TDAC: How to Fill Out Thailand's Digital Arrival Card Without Mistakes
Since May 1, 2025, all foreigners entering Thailand are required to fill out the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) online. The paper cards that used to be handed out on flights have been discontinued. You need to fill out the TDAC no earlier than 3 days before arrival; it takes 5 minutes and is completely free. I've filled it out 12 times -- for myself and for guests I've helped. Here's a step-by-step walkthrough: which fields to fill in, and where people usually get stuck.
What Is TDAC and Why Do You Need It
TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is an electronic arrival form. It replaces the paper card you used to fill out on the plane. The goal is to speed up passport control and collect tourist statistics.
The form is free. Any website offering to "process your TDAC for a fee" is a scam. The official address is tdac.immigration.go.th. If any site asks for payment, close it immediately.
When to Fill It Out
No earlier than 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. You can fill it out the day before, the evening before your flight, or at the airport before boarding -- the system will accept it.
Important: after completing the form, you'll receive a QR code by email. Save it on your phone or print it out. At passport control in Bangkok/Phuket, you'll show it to the immigration officer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Go to the Website
Open tdac.immigration.go.th. The site works on both desktop and mobile. Languages available: English, Chinese, Thai. Click "Arrival Card."
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Message us on TelegramStep 2. Personal Information
Fill in your personal details:
- Family name -- as in your passport, in Latin characters
- First name -- as in your passport
- Middle name -- leave blank if you don't have one
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality -- select your country
- Passport number -- no spaces
- Country of residence
- Phone -- with country code (e.g. +1, +44, +61)
Step 3. Trip Information
Details about your trip:
- Country / city of boarding -- the country and city you're flying from
- Mode of arrival -- Air (if flying)
- Date of arrival -- your arrival date in Thailand
- Flight number -- e.g. EK376, TG930
- Purpose of visit -- Holiday/Tourism (if you're a tourist)
Step 4. Accommodation
Where you'll be staying:
- Type -- Hotel (or Private House if staying with friends)
- Province -- Phuket (or whichever province)
- District -- Mueang Phuket / Kathu / Thalang (choose the one your hotel is in)
- Sub-district -- the exact sub-district
- Postal code -- your hotel's postal code (take it from your Booking.com confirmation)
- Address -- the exact hotel address
If you have a Booking.com reservation, find the exact address there and copy it.
Step 5. Health Declaration
Health declaration: have you been in certain countries in the past 14 days? Most likely no -- answer "No" to all. Agree to the terms (tick the box) and click Submit.
Step 6. Getting Your QR Code
An email will arrive at the address you provided with a QR code and an Approval Code. Save it. At passport control in Thailand, show the QR code from your phone screen or a printout.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Typos in passport number -- double-check, no spaces
- Wrong arrival date -- account for time zones
- Entering your home address instead of the hotel -- the Accommodation field needs your address in Thailand
- Paying on third-party websites -- TDAC is always free
What to Do If You Didn't Fill It Out in Advance
Don't panic. At the arrival airports (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket), there are desks and volunteers who help you fill out the TDAC for free. Wi-Fi is available in the arrival zone.
Go to tdac.immigration.go.th, fill it out on your phone in 5 minutes, and get your QR code. You'll lose about 10-15 minutes. No fines, no penalties.
Do NOT trust people with badges offering to "process your TDAC for 500 baht" -- that's a scam. Do it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does TDAC cost?
It's completely free. If any website asks for payment, it's a scam. The official address is tdac.immigration.go.th.
Can I fill out TDAC a week before arrival?
No, only within 3 days (72 hours) before arrival. If you try earlier, the system won't accept it.
Do I need TDAC for a transit stop?
If you stay in the transit zone without entering the country -- no. If you leave the airport (e.g., an overnight stay in Bangkok) -- yes.
What if I lose my QR code?
Check your email (including Spam). If you can't find it, fill out a new form -- the system will overwrite the previous data. You can also show your passport at immigration; sometimes they let you through with just that.
Do I need to fill out TDAC for a child?
Yes, a separate form is required for each family member, including infants. Use the child's passport details.