Digital Arrival Card

[Squid66]

This trip will be my first time using this method. I can't find any FAQs on here so:

1. The opening screen on.   https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home states:

4. Foreigners are required to submit their arrival card information 3 days in advance of their arrival date in Thailand. 

Now other counties using this system require the submission NOT MORE THAN (three days) PRIOR to arrival, as otherwise the health declaration becomes less useful. Is this a case of "let's confuse the foreigners" and they mean not more than three days .../ I know I could experiment to find out.

2. There are fields to fill in to identify hotel etc staying in Thailand, and flight departing.

If I fill in my initial place staying in Thailand and later move is that OK?

If I do not have a departure flight can I leave it blank, or fill in a best guess? (Do they ask for a return ticket in all cases, sometimes, never?)

 

 

Edited July 31, 2025 by Squid66
corrections

[Shamrocksam]

45 minutes ago, Squid66 said:

This trip will be my first time using this method. I can't find any FAQs on here so:

1. The opening screen on.   https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home states:

4. Foreigners are required to submit their arrival card information 3 days in advance of their arrival date in Thailand. 

Now other counties using this system require the submission NOT MORE THAN (three days) PRIOR to arrival, as otherwise the health declaration becomes less useful. Is this a case of "let's confuse the foreigners" and they mean not more than three days .../ I know I could experiment to find out.

2. There are fields to fill in to identify hotel etc staying in Thailand, and flight departing.

If I fill in my initial place staying in Thailand and later move is that OK?

If I do not have a departure flight can I leave it blank, or fill in a best guess? (Do they ask for a return ticket in all cases, sometimes, never?)

 

 

How long are you staying for? On my last trip (last year), Emirates quizzed me at departure check in. They were asking  about how long i was staying in country . I had a six month return flight and a multi entry  visa.  I didn't have a flight out booked for 60/90 days

As for accommodation. You only need to put in your first place. 

 

Edited July 31, 2025 by Shamrocksam

[Shamrocksam]

1 minute ago, Shamrocksam said:

Double post

 

Edited July 31, 2025 by Shamrocksam

[Phoenix Dave]

They do ask about return flights on occasion, it happened to me in May, they were satisfied when I showed them the reservation on my phone. I would imagine that leaving it blank, if allowed, would be a red flag. Best to avoid red flags.

As to the 3 day rule (555) the arrival date is on the second page of the online application (what a PITA!), and only the next 3 days are available to choose from. So yes, file it WITHIN 3 days of arrival at BKK. Don't forget date change if coming from US, you will have to do it within 1 or 2 days of getting on the flight to BKK to do it from home.

[charlisexyex]

Yes you can fill it anytime from arrival minus 3 days upto the point you land and at the kiosks in Suvarnabhumi before immigration. Not having a return ticket reservation might land some extra questions which I would avoid

[Greg_B]

 

[SJJ23]

Don't know if you've already been through the process, but I wrote a FAQ of sorts on how to fill out the TDAC form. It answers your questions. "3 days" definitely means up to 3 days before. You can even fill it out at a kiosk once you arrive, but there may be long lines. Hope this helps. Would love some feedback if you use this guide:

https://pattayaguidebook.com/how-to-complete-thailands-mandatory-digital-arrival-card-tdac/

[carms3557]

As others have said, the lack of a return flight could cause you some potential difficulties.

If I were you I'd book a fully-refundable ticket for a random return date (which you can then cancel once you're in), or a dirt cheap onward ticket, to ensure there are no problems.

[strawberrypi]

This is worrying, because this WILL LEAK.

Edited October 9, 2025 by strawberrypi

[momo5]

1 hour ago, strawberrypi said:

This is worrying, because this WILL LEAK.

Huh?

[Mstn2014]

I have no problems with doing this and believe it has sped up the immigration wait.   However it is time they improved the system and allowed log on/data entry far earlier than 3 days.   Also, it would be a great idea if you could input the Arrival card number from a previous trip and then update the information to a future trip.   I doubt they are wiping it from the system.

[rog555]

1 hour ago, Mstn2014 said:

I have no problems with doing this and believe it has sped up the immigration wait.   However it is time they improved the system and allowed log on/data entry far earlier than 3 days.   Also, it would be a great idea if you could input the Arrival card number from a previous trip and then update the information to a future trip.   I doubt they are wiping it from the system.

Your suggested improvements are obviously a good idea.

This is 2025, we use many on-line systems.  Nowadays they all have the concept of logging in/continuity of identity/data.

Filling in the same details over and over and over again seems to be how the authorities work here. Imagine Amazon asking you to enter your name and address details each time you ordered something.  555

Weird that they were not part of the initial version.

Edited October 19, 2025 by rog555

[Phoenix Dave]

6 hours ago, Mstn2014 said:

I have no problems with doing this and believe it has sped up the immigration wait.   However it is time they improved the system and allowed log on/data entry far earlier than 3 days.

The TDAC is partially a health statement. Saying you aren't sick more than 3 days out has no value.

[Mstn2014]

PD.  I can see where you are coming from, but in real life asking someone who really wants to get in to Thailand their health status, if they really knew it, has no value either.   For some of us it takes 3 days to travel to the land of smiles.  

[forcebwithu]

10 hours ago, rog555 said:

Your suggested improvements are obviously a good idea.

This is 2025, we use many on-line systems.  Nowadays they all have the concept of logging in/continuity of identity/data.

Filling in the same details over and over and over again seems to be how the authorities work here. Imagine Amazon asking you to enter your name and address details each time you ordered something.  555

Weird that they were not part of the initial version.

It took them a couple of iterations of software upgrades to get there, but the online 90 day reporting system is finally one that pre-fills the info from your last report. Maybe in another half dozen years or so of upgrades the TDAC system work just as well.

[Luv2Phuket]

12 hours ago, rog555 said:

Filling in the same details over and over and over again seems to be how the authorities work here. Imagine Amazon asking you to enter your name and address details each time you ordered something.  555

Weird that they were not part of the initial version.
 

 

1 hour ago, forcebwithu said:

It took them a couple of iterations of software upgrades to get there, but the online 90 day reporting system is finally one that pre-fills the info from your last report. Maybe in another half dozen years or so of upgrades the TDAC system work just as well.

The other thing is, unlike the high % of BMs who use it multiple times a year, I'm guessing the vast majority of Thai tourists come only once a year (and likely only once every few years).  Amazon is built on repeat, volume business, and, as a retailer, focuses on the User experience.

Also, don't negate the "who has to put in the effort" factor (aka "it's not MY problem!")....adding that "pre-filled" feature will take some time/effort on their part; keeping it "as is" shifts that burden to you, me, and other repeat visitors.

I would LOVE to see it and hope I'm wrong, but I think @forcebwithu is right -- it's gonna be a while.

[Phoenix Dave]

I was very pleasantly surprised at how ell it works, especially at the immigration desk.  I'm okay if they leave it unbroken. It's already much better for me than the paper card.

Edited October 20, 2025 by Phoenix Dave

[Geordie59]

It’s got to be easier than filling the old arrivals card on the plane. I don’t get why people seem so concerned about it. Just as I don’t understand why those who make a 90 day report don’t do it online. Free, easier than making the trip to Immigration or even agent (not free these days) and you even get an email to remind you before the next one is due. 
Hopefully it will eventually link into one system and the stupid address reporting within 24 hours of arrival will be removed (not that I usually bother).
I live in hope more than expectation. 

Edited October 20, 2025 by Geordie59

[rog555]

19 hours ago, Phoenix Dave said:

I was very pleasantly surprised at how ell it works, especially at the immigration desk.  I'm okay if they leave it unbroken. It's already much better for me than the paper card.

For me the paper card was easier from the customers viewpoint. 

 I'd say it was much quicker to fill in, no need of internet connection, and was done during a flight when everyone had time to fill it in.  No time restrictions on when you fill it in.  

All those drop down boxes, date boxes, take ages to navigate.  If you're from the UK who knows what they've chosen to call your country - england, britain, great britain, united kingdom, british isles.  Clunky on a phone.

Maybe I'm wrong and the on-line form is quicker for some folk.    Its an example of just reproducing a paper form using a computer form.  Zero advantage to the customer.

Edited October 21, 2025 by rog555

[hammerman]

I will be filling an online form out provided by my Airline, next week.

I will report back.

[Geordie59]

25 minutes ago, rog555 said:

For me the paper card was easier from the customers viewpoint. 

 I'd say it was much quicker to fill in, no need of internet connection, and was done during a flight when everyone had time to fill it in.  No time restrictions on when you fill it in.  

All those drop down boxes, date boxes, take ages to navigate.  If you're from the UK who knows what they've chosen to call your country - england, britain, great britain, united kingdom, british isles.  Clunky on a phone.

Maybe I'm wrong and the on-line form is quicker for some folk.    Its an example of just reproducing a paper form using a computer form.  Zero advantage to the customer.

You can do it up to 3 days before you fly. That in itself is an advantage. 
No more looking for a pen or passport details to fill in a paper form that was often handed out just before landing so it got bumpy as the plane descended. That’s if they had to forms on board. I had several where passengers had to find one after landing and fill it in then causing more delays getting through immigration. 

[ricktoronto]

It was a lot easier for the last year or so when they got rid of the paper arrival card entirely. Though the TDAC is pretty quick they could have a quick list of the top 10 cities vs. wading through provinces district and sub district lists.

[LASportsNut]

 

Update on the Thailand Arrival Card and a few unexpected hiccups

I had a flight scheduled to return to Bangkok on December 7th and ran into a few surprises worth sharing:

1. Beware of fake websites.
About a week before my trip, I went online to complete my arrival card. When I got to the end of the form, it asked me to pay $20 for 4-hour processing or $50 for 1-hour processing. That immediately raised red flags, since I’d never heard of any official fee.

After some digging, I realized I’d landed on a third-party site that simply collects your details and submits them to Thai Immigration for a fee. A lot of travelers could easily fall for this — fortunately, I’ve been in and out of Thailand enough times to know something was off.

2. Use the official site only.
Once I found the real Thai Immigration website, the process was quick and easy. Just note that you can’t submit your form until within 72 hours of arrival.

3. Arrival chaos at Suvarnabhumi (BKK).
I hold a Thailand Privilege Visa, which includes VIP gate pickup service. But when I arrived, the airport was absolute chaos — my rep said five planes landed at the same time, and immigration was completely backed up.

The line for regular immigration was so long it stretched down the ramp, and they eventually had to redirect part of the crowd to a separate area near the domestic terminal. Unfortunately, some of that overflow got sent into the fast-track lines, which meant there were about 200 people ahead of me — normally there are maybe 0–3.

I mentioned to the Thai Privilege rep that there should be a dedicated line for paid fast-track passengers, visa holders, and business/first-class travelers. To his credit, he agreed and managed to get a separate lane opened just for us.

Bottom line:
The main cause of the delays, according to my rep, is that many passengers still don’t know about the new online Arrival Card. When they show up at immigration without it, they have to fill it out on the spot — which slows the entire process.

So if you’re flying in soon, complete your Arrival Card online (on the official Thai Immigration site) within 72 hours of arrival — it’ll save you a lot of time and stress.

[thainet]

1 hour ago, LASportsNut said:

 

Update on the Thailand Arrival Card and a few unexpected hiccups

I had a flight scheduled to return to Bangkok on December 7th and ran into a few surprises worth sharing:

1. Beware of fake websites.
About a week before my trip, I went online to complete my arrival card. When I got to the end of the form, it asked me to pay $20 for 4-hour processing or $50 for 1-hour processing. That immediately raised red flags, since I’d never heard of any official fee.

After some digging, I realized I’d landed on a third-party site that simply collects your details and submits them to Thai Immigration for a fee. A lot of travelers could easily fall for this — fortunately, I’ve been in and out of Thailand enough times to know something was off.

2. Use the official site only.
Once I found the real Thai Immigration website, the process was quick and easy. Just note that you can’t submit your form until within 72 hours of arrival.

3. Arrival chaos at Suvarnabhumi (BKK).
I hold a Thailand Privilege Visa, which includes VIP gate pickup service. But when I arrived, the airport was absolute chaos — my rep said five planes landed at the same time, and immigration was completely backed up.

The line for regular immigration was so long it stretched down the ramp, and they eventually had to redirect part of the crowd to a separate area near the domestic terminal. Unfortunately, some of that overflow got sent into the fast-track lines, which meant there were about 200 people ahead of me — normally there are maybe 0–3.

I mentioned to the Thai Privilege rep that there should be a dedicated line for paid fast-track passengers, visa holders, and business/first-class travelers. To his credit, he agreed and managed to get a separate lane opened just for us.

Bottom line:
The main cause of the delays, according to my rep, is that many passengers still don’t know about the new online Arrival Card. When they show up at immigration without it, they have to fill it out on the spot — which slows the entire process.

So if you’re flying in soon, complete your Arrival Card online (on the official Thai Immigration site) within 72 hours of arrival — it’ll save you a lot of time and stress.

2 small points.

I think you mean't Nov 7th, not Dec 7th.

The travellers who haven't filled out the TDAC beforehand, do not do it at the IO counter, they are sent back behind Immigration to the terminals, or to do on their phones.

(One point to note, is some people with Retirement or Marriage extensions have apparently been stamped in without the TDAC, but obviously not something to count on).

 

[stickyfingers]

1 hour ago, LASportsNut said:

 

Update on the Thailand Arrival Card and a few unexpected hiccups

I had a flight scheduled to return to Bangkok on December 7th and ran into a few surprises worth sharing:

1. Beware of fake websites.
About a week before my trip, I went online to complete my arrival card. When I got to the end of the form, it asked me to pay $20 for 4-hour processing or $50 for 1-hour processing. That immediately raised red flags, since I’d never heard of any official fee.

After some digging, I realized I’d landed on a third-party site that simply collects your details and submits them to Thai Immigration for a fee. A lot of travelers could easily fall for this — fortunately, I’ve been in and out of Thailand enough times to know something was off.

2. Use the official site only.
Once I found the real Thai Immigration website, the process was quick and easy. Just note that you can’t submit your form until within 72 hours of arrival.

3. Arrival chaos at Suvarnabhumi (BKK).
I hold a Thailand Privilege Visa, which includes VIP gate pickup service. But when I arrived, the airport was absolute chaos — my rep said five planes landed at the same time, and immigration was completely backed up.

The line for regular immigration was so long it stretched down the ramp, and they eventually had to redirect part of the crowd to a separate area near the domestic terminal. Unfortunately, some of that overflow got sent into the fast-track lines, which meant there were about 200 people ahead of me — normally there are maybe 0–3.

I mentioned to the Thai Privilege rep that there should be a dedicated line for paid fast-track passengers, visa holders, and business/first-class travelers. To his credit, he agreed and managed to get a separate lane opened just for us.

Bottom line:
The main cause of the delays, according to my rep, is that many passengers still don’t know about the new online Arrival Card. When they show up at immigration without it, they have to fill it out on the spot — which slows the entire process.

So if you’re flying in soon, complete your Arrival Card online (on the official Thai Immigration site) within 72 hours of arrival — it’ll save you a lot of time and stress.

Great info here about the online arrival card…as I’ve never used it before so will be doing it 72 hours beforehand ….just need the link for the official website so not to get scammed by all these fake websites there catching ppl out…TIA.