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Answered10 months ago

Do I need to complete the TDAC online within 3 days of arriving in Thailand on a visa on arrival from Australia?

THIM and TDAC notice
Need a clearer THIM and TDAC explanation? Read the THIM guide on thim.in.th.
Gary ***********
asked Dec 30, 2025
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Hi , coming from Australia on visa on arrival, do you now need to do online entry within 3 days of flying.

Not sure when leaving Thailand so haven’t booked flight yet, can someone recommend cheapest ticket to book now and can possibly cancel after arrival

Thanks
Answer summary
Australian citizens traveling to Thailand do not need a visa on arrival, as they enter under visa exemption. It is mandatory to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours prior to arrival. Booking return or onward flights is advisable, as airlines may inquire, though it is not a part of the TDAC requirements. For tickets, websites like Skyscanner and 12GO can provide options, and cheaper onward travel can be arranged to Laos if necessary.
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Ralph *******
Ralph *******
You’re probably getting visa exemption, not visa on arrival. TDAC to be submitted within 3 days before your arrival.
Barry ********
Barry ********
With all your knowledge (lack) you probably shouldn't be travelling
Ian **********
Ian **********
You will be arriving visa-exempt. Visa on arrival is not available to Australians
Jim *******
Jim *******
Hard to believe such low life as above, are even leaving their social money.
Antony *******
Antony *******
Or 12GO 3rd class train or bus to Laos for 12 USD.....
Luc ************
Luc ************
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Wales *******
Wales *******
Throw away ticket on goggle I had one when I went to England in October cheap onward ticket
Kevin *******
Kevin *******
Fill out TDAC prior to departure.

Get onward ticket Lao Airways to Vientiane.

$80.
Greg ***********
Greg ***********
@Kevin ******
😱 that's an expensive one-way ticket. Air Asia from Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur can be had for $42
Thaimer ******
Thaimer ******
There’s no visa on arrival for Australian citizens. It’s visa exemption.

You don’t need a ticket out of Thailand for TDAC ( arrival card) although airlines could ask you on checking in
Greg ***********
Greg ***********
The TDAC is not a visa. The electronic TDAC is just replacing the former TM6 arrival & departure paper card you used to fill out aboard your flight before you entered Thailand.

You can fill out and submit the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) starting three days/72 hours before your planned entry; it only takes five minutes on your home computer, it takes a little bit longer on the smartphone

Every non-Thai citizen is required to have completed the TDAC, regardless of whether they have a visa or an existing stay permit.

It's important not to fall for fraudulent websites that charge a fee for the TDAC—they're all scammers. The official TDAC is free of charge.

Open the official website and simply fill it out pro forma.

Create a note or a Word .doc document on your computer with the requested information, e.g., passport number, name and address in your home country, primary address in Thailand, and so on.

Then, starting up from three days/72 hours before your planned entry, you can copy and paste the information into the TDAC—it only takes two minutes!

NOTE: The "Visa Number" and "Departure" from Thailand are NOT required fields; you can leave them blank.

BUT: As soon as you click on one of these fields not marked with a red *asterisk or start typing, an error message will appear if you don't fill out anything else. Then you would have to cancel everything and start over.

The TDAC confirmation will reach your email inbox shortly after you have submitted the form. You should print out this email confirmation, as it contains a QR-code. Mainly expats who apply every year for their annual “extension of stay permit”, should print it out, because a printed and signed copy of the TDAC could be a part of the document submission on Immigration

If you don't have to present the printed TDAC at the immigration counter, it doesn't mean anything - the border official will see the TDAC you submitted on his/her computer screen as soon as they scan your passport, so they won't ask again

The TDAC is not a visa, it is only an information you give Thai authorities about your person, your arrival information and your place of stay.

Assuming you haven't completed a TDAC, they won't let you enter the country but will send you back to the terminals in front of the Immigration desks with a request to submit it.
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
Yes

Arrival card ( TDAC ) needs to be completed within 72 hours of arriving into Thailand

Skyscanner or webjet will give you the all the flights coming over

Pick the the most suitable & book direct with the airline itself ( most likely Jetstar or Scoot )

If you have t. Even I Thailand in the last 6-12 months , you probably won’t be asked to show a return ticket , however if you want to have something to show

Use Onward ticket

************************


Or get a bus ticket from

Udon Thani to Vientiane ( Laos )
Frangipani *******
Frangipani *******
@Ant **********
TDAC has to be completed up to 72 hours BEFORE arriving in Thailand, not after. It’s an ARRIVAL CARD 😂
Charmae *******
Charmae *******
Tdac card is filled in 3 days BEFORE travel not after arrival
Gary ***********
Gary ***********
OP
Thanks, have done bus ticket before to Laos or not had onward flight and been ok
Ant ***********
Ant ***********
@Gary **********
************************************************


Very good info here

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