ********
why wait?Kim *********
@Graham *****
no reason at all and that was not what I was saying or implying. I was commenting on a wrong answer that said "nothing new about that" to the information that the TDAC had to be done before travelling.Graham ******
@Sean *********
their plane their rulesSean **********
@Graham *****
no reason to wait. But for me, it should also not be a requirement to get on a plane.Sean **********
IndigoGrape5836 actually, Alaska Airlines asking would be classed as new in my book.
Graham ******
@Sean *********
My last two flights to Thailand I was asked at check in if I had completed the TDACSean **********
@Graham *****
2025 flights from the US, Japan, Philippines and Vietnam. Not one asked.I did of course have it done once it was a requirement because I don’t wait last minute unless I forget.
Activity
26 joined26
people
Related
25Do I need to provide a flight number for departure when filling out my digital arrival card for Thailand if I have a DTV visa?
4.6k31222mo
Can I use a fast track service to speed up immigration when entering Thailand?
1k1142mo
What are the options for British passport holders to extend their stay in Thailand beyond the initial 60-day visa-free period?
7.7k69822mo
Do I need to book my departure in advance when filling out the Digital Arrival Card for Thailand with a DTV?
683113mo
Should I be concerned about not receiving my TDAC confirmation email before boarding my flight to Thailand?
10.4k911016mo
What is the process and timeline for obtaining a Digital Arrival Card for Thailand?
9.6k831006mo
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand for 12 days as a first-time visitor?
11.9k352767mo
How can I retrieve my TDAC arrival card number after accidentally deleting the email?
21k1213698mo
What is the current status of the ETA pre-approval for EU/Sweden citizens traveling to Thailand?
570221y
Do I need a second DTAC when traveling to Malaysia and returning to Thailand?
2k14151y
Can I do a quick border run to Cambodia with a DTV visa or is that too short?
1.8k14151y
Can I complete the digital arrival card for Thailand more than 3 days before my flight?
3.6k14191y
How easy is it to complete the TDAC online for Thailand?
7.3k421131y
Do you need to use the TDAC before departing for Thailand?
4k13491y
What changes have occurred with the visa process for Irish passport holders in Thailand?
1.7k5262y
Do I need to fill out the TDAC if I'm already in Thailand before May 1st?
1.9k3122y
Can I fill out the TDAC early?
7.8k49372y
Do I need to cancel my 90-day marriage visa before leaving Thailand?
2.4k13322y
Is it possible for a UK family to stay in Thailand for 3 months without a visa?
3.4k25352y
What should I do if my Non-O visa is unsigned before my flight to Thailand?
6.3k311192y
Will returning to Thailand after a two-month absence cause entry issues for expats?
656255y
Can we bring pounds sterling to Thailand instead of baht for the required entry amount?
890547y
Can I use hotel bookings as proof of accommodation when entering Thailand on an exempt visa, and do I need an onward flight ticket?
2.9k23247y
What should my friend put as her length of stay on the METV application for Thailand, considering the exit requirements?
1.9k15127y
Do I need to show an onward flight for a Multiple Entry 6-month visa to Thailand if I plan to extend it?
6.6k64419y
Resources
Need help with your Thailand arrival paperwork?
Talk to a trusted agent before you continue