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Is the online visa exemption form a waste of time if I'm arriving in Thailand before May 1st?

Thailand Visa Exemption Travel Agents Immigration TDAC Online Forms

Apr 23, 2025

a day ago

Sally *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm flying to Thailand today from UK, I was advised by travel agent to complete the online visa exemption form/landing info, the sent the link in their travel info which I did with some difficulty (country of origin is required in 3 different places on the form and the UK is not easy to find on the list as it's GB on one, United kingdom in another,  very confusing.. anyway all done on Sunday.. but now I'm seeing this isn't even a thing until May 1st, so was that just a waste of my time?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A traveler from the UK inquired if completing the online visa exemption form was a waste of time since they were arriving in Thailand before the system goes live on May 1st. Many community members affirmed their concerns, explaining that the form is only applicable for arrivals from that date onward and was not required for their current travel. Comments also suggested that the travel agent may have misled them, but emphasized the importance of staying informed and checking official sources.

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Stephen *********

Yes

6 hours ago

Ronny *****

Time for a new agent

9 hours ago

Henrik *****

Always check the Thai Embassy website for that kind of information, there you will get the right information.

9 hours ago

Steve **********

Travel Agent was just being cautious. At least they are informing customers about TDAC. Hasn't cost you anything but time.

10 hours ago

Peter **********

most confising thing is Country of Residence

If you live in thalland, thailand isnt included on the drop down menu

12 hours ago

Bent *************

Not until May 1st.

You should pick another travel agent, haha!

12 hours ago

Neil ********

Yes

14 hours ago

Mark ******

You need a new agent

14 hours ago

Jesper *******

The arrival card starts 1st of May u can only filled the form 72hrs-0hrs before arrival.....it takes 5mins to fill the form I don't understand what time wasting u talking about just take it as learning something new a lot of countries already start using arrival cards

15 hours ago

Jo **********

@Jesper ******

we don’t yet how long the form takes because it’s not been active yet.

15 hours ago

Jesper *******

@Jo *********

you will know if you have traveled to countries already using arrival cards..

14 hours ago

Jo **********

@Jesper ******

other countries are not Thailand. Singapore has a phone app and can be done in 2 minutes. We will see.

13 hours ago

Jesper *******

@Jo *********

oh singaore yes been there and I only use a link to do the arrival card it's insane to download a app just to do arrival card...downloading the app probably take longer time den filling up the form

13 hours ago

Jo **********

@Jesper ******

just did the new for the U.K. that was tough but it’s once for two years and need to pay

12 hours ago

Jo **********

@Jesper ******

i need to enter Singapore once a month. With the app it remembers all your personal information you click twice and its done

12 hours ago

Jesper *******

@Jo *********

that's good

12 hours ago

Reply to

Jesper *******

Elías ********

Today is not May 1st... so, no use.

16 hours ago

Todd *********

yes, total waste of time. Ironic, considering that is what we pay travel agents to avoid

16 hours ago

Wannikea *********

It's for arrivals starting May 1st onwards. The site will be live on April 28th to accommodate those May 1st arrivals

16 hours ago

Andy **********

@Wannikea ********

obviously it's live now given the op has submitted it.

16 hours ago

Wannikea *********

@Andy *********

it's live yes, but effectively inoperable/incompatible since it only allows a 3 day window in advance.

10 hours ago

Will ************

@Andy *********

it was live 3 weeks ago

16 hours ago

Reply to

Will ************

Martin *********

It's called Thailand

17 hours ago

Todd *********

@Martin ********

In this case, it's called the UK. FAR worse

16 hours ago

Martin *********

@Todd ********

yes via a thai government website

12 hours ago

Reply to

Martin *********

Anna *********

Yup 😀

20 hours ago

Richie *******

Yep

20 hours ago

Stuart ******

Waste of time. But immigration likes making travellers suffer..and that isn't even including the extra visits to immigration police offices.

They know what they are doing. We don't and still we feed the state coffers

21 hours ago

Lynnette *******

@Stuart *****

how on earth would you suffer by filling in a form? Try entering UK or USA as a Thai. . That's real immigration suffering.

19 hours ago

Reply to

Lynnette *******

Paul ********

Due diligence pays off 😎

a day ago

Sally *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul *******

and I knew it already but I still completed the form cos I was told to..😆😆

21 hours ago

Paul ********

@Sally ******

😄😄

20 hours ago

Reply to

Paul ********

Tom ********

Go crazy in all the bars and clubs on arrival and never look back! 🍺 🚬

a day ago

Martin ********

I’m afraid so 😒

a day ago

Mark ********

And this shows why some people should not travel....

a day ago

Bruce **********

Have a great trip.

Bruce **********

helpful answer.

Diana *******

meanness is not helpful. This person is trying to get information and once you hadn’t traveled either.

20 hours ago

Reply to

Diana *******

Michael ********

Yep waste of time, sack the travel agent

a day ago

Lynnette *******

It's not a visa or exemption form. It's just details of your arrival info that starts for arrivals after May 1st.

a day ago

Nongnuch ********

you should throw your travel agent into the bin. Complete waste of time, as the filling out of the TDAC online digital arrival card starts from May 1st. and doesn't relate to you. Just fr....g check into your flight without a visa. If your plan stay in Thailand longer than 60 days and your return flight is after these 60 days you will get stamped in upon entry, you might need n onward travel proof for the airline

a day ago

Reply to

Nongnuch ********

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Do I need a visa if I arrive in Thailand before May 1st?

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