BANGKOK — Effective May 1, 2025, Thailand will officially replace its traditional paper-based arrival form with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a move aimed at significantly simplifying and accelerating the entry process for international visitors.

Digital Pre-Registration Required Before Arrival

Under the new system, travelers must complete the TDAC online form within 72 hours prior to arrival in Thailand. The form collects essential personal, travel, and accommodation details and can be presented at immigration checkpoints either digitally on a mobile device or as a printed document.

Thai immigration officials have confirmed that TDAC registration is mandatory for all foreign visitors entering Thailand by air, land, or sea, including tourists, business travelers, and expatriates re-entering the country. Travelers are advised to ensure all information is accurate to avoid entry delays.

Faster Processing, Higher Security

According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the TDAC is part of a broader initiative to enhance visitor experiences and position Thailand as a regional leader in smart tourism. Officials expect the system to:

• Reduce waiting times at immigration counters

• Improve border security through better data collection

• Ease administrative burden on border control staff

• Enable faster analytics for tourism trends and public safety

The digital system is integrated with Thailand’s immigration and security databases, which helps pre-screen incoming travelers and bolster national security efforts.

Global Compatibility and Expanded Accessibility

The TDAC platform is currently available in English, Thai, Mandarin, Japanese, and Russian, with more languages expected to be added. It is compatible across major mobile operating systems and can be accessed via Thailand’s official immigration and tourism portals.

In collaboration with airlines and international travel agencies, automated reminders and links to the TDAC platform will be embedded into flight booking confirmations, ensuring broader awareness and compliance.

Reactions and Future Expansion

Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the shift, viewing it as a timely modernization effort that supports Thailand’s post-pandemic tourism rebound. “We see this as a win-win for travelers and immigration authorities alike,” said a spokesperson from the Thai Hotels Association.

The government has also hinted that further digital initiatives are planned, including a mobile visa-on-arrival platform, biometric fast-track lanes, and AI-driven health declarations for public health monitoring.

Managing increasing tourist numbers

Thailand received over 28 million international visitors in 2024, and the TDAC rollout is seen as a critical step in managing increasing tourist numbers while maintaining safety and efficiency. Authorities encourage travelers to complete the TDAC form early, verify their data, and monitor official websites for updates or technical adjustments.

For more information or to access the TDAC form, visit:
www.immigration.go.th or www.tourismthailand.org