Thailand Digital Arrival Card: How to Apply, Requirements & Latest Rules

Thailand has long held a special place on the global travel map. Its vibrant markets, tranquil temples, and the pristine beaches of Phuket and Krabi make it special. The country offers a seamless blend of culture, commerce, cuisine, and natural beauty. 
 

As international travel evolves, Thailand has taken a decisive step towards enhancing the visitor experience by modernising its immigration processes. This change is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). 

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about TDAC so that when you plan your trip to Thailand, you are familiar with the process. 

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

The Thailand digital arrival card is an electronic arrival form that all foreign nationals must complete before entering the country. Officially implemented to centralise traveller data and integrate with automated biometrics, the TDAC ensures the Immigration Bureau has your details pre-verified before you even set foot on Thai soil.

Unlike a visa, which grants you the right to enter based on your nationality and purpose, this digital arrival card is a mandatory administrative requirement for all travellers, including those arriving under visa-exempt schemes. It acts as your digital footprint, capturing personal details, travel itineraries, and health declarations. 

What are the Latest Rules and Mandatory Requirements for 2026?

If you are planning your trip to Thailand in 2026, please note that the Thai government has finalised the following rules for all international visitors entering by air, land, or sea. Here’s a closer look: 

• Mandatory for All: Every foreign passport holder, including children and infants, must have an individual or group-linked Thailand digital arrival card.

• The 72-Hour Rule: The application must be submitted within 3 days (72 hours) of your scheduled arrival. Submitting it too early may lead to the application being outside the system’s valid window.

• Visa Integration: If you are from a country that requires a pre-approved visa (like a Tourist Visa or the Destination Thailand Visa), you must obtain your visa first and then link it to your application.

What are the Entry Requirements?

To help you prepare your documents, the table below summarises what you need for a successful entry in 2026.

How to Apply for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

The application process for the Thailand arrival card is user-friendly and can be completed via the official Thai Immigration portal. Let’s take a look at the steps: 

• Visit the Official Portal: Access the dedicated official website. 

• Enter Personal Information: Input your full name as per your passport, nationality, and contact details.

• Provide Travel Specifics: You will need your flight number, port of entry, and the exact date of arrival.

• Accommodation Details: Provide the address of your hotel, resort, or private residence in Thailand.

• Health Declaration: Complete a brief section regarding your recent travel history and current health status.

• Review and Submit: Double-check all passport numbers and dates. Mistakescan lead to delays at the boarding gate or immigration desk.

• Receive Your QR Code: Once submitted, a PDF confirmation and a unique QR code will be sent to your email.

How to ​Update the Thailand Arrival Card?

Updating your Thailand Arrival Card is a simple and straightforward process designed to ensure your travel details remain accurate before arrival. Let’s take a look at the steps: 

• Click on the “Update Arrival Card” option to begin the process.

• Enter the required search details, including your Thailand Digital Arrival Card number, date of birth, and nationality or citizenship.

• Select “Search” to retrieve your existing application.

• Once your details appear, review the information carefully and make the necessary corrections where required.

• Recheck all updated details for accuracy before proceeding. You may use “Previous” to make further changes or “Cancel” to exit without saving any updates.

• Provide your email address to receive the updated Thailand Digital Arrival Card.

• Tick the checkbox to confirm your agreement with the Terms and Conditions, and then click “Submit”.

• After submission, download your Thailand Digital Arrival Card. A copy will also be sent to your registered email address, which you can download or print for reference throughout your stay in Thailand.

Is There a Fee for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

The official Thailand digital arrival card is entirely free of charge for all travellers. The Thai Immigration Bureau does not require any payment to process the registration.

However, you should exercise caution when searching online, as several unofficial third-party websites may mimic the government portal and charge a "processing fee". To ensure your entry is cost-effective, always use the official government website. 

What Happens If You Don’t Complete the TDAC?

Failing to complete the Thailand arrival card before your journey can significantly disrupt your travel plans. Since the system is fully integrated with Thai Immigration’s biometric and health databases, arriving without a valid QR-coded card is treated as arriving with incomplete documentation. Here is what happens:

Denied Boarding

Many airlines now verify the Thailand arrival card at the check-in counter or boarding gate. Without a valid QR code, you may be denied boarding to prevent the airline from being penalised for flying in a traveller with incomplete entry records.

Mandatory Diversion at Immigration

If you reach the Thai border without the card, you will be diverted from the standard immigration queue. You will be required to step aside and complete the digital form on your mobile device or at a designated airport kiosk before you are allowed to approach an officer.

Significant Entry Delays

Completing the form on arrival often leads to long wait times, especially if the airport Wi-Fi is congested or your roaming data is slow. This can result in missing your pre-booked airport transfer or hotel check-in window.

Risk of Entry Denial

While officers usually allow you to fill it out on-site, persistent refusal or inability to provide the required information (like your accommodation address or health declaration) can lead to a formal denial of entry.

Complications with Health Protocols

Since the card includes a mandatory health declaration, missing it means your health status hasn't been pre-screened. This might trigger additional health checks or screenings by the Ministry of Public Health at the port of entry.

Issues with Future Immigration Tasks

Your card record is often checked during stay extensions or 90-day reporting. A missing arrival record can create administrative hurdles during your stay.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival Experience

To ensure your entry into Thailand is as breezy as a Phuket shoreline, strategic preparation is key. In 2026, the arrival process is fast, but it rewards those who are digitally organised. Listed below are the professional tips for a smooth arrival experience:

Applying Early

While the digital arrival card can be submitted up to 72 hours in advance, seasoned travellers recommend applying 24 to 48 hours before departure. This ensures your health declaration is current while leaving enough time to troubleshoot any technical glitches.

Screenshots

Do not rely solely on airport Wi-Fi to pull up your email. Once you receive your card’s confirmation, take a high-resolution screenshot of the QR code. Save it to an "Entry Documents" folder on your phone for instant access at the immigration counter.

Exact Passport Matching

The most common cause of Thailand arrival card rejection is a data mismatch. Ensure your name is entered exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of your passport, including middle names and specific spellings.

Keep Your First Address Handy

The system requires a specific Thai address. Even if you are touring multiple cities, always provide the full name, district, and postal code of your first night's accommodation.

Check Your Spam Folder

If you don’t see your confirmation email within 10 minutes of submitting your digital card, check your "Junk" or "Promotions" folder. The automated system occasionally gets flagged by email filters.

Carry valid travel insurance

Although not part of the application process, having comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, as it ensures protection for unexpected medical or travel issues during your stay in Thailand.

Also Read : Thailand Student Visa Guide: How to Apply Step-by-Step?

Wrapping Up

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) represents a significant step forward in digitising Thailand’s travel and immigration experience. 

For travellers planning a visit to Thailand, it’s essential to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within the required timeframe, follow the application steps precisely, and avoid unofficial or paid third-party services.

However, true travel readiness goes beyond just paperwork. To truly safeguard your experience against the unpredictable, choosing travel insurance is a prudent move. At Niva Bupa, we provide comprehensive travel insurance plans that offers financial protection against unexpected events, like medical emergencies, flight delays, and lost passport, allowing you to focus on the vibrant culture and breathtaking views of Thailand.

People Also Ask

1. Do Indian citizens need to apply for the Tdac in 2026? 

Yes, while Indian citizens currently enjoy visa-free entry for up to 60 days, the Thailand digital arrival card remains a mandatory requirement for every entry into the country.

2. Is there a fee for the Thailand arrival card? 

No, the official Thailand digital card registration provided by the Thai Immigration Bureau is completely free of charge for all travellers.

3. What happens if I make a mistake on my form? 

If you have already submitted the form, you can use the "Update" feature on the official website to correct travel details, but name or passport errors may require a new submission.

4. Can I apply for my family in one go? 

Yes, the system allows for group applications where the head of the family can add other travellers to a single submission for convenience.

5. Do I need to print the card confirmation? 

While a digital copy (QR code) on your smartphone is usually sufficient for immigration, carrying a printed backup is a wise precaution against battery or technical issues.

6. Is the Thailand arrival card the same as a visa? 

No, the digital card is an arrival card for data collection, whereas a visa is a legal permit to stay. You may need both depending on your nationality.

7. Can I apply more than 3 days in advance? 

Generally, the system only opens for submissions 72 hours before your arrival date to ensure the health and travel data is current.

8. Does the Thailand arrival card apply to land borders? 

Yes, the Thailand arrival card is required whether you are entering Thailand by air, crossing a land border from a neighbouring country, or arriving by sea.

9. What if I am just transiting through Bangkok? 

If you are staying within the international transit area and not passing through immigration, you do not need to complete a Thailand arrival card.

10. Is health insurance mandatory for the Thailand arrival card? 

While not always a strict requirement for the card itself for short-term tourists, having a valid policy is strongly recommended for a hassle-free entry and peace of mind.