Thailand Digital Arrival Card Cost: Fees, Payment Process & Validity

Thailand continues to be one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists, digital nomads, and business travellers alike. With its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, rich culture, and welcoming hospitality, the country attracts millions of visitors every year. To streamline the entry process and improve border security, Thailand has introduced the digital arrival card, replacing traditional paper-based arrival forms.

If you are planning a trip, understanding the Thailand digital arrival card cost, payment process, and validity is essential to ensure a smooth arrival experience. This guide explains everything you need to know, from fees and application steps to common mistakes and travel preparation tips.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

The digital arrival card is an online entry declaration system introduced by Thai immigration authorities. It allows travellers to submit their arrival information electronically before entering the country. This digital system replaces the paper TM6 arrival form that visitors previously filled out during flights or at immigration counters.

The arrival card collects essential details such as passport information, travel dates, accommodation address, and health declarations. By digitising this process, Thailand aims to reduce queues at immigration, improve data accuracy, and enhance traveller convenience.

Why Thailand Introduced the Digital Arrival Card?

Thailand’s move towards a digital arrival system aligns with global travel trends and post-pandemic safety measures, focusing on efficiency, safety, and traveller convenience. The key objectives behind this transition include:

Faster Immigration Clearance

\Digital submission of traveller details allows immigration authorities to pre-process information, significantly reducing waiting times at airports, land borders, and seaports, especially during peak travel seasons.

Reduced Paperwork And Manual Errors

Replacing paper forms with an online system minimises handwriting errors, incomplete entries, and misplaced documents, ensuring more accurate and reliable traveller data.

Improved Tracking Of International Arrivals

A centralised digital database enables authorities to monitor entry patterns, manage visitor flow, and respond more effectively to travel trends or emergencies.

Enhanced Health And Security Screening

Digital declarations support better health monitoring and security checks, allowing officials to quickly identify potential risks while maintaining privacy and efficiency.

Better Travel Experience For Visitors

With fewer forms to complete on arrival and quicker processing, travellers enjoy a smoother, stress-free entry, setting a positive tone for their stay in Thailand.

For travellers, this means less time waiting at immigration counters and a more organised entry process.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card Cost: Is there a Fee?

One of the most frequently asked questions is about the Thailand digital arrival card cost. As of now, the digital card is free of charge for most travellers. There is no separate government fee for submitting the digital card online. Visitors are only required to complete the form accurately before arrival.

However, travellers should remain updated, as immigration policies and charges may change depending on government regulations or future tourism initiatives.

There are no official hidden fees associated with the digital arrival card. That said, some third-party websites may charge service fees for assistance or form submission. Travellers are advised to use only official government portals or airline guidance to avoid unnecessary costs.

Who Needs to Submit A Digital Card?

The arrival card applies to most foreign nationals entering Thailand, including:

• Tourists arriving by air, land, or sea

• Business travellers

• Short-term visitors

• Transit passengers entering immigration

Thai citizens and certain diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt. Always verify eligibility before travel.

How to Apply for the Thailand Arrival Card?

Applying for the arrival card is straightforward and can be completed online before departure. If you are visiting Thailand and want to apply for a digital card, here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Visit the official Thai immigration portal

2. Enter your passport and personal details

3. Provide flight or travel information

4. Mention the accommodation address in Thailand

5. Complete health and travel declarations

6. Review and submit the form

Once submitted, confirmation is usually generated electronically. Travellers may be asked to show proof of submission at immigration.

When Should You Submit a Digital Arrival Card?

Travellers are advised to submit the digital card within 72 hours before arrival in Thailand. Completing it too early or too late may lead to technical issues or delays at immigration.

Submitting the form in advance ensures a smooth entry and reduces last-minute stress.

What is the Payment Process for this Card?

Since there is currently no Thailand digital arrival card cost, there is no payment step involved in the application process.

However, if any fee is introduced in the future, payment is expected to be made digitally through secure online channels such as:

• Credit or debit cards

• Online banking

• Government-authorised payment gateways

Travellers should avoid making payments on unofficial platforms.

Validity of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

The arrival card is valid for a single entry into Thailand and is linked to your specific travel dates. Here are the key points about the validity:

• Valid only for the declared date of arrival

• Cannot be reused for multiple trips

• Must be resubmitted for each new entry

• Linked to passport details

If travel plans change significantly, travellers may need to resubmit the digital arrival card.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for the Digital Card

Errors in the digital card can lead to unnecessary delays, additional questioning, or even temporary entry issues at immigration checkpoints. Ensuring accuracy while filling out the form is essential for a smooth arrival. Some of the most common mistakes travellers should avoid include:

Incorrect Passport Number Or Expiry Date

Even a minor error in passport details can prevent immigration systems from verifying your identity, leading to manual checks and prolonged processing times.

Mismatch Between Flight Details And Travel Itinerary

Providing flight numbers or arrival dates that do not match airline records may raise concerns and result in further verification at the immigration counter.

 

Incomplete Accommodation Address

Failing to provide a full and accurate address, including hotel name or residence details, can cause delays, as immigration officials require this information for entry records.

Typographical Errors In Personal Information

Spelling mistakes in names, dates of birth, or nationality can create inconsistencies with passport data, potentially requiring corrections on arrival.

Double-check all details before submission to avoid complications.

How the Digital Arrival Card Improves the Immigration Experience?

The introduction of the arrival card benefits travellers in several ways by simplifying entry procedures and reducing on-arrival formalities. It enhances overall travel efficiency while improving coordination between airlines and immigration authorities.

• Pre-submitted information allows immigration officers to verify traveller details quickly, significantly reducing waiting time on arrival.

• Eliminating paper forms helps travellers avoid last-minute form filling, misplaced documents, and unclear instructions at busy airports.

• Digital entry reduces manual errors and ensures information matches passport and travel records, leading to smoother verification.

• With advance data processing, immigration counters move faster, helping manage large volumes of international arrivals more efficiently.

For frequent travellers, this digital system significantly enhances convenience.

What Happens If You Do Not Submit the Digital Arrival Card?

Failure to submit the arrival card may result in:

• Delays at immigration

• Manual form-filling at the airport

• Additional questioning by immigration officials

To avoid inconvenience, we strongly recommend completing the arrival card in advance.

Travel Preparation Beyond the Digital Arrival Card

While completing the digital card is essential, it is only one part of travel preparation. Visitors should also ensure:

Valid passport with sufficient validity

 

• Appropriate visa (if required)

• Confirmed accommodation

• Return or onward travel tickets

• Comprehensive travel insurance

Importance of Travel Insurance for Thailand Trips

Medical emergencies, trip delays, lost baggage, or unexpected cancellations can disrupt even the best-planned holidays. This is why having reliable travel insurance is crucial.

Niva Bupa travel insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage for international travellers, including emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation and treatment abroad, trip cancellation or interruption, loss of baggage or travel documents and 24/7 assistance services

When travelling to Thailand, pairing your arrival card preparation with a robust travel insurance plan ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.

Also Read : Thailand Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Thailand digital arrival card cost, payment process, and validity helps travellers avoid unnecessary stress and ensures a seamless entry experience. With no current fees and a simple online process, the arrival card makes travelling to Thailand more convenient than ever.

When combined with smart travel planning and reliable coverage from Niva Bupa travel insurance plans, travellers can focus on enjoying Thailand’s beauty, culture, and experiences, confidently and worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Thailand digital arrival card cost?

Currently, the Thailand arrival card cost is free, and no official fee is charged for submission.

2. Is the digital card mandatory?

Yes, most foreign travellers entering Thailand are required to complete the digital card before arrival.

3. How long is the digital card valid?

The arrival card is valid for a single entry and is linked to your declared arrival date.

4. Can I edit my digital card after submission?

If there is a major error or change in travel plans, you may need to resubmit a new arrival card with updated details.

5. Does the digital arrival card replace a visa?

No, the arrival card does not replace a visa. Visa requirements must still be met separately.

6. Do children need a digital card?

Yes, minors travelling with parents or guardians must also have a arrival card submitted on their behalf.

7. Is travel insurance required for Thailand?

While not always mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Plans like Niva Bupa travel insurance provide essential protection against medical and travel-related emergencies.