Thailand Arrival Card 2026: How to Fill It In & Entry Tips

Thailand is a particularly popular destination for holidaymakers. For this Southeast Asian country, tourism has even become one of its most important sources of income. The country and its approx. 71.60 million inhabitants literally have a bright future ahead of them in this regard.

In 2019, tourism already accounted for 20% of Thailand's GDP. By 2030, Thai economic and social development authorities estimate this figure will reach as high as 30%. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) plays an important role in this.

It is intended to simplify entry formalities for both arriving tourists and the Thai immigration authorities. Find out what this means for you, where and how to obtain the TDAC, whether there are any costs involved, and everything else in this Trip.com guide to the Thailand arrival card.

🤔 What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an electronically generated arrival card that replaces the paper form previously handed out on aircraft. According to announcements from the Thai Immigration Bureau and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the TDAC has been mandatory since 1 May 2025.

The TDAC system was already launched a few days earlier on 28 April 2025. From 1 May 2025, the issuance of paper-based entry and exit forms was subsequently discontinued. The TDAC consists of 2 parts in detail, as it contains not only a section for "travel registration" but also a section for a self-declaration regarding one's own state of health.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card will be sent to you electronically via email. It contains a QR code that will be scanned by an immigration officer upon your arrival.

You can find the most important information about the TDAC in our quick overview below:

❓ How do you fill in the Thailand Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The TDAC is created electronically, and there is no longer an alternative paper-based option. This means you can only apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card in digital form. The TDAC document, along with the corresponding QR code, will also be sent to you or generated in digital form (via email).

If you feel more secure with paper in your hand, you will need to print it out. You can obtain the TDAC in two different ways. One is by creating the document and answering the corresponding questions on the Thai Immigration Bureau's website.

The other option is to use the official app from the Thai Immigration Bureau. You can download it for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iOS and Android devices respectively.

💰 How much does the Thailand Arrival Card (TDAC) cost?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is free of charge, so you can create it for free. At no point while filling it out or before it is sent to you by email will you see a payment menu or be asked to enter payment details anywhere. This applies not only to British visitors, but to all Thailand visitors in general.

⚠️ Who needs a Thailand Arrival Card?

In this respect, the Thai government makes it quite simple for visitors, as the TDAC must be completed by EVERY foreigner entering Thailand. Furthermore, it does not matter whether you enter Thailand by sea, land, or air. This regulation therefore also applies to British citizens.

☝️ Who is exempt from the TDAC requirement?

We can keep this section fairly brief too, due to the regulations mentioned in the previous paragraph, because strictly speaking, only Thai citizens are exempt. However, as the Thai Embassy announces on its website, there are two further exceptions. Accordingly, only the following persons are exempt from the TDAC requirement:

1. Thai citizens
2. Foreign nationals who are holders of a Border Pass
3. Foreigners who are merely in transit in a transit zone (e.g. at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok) and do not formally enter Thailand

❓ How do I fill out the TDAC?

Next, we'll take a look at how you can create a Thailand Digital Arrival Card. First, we'll explain what information you need and which documents you should have ready. Then, we'll guide you step-by-step through creating a TDAC.

⁉️ What information do British travellers to Thailand need to provide when creating a Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

It is almost remarkable how transparent the Thai immigration police are when dealing with this question. You can find plenty of information on the website itself and in the FAQ section about what details need to be provided and what is required for this. The Thai airline Thai Airways and the Thai Embassy also provide information about this in English.

So, get ready to create your TDAC by having the following to hand:

• ✅ Your travel details, consisting of arrival and departure dates, flight information, your hotel information, etc.
• ✅ Your passport, as you'll need the information printed on it
• ✅ Your personal details such as date of birth, nationality, citizenship, etc.
• ✅ Your address details as well as the email address
• ✅ If necessary, details about your current health status (must be provided 14 days before entering Thailand if you have visited certain countries)

📋 Step-by-step - How to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online

Before we start explaining how to fill out the TDAC document step-by-step, we would like to draw your attention to the applicable time window. You must create your Thailand arrival card WITHIN 3 days BEFORE your expected arrival in Thailand. This means you cannot create it several weeks or even months in advance.

If your bags are packed and you're just about to set off (at least 3 days before you travel), you can create your TDAC in just 3-5 minutes by following these steps:

• Step 1: Load the official TDAC website where the Thailand Arrival Card is applied for
• Step 2: Click on “Verify that you are human” and then on “Arrival Card” on the left
• Step 3: Now start filling in the first page. This is where you enter your passport information and personal details
• Step 4: Then click on “Continue” at the bottom left to open page 2
• Step 5: There are 3 sections here, consisting of details regarding your arrival, departure, and accommodation arrangements
• Step 6: Now click on “Continue” again and finally answer the health questions section (if necessary). You can now add further passengers to your TDAC form. Then click on “Preview” to receive an overview of all your details.
• Step 7: Next, accept the T&Cs and click “Submit”. Now you need to confirm your email address and you will receive your TDAC straight away. You can then conveniently download it directly.

📋 Step-by-step - How to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card using the THIM app

If you like having everything digital at your fingertips, you're in luck. In the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the Thai Immigration Bureau (THIM) app offers a way to create your TDAC directly on your smartphone or tablet. We will now explain step-by-step how to proceed in this case:

• Step 1: Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and install the THIM app
• Step 2: Now choose one of the 5 available languages
• Step 3: Now tap “Register” and then accept the T&Cs
• Step 4: Start creating your TDAC now by tapping “get started” and then “Start”
• Step 5: Next, fill in the fields that appear one by one, starting with your travel details. Confirm each section by tapping “Next” at the bottom
• Step 6: Finally, all your details will be presented in an overview for confirmation. You can also add other travellers using the THIM app. At the end, you will receive the QR code and can, for example, take a screenshot

⏰ When does the Thailand Arrival Card need to be applied for?

There is a fixed timeframe for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, as it must be created within 3 days before your arrival. You must enter your planned date of entry or arrival right at the top of page 2 of the TDAC application. If your flight is delayed and you have already created your TDAC, you can make changes under the “Update Arrival Card” section and enter your new planned arrival date.

🛃 Can I apply for my Thailand Arrival Card at the airport?

Yes, that is possible. The requirements from the Thai police authorities simply state that the TDAC must be created within 3 days prior to entry. In this context, entry means arriving at an immigration officer's desk or at one of the automatic e-gates.

However, keep in mind that you will need a smartphone or tablet AND a Wi-Fi connection. That is why we at Trip.com recommend that you complete your TDAC at home in advance. Furthermore, Thai Airways, for example, points out that if the TDAC has not been completed beforehand, "this may lead to refusal of carriage".

🛂 Thailand entry requirements for British citizens

The UK government (GOV.UK) website provides comprehensive information on the regulations currently applicable to British holidaymakers in Thailand. Furthermore, the Thai Embassy and the Kingdom's consulates general also regularly publish travel advice. British visitors must currently (October 2026) observe the following regulations:

• For entry, you'll need a passport, child's passport, or temporary passport that is valid for at least another 6 months
• You must always carry your ID with you in Thailand
• Since 15 September 2026, United Kingdom, United States, and Australia citizens can only spend a maximum of 30 days in Thailand visa-free
• Travellers entering Thailand without a visa or with a Visa on Arrival may be asked to provide proof of at least THB 10,000 (approx. £220) per person or THB 20,000 (approx. £440) per family. Those travelling on a Tourist Visa may need to show THB 20,000 (approx. £440) per person or THB 40,000 (approx. £880) per family. You may also need to provide evidence of onward or return travel.
• Visa-free entries via land, sea and international air borders are limited to 2 per calendar year. The limit applies to all visa-free entries, regardless of the port of entry.

💡 Thailand travel tips for your trip

Now you're ready to go, and before you set off for Thailand, you should read our Trip.com travel tips:

• If you would like to stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days, you can have this period extended once at the Thai Immigration Bureau
• Thailand issues e-visas, and for these visas, you no longer need to send your passport to a Thai embassy or consulate
• Make sure you don't overstay your visa-free entry period. According to the Thai Embassy, Thailand imposes a fine of THB 500 (approx. GBP 11) for every day you overstay.
• Thailand is a very tourist-friendly country with its own Tourist Police. Domestically, you have numerous ferry, train and flight connections at your disposal.

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