In January 2025, Thailand welcomed over 120,000 British tourists, accounting for more than 3% of the national visitors that month. The Thai Tourism Authority has now announced that from May 1st all non-Thai citizens will need a Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to enter the country.
Travel Republic, an online holiday provider, details what Brits need to know about this new requirement to ensure that their travel plans go smoothly.
What is a Thai digital arrival card?
On April 1, Thailand's Tourism Bureau revealed new entry requirements for travelers, either TDAC or Thai digital arrival cards. This is part of the Thai government's push for digitalising the immigration process, replacing the old paper-based TM6 forms that were discarded in 2022 and discarded to reduce airport congestion.
British tourists will need a valid passport for at least six months remaining, with 60 days of visa-free travel rules in place. However, there are rumors that this could be reduced to 30 days due to concerns about misuse of long-term stays, but an official start date has not been given yet.
When do I need a Thai TDAC?
Starting May 1, Brits entering Thailand will need to complete the TDAC requirements. This must be done 3 days before arrival. In other words, it will open on April 28th via the official TDAC website.
The good news is there is no additional cost to apply for TDAC. It is free for all non-Thai visitors.
What kind of personal information does TDAC need?
Travelers must submit data from the official TDAC site. The necessary information is shown below.
Please note that once you submit it, you cannot change certain personal information such as your full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
What you need for TDAC
Personal and passport information
Full name (as shown on your passport)
Passport number
Nationality/Citizenship
date of birth
sex
Please contact us at your email address
Travel information
Flight number
Arrival date
Port of entry to Thailand
The purpose of the visit (for example, tourism, business)
Accommodation details
Name of the hotel or residence
Full address
Contact number
Health declaration
Countries visited within the last 14 days of arrival
Symptoms experienced in the past 14 days (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat)
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (based on recent travel history if applicable)
How many advance do I need to apply for TDAC?
UK tourists planning a trip to Thailand must apply for a new Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at least three days prior to their trip, arriving on April 28th on May 1st, and then the application will be opened three days prior to the arrival date. The TDAC system works in tie time (+7 hours), so take into account the difference in time zone when applying.
Once you have sent your TDAC details, expect to receive either a confirmation email or a QR code fairly quickly. It is important to make this confirmation easily available in digital format or in printed form to display it along with your passport when you enroll in Thailand.
A travel republic spokesperson said, “The introduction of TDAC will be implemented to provide a smoother customer experience with migrants in Thailand, and the introduction of TDAC will be implemented to reduce documentary and congestion at the border. From May 1, UK visitors will need to ensure a confirmation of boundary control or a QR code three days before the TDAC's arrival date.
“It is important to note that TDAC verification must include the original documents needed to enter Thailand. For British people, they will include a valid passport of at least six months prior to their expiration date.
“If you are planning to travel to Thailand for other purposes, such as work or business, you will need a Destination Visa (DTV) that will cost £300 and allow you to stay up to 180 days per entry.
