Planning a holiday to Thailand? The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is now a mandatory part of your entry process. Since May 1, 2025, all foreign tourists must complete this online registration before arriving in the Kingdom. This guide explains exactly what tourists need to know about the TDAC, including required documents, visa considerations, and practical tips for a hassle-free arrival.
Do Tourists Need the TDAC?
Yes. Every tourist entering Thailand must complete the TDAC, regardless of their nationality, visa status, or length of stay. This applies whether you are:
- A visa-exempt visitor staying up to 60 days
- A tourist visa holder staying up to 60 or 90 days
- A visa-on-arrival applicant
- A transit passenger
The TDAC is not a visa. It does not replace your visa or visa exemption. Think of it as a digital version of the old paper arrival card – a registration requirement that exists alongside your visa or entry permission.
TDAC Requirements Checklist for Tourists
| Requirement | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | At least 6 months remaining validity | Check expiry date before booking |
| TDAC Registration | Completed online within 3 days of arrival | Free, no fees |
| Visa or Exemption | Tourist visa, visa exemption, or visa on arrival | TDAC does not replace visa |
| Accommodation Address | Full address of your first hotel or residence | Have booking confirmation ready |
| Flight Details | Flight number and arrival date | Include return date if known |
| Health Declaration | Countries visited in past 14 days, any symptoms | Mandatory section |
Passport Requirements
Your passport is the most critical document for both the TDAC and your entry into Thailand. Thai immigration requires:
- Minimum 6 months validity from your date of arrival in Thailand
- At least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps
- Digital copy – you will need your passport number for the TDAC form
Airlines may deny boarding if your passport does not meet these requirements. Check your passport validity well before your trip and renew it if necessary.
Visa Options for Tourists
The TDAC applies to all visa categories. Here are the most common options for tourists:
Visa Exemption
Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Thailand without a visa for tourism purposes. The allowed stay is up to 60 days per visit. Countries eligible for visa exemption include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, most EU nations, Japan, South Korea, and many others.
Tourist Visa (TR)
If your country is not eligible for visa exemption, or if you plan to stay longer than 60 days, you can apply for a Tourist Visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before your trip. Single-entry tourist visas allow stays of up to 60 days, while multiple-entry visas allow up to 60 days per entry over a 6-month period.
Visa on Arrival
Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at designated Thai airports and border checkpoints. This allows a stay of up to 15 days. You must still complete the TDAC before arriving.
Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)
For tourists who want to combine travel with remote work, the DTV allows stays of up to 180 days, extendable for another 180 days. DTV holders must also complete the TDAC for every entry.
Accommodation Information for the TDAC
One section of the TDAC form requires your accommodation address in Thailand. As a tourist, you will typically stay at a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse. Here is what you need to provide:
- Accommodation type: Hotel, hostel, guesthouse, or private residence
- Property name: The name of your hotel or guesthouse
- Province: The Thai province (e.g., Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai)
- District and sub-district: Found on your booking confirmation
- Postal code: Thai postal code for the area
- Street address: House number and street name
Your hotel booking confirmation email or app should contain all of these details. If you are staying at multiple locations during your trip, enter the address of your first accommodation only.
Health Declaration for Tourists
The TDAC includes a mandatory health declaration section. As a tourist, you will need to provide:
- A list of all countries you visited or transited through in the past 14 days
- Whether you have experienced any symptoms (fever, cough, breathing difficulties) in the past 14 days
- Your Yellow Fever vaccination status – only required if you have visited a country with Yellow Fever risk
If you have been to Africa or South America in the past 14 days, check the list of Yellow Fever countries. You may need to carry your vaccination certificate.
Step-by-Step Registration for Tourists
- Go to tdac.immigration.go.th
- Click “Arrival Card” and select your language
- Choose “Individual” registration (or “Group” for families)
- Enter your personal details from your passport
- Fill in your travel details (flight number, dates)
- Enter your hotel address in Thailand
- Complete the health declaration
- Review all information carefully
- Submit and save the QR code
For detailed instructions with field-by-field guidance, see our TDAC step-by-step form guide.
When to Complete the TDAC
The best time to complete your TDAC depends on your travel style:
| Timing | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days before | Maximum peace of mind, time to fix errors | Must have all travel details finalized |
| 1 day before | Plans are confirmed, less risk of changes | Less buffer time for corrections |
| At the airport | Last-minute option if you forgot | Requires internet, may feel rushed |
We recommend completing the TDAC at least 24 hours before your flight. This gives you time to correct any mistakes and reduces pre-travel stress.
What to Show at Immigration
When you arrive in Thailand, the immigration officer will ask to see:
- Your passport
- Your TDAC QR code (on your phone or printed)
The officer will scan the QR code to pull up your TDAC record. The process is quick – usually just a few seconds. Make sure the QR code is easily accessible on your phone before you reach the immigration counter.
Common Tourist Questions About the TDAC
Do I need the TDAC if I am only transiting through Thailand?
Yes, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand must complete the TDAC, including transit passengers who pass through immigration. If you are staying in the international transit area and do not pass through immigration, you may not need the TDAC.
I am staying at an Airbnb. What address do I enter?
Enter the full address provided by your Airbnb host. Select “Private Residence” or “Other” as the accommodation type. Make sure you have the complete address including province, district, and postal code.
What if I do not know my hotel address yet?
You need a confirmed accommodation address to complete the TDAC. Book at least your first night’s accommodation before starting the registration. You can always update your TDAC later if your plans change.
Can I complete the TDAC at the airport in Thailand?
While it is technically possible to complete the TDAC upon arrival using airport Wi-Fi, this is not recommended. You should complete it before your flight to avoid delays at immigration.
Do children need their own TDAC?
Yes, every traveler regardless of age needs a TDAC, including infants. Parents or guardians can submit the forms on behalf of their children using the group registration feature.
For a complete overview of the TDAC system, see our TDAC Thailand Complete Guide. Business travelers can find specific guidance in our TDAC for Business Travelers article.
