Starting from May 1, 2025, a significant change is being implemented for all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TADC) will become a mandatory requirement for entry into the Kingdom, whether travelers are arriving by air, land, or sea. This new regulation aims to streamline and modernize the entry process for international visitors, improving security, facilitating smoother customs procedures, and making Thailand a more efficient and welcoming destination.
In this comprehensive update, we’ll explore the details surrounding the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TADC), why it’s being introduced, how it will affect travelers, and what steps you’ll need to take to comply with the new regulations.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TADC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TADC) is an online system designed to collect essential information from travelers before they enter the country. The digital form will replace the traditional paper-based arrival card that many travelers currently complete upon arrival in Thailand.
The TADC will gather information such as:
- Personal identification details (name, passport number, nationality, etc.)
- Travel details (flight number, arrival date, port of entry, etc.)
- Health and travel history (including any recent symptoms or exposure to infectious diseases)
- Contact details during the stay in Thailand (hotel address, etc.)
- Immigration and visa status (if applicable)
Travelers will be required to complete the digital form prior to their arrival in Thailand and submit it online through a designated government website or app.
Why is the TADC Being Introduced?
There are several key reasons why the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TADC) is being introduced:
- Improved Efficiency and Streamlining: The TADC aims to simplify the entry process at Thai airports, seaports, and land border crossings. By submitting the necessary details digitally before arrival, the overall check-in and immigration clearance process is expected to be faster and more efficient.
- Enhanced Public Health and Safety: By collecting essential health-related data ahead of time, the TADC helps Thailand manage public health risks more effectively. It can flag potential health concerns, enabling Thai authorities to take appropriate measures and minimize the spread of infectious diseases. This became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic and is being continued for future health safety.
- Security and Data Accuracy: The digital system provides an opportunity for improved data accuracy compared to the traditional paper forms, which can be prone to errors. Additionally, digital data entry allows Thai authorities to more easily verify and process information, leading to more accurate security checks and border control.
- Environmental Considerations: The move to an online system also supports sustainability efforts by eliminating the need for paper forms, which contribute to waste. This digital transition is part of Thailand’s broader commitment to improving environmental practices.
- Ease of Use for Travelers: The online TADC form is designed to be user-friendly and accessible for travelers from all around the world. It can be completed ahead of time and submitted online, reducing the stress of filling out paperwork upon arrival.
Who Will Be Affected by the TADC Requirement?
The TADC will be mandatory for all non-Thai nationals who are entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. This includes tourists, business travelers, expatriates, and anyone else who is not a Thai citizen or permanent resident.
- Air Travelers: Passengers arriving at any international airport in Thailand, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, and others, will need to complete the TADC online before departure.
- Land Travelers: Individuals entering Thailand from neighboring countries, such as Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Malaysia, via land border crossings will also need to complete the TADC form. This includes travelers entering through major crossings like the Thai-Malaysian border at Hat Yai or the Thai-Cambodian border at Aranyaprathet.
- Sea Travelers: Those arriving by sea, whether on cruises, private boats, or ferries, will also be required to submit the TADC online before entering Thailand.
How to Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TADC)
Completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TADC) is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip to Thailand:
1. Access the TADC Portal
The TADC form can be accessed via the official Thailand Immigration website or a designated mobile app. Look out for official communication from the Thai government regarding the launch of the TADC portal to ensure you are using the correct and secure website or app.
2. Create an Account (If Required)
Some travelers may need to create an account in order to access the TADC form. This is a simple process that usually requires providing basic information, such as your name, nationality, and passport details.
3. Fill Out the Digital Arrival Card
The TADC form will ask for several key pieces of information, including:
- Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and country of issuance.
- Travel Information: Flight number, port of entry (e.g., airport, land border, or seaport), and arrival date.
- Health and Contact Information: Details on your current health status, recent travel history, and emergency contact information during your stay.
- Immigration Status: Your visa status (tourist, business, etc.) or information about any other relevant immigration documents.
4. Submit the Form
Once you have filled out the form, you will submit it digitally. The system will check for any errors or missing information and prompt you to correct them if necessary.
5. Receive the Confirmation
After submission, you will receive a confirmation of your TADC approval. This confirmation will likely be sent to your registered email address, and you may be required to show it at the airport or border checkpoint upon arrival.
6. Present Confirmation on Arrival
When you arrive in Thailand, you will be asked to present the TADC confirmation, either digitally (on your phone or tablet) or in print, depending on the specific requirements at your port of entry.
Key Benefits of the TADC
The introduction of the TADC system brings several advantages for both travelers and the Thai government:
For Travelers:
- Faster Processing at Entry Points: By submitting information ahead of time, you will bypass the need to fill out paper forms upon arrival, saving valuable time at immigration checkpoints.
- Convenience and Efficiency: The online system can be completed from anywhere with an internet connection, meaning you can fill out your TADC form well before your trip.
- Reduced Risk of Errors: The digital form reduces the chances of mistakes that can occur with handwritten paper forms, leading to smoother and more accurate processing.
For Thailand:
- Enhanced Security and Data Accuracy: The digital system ensures better record-keeping and the ability to flag issues before travelers reach the country, helping Thai authorities maintain tighter control over border security.
- Better Health Monitoring: Having health information submitted in advance helps authorities detect and manage any potential health risks, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
- Improved Sustainability: Eliminating paper forms aligns with Thailand’s sustainability efforts, helping reduce waste and its carbon footprint.
What Happens If You Don’t Complete the TADC?
Failure to complete the TADC prior to your arrival in Thailand may result in delays at immigration, denial of entry, or other complications. Thai immigration authorities may not allow entry without the required TADC confirmation, as it is an essential document for processing and verifying your arrival information.
It is therefore crucial to ensure that you complete the TADC in advance of your trip and carry the confirmation with you when you travel.
Conclusion
As of May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea will need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TADC) online before arrival. This new requirement is part of Thailand’s efforts to improve efficiency, enhance security, and safeguard public health. By completing the TADC ahead of time, travelers will experience a smoother and faster entry process, and Thailand will be better equipped to manage immigration, security, and health risks.
To ensure a seamless trip, be sure to familiarize yourself with the TADC process, complete the form before your departure, and have the confirmation ready for presentation upon arrival in Thailand. Safe travels!