What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), and how will it affect travelers from May 1, 2025?

The TDAC’s rollout has sparked speculation about its integration with other proposed immigration and tourism initiatives. One such measure is the 300-baht (around $9 USD) tourism tax, initially planned for 2025 but delayed multiple times. Recent reports suggest it may finally be implemented by year-end 2025, potentially linked to the TDAC system. This fee, aimed at funding tourism infrastructure and providing insurance coverage for visitors, would be collected digitally—possibly during the TDAC submission process—though details remain unconfirmed as of March 31, 2025.

Another related development is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a proposed pre-approval system for visa-exempt travelers. Originally slated for a December 2024 launch and full implementation by June 2025, the ETA has been postponed indefinitely to avoid overlapping with the TDAC rollout.

While the TDAC applies to all foreign entrants regardless of visa status, the ETA would target visa-exempt nationalities for additional screening. For now, the Thai government is prioritizing the TDAC’s smooth operation, with the ETA’s fate still unclear.

For anyone planning a trip to Thailand on or after May 1, 2025, the TDAC is non-negotiable. Here’s how to prepare:

Gather Information: You’ll need your passport details, travel itinerary (e.g., flight number or vehicle info), and accommodation address in Thailand. Double-check your entries, as errors can be corrected online before travel, but key identifiers like your name and passport number may require a new submission.

Submit Early: Complete the TDAC within the three-day window before arrival to ensure a hassle-free entry. The process should take just a few minutes.

Keep Proof Handy: Save your confirmation (likely a QR code or PDF) on your phone or print it out, as you may need to present it at immigration.

Plan for Contingencies: If you forget to submit in advance, immigration officers and kiosks will likely assist upon arrival, though this could slow your entry or cause potential problems, although some Immigration officials have stressed that an incorrect form or submission would be easy, in theory, to resolve and not lead to having to fly home or other fears seen online.

The TDAC applies to every visit, even for frequent travelers or long-term residents with visas or work permits. Questions remain about enforcement—will airlines check TDAC completion before boarding, or will it be handled solely at Thai immigration? Official guidance is expected closer to the launch date.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the TDAC promises a smoother experience, its rollout has not been without scrutiny. Some travelers worry about accessibility for those without smartphones or reliable internet, a concern echoed in online forums. Others question whether the system will truly reduce processing times or simply shift the burden to pre-arrival preparation. The lack of a functioning mobile app (as of now) and unclear instructions for submission have fueled early frustration, with some calling it a “digital disaster in the making.”

Moreover, the timing—just a month away as of March 31, 2025—leaves little room for public education. The Thai Immigration Bureau has promised informational materials in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese), but the absence of a fully operational system for testing has left traveler in limbo.

The Bigger Picture

The TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader vision to balance tourism growth with security and sustainability. With over 28 million visitors in 2023 and projections of even higher numbers in 2025, the country is under pressure to manage its borders efficiently while maintaining its reputation as a welcoming destination. The digital shift aligns with similar systems worldwide, such as Singapore’s SG Arrival Card or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS, signaling a global trend toward paperless travel.

Starting May 1, 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card will redefine how non-Thai nationals enter the country. By registering online at tdac.immigration.go.th within three days of arrival, travelers can bid farewell to paper forms and embrace a faster, more secure process—or so the Thai government hopes. As the launch date approaches, staying informed and prepared will be key to a seamless journey.

As the system is not yet live questions remain and TPN Media will keep our readers updated throughout the coming weeks.

The system is live now, I’ve completed one for entry on Wednesday

Will there be a fee for DTV entries ?

Could this be an April Fools 555

So I am flying out to phuket from uk 23rd April and arriving on 24th april. I return back to UK on 7th may.

I'm assuming then I dont have to do this as it's only on entering thailand not leaving thailand .

Is this correct???

Thanks in advance

What happen to elderly peoples who does'nt have mobile phones..

and there are many of them. !?

Hopefully this will end up like Singapore after they introduced this system. Not long after they introduced automatic gates for entry as well

Zzzzzzzz

I mean I have zero issue at all with doing this as it will probably take a minute or two out of a single day.

But when talking about time, how much time is this going to add onto the sometimes atrocious lines in BKK or other airports when it comes to the already very slow

Immigration personnel having another step or two of documents to check before stamping.

Is this only for visa on arrival? I have OA visa.

So instead of the old form now I have to print out an e mail and show it at immigration. Makes absolutely no sense. Even Cambodia managed to make this process easier