How to complete the TDAC, step by step
A neutral walkthrough of the standard process for submitting the Thailand Digital Arrival Card on the official government platform.
1. Confirm that you need to submit a TDAC
Most foreign nationals travelling to Thailand are required to submit a TDAC, regardless of whether they use a visa, a visa on arrival or a visa exemption. A small number of categories are exempt — see the article on TDAC exemptions for the details.
2. Gather the information you will need
Before opening the form, have the following ready:
- Your passport, with details exactly as printed.
- Your inbound flight, vessel or land border crossing details.
- The full address of your first night's accommodation in Thailand.
- An email address to receive the confirmation.
For a longer checklist, see the information and documents you need.
3. Open the official government website
The TDAC is submitted directly on the official platform operated by the Thai Immigration Bureau. It is free of charge. Avoid third-party websites that present themselves as official.
4. Submit within the official window
Submissions open a few days before arrival. Submitting too early is not possible and submitting at the last minute increases the risk of technical issues. A day or two before travel is a reasonable target.
5. Fill in the form carefully
Match every field to your passport and booking documents. Pay special attention to spelling of names, passport number, arrival date in Thai local time and the address of your first accommodation.
6. Review the summary and submit
Read the summary screen before submitting. Once submitted, save the confirmation as a screenshot or printed copy. Keep it accessible offline in case mobile data is slow on arrival.
7. Present the confirmation at the border
At the immigration desk, present your passport, any visa or visa-related document and the TDAC confirmation. The officer will verify the submission and proceed with the standard checks.
If something goes wrong
If you discover an error after submitting, see what to do if you made a mistake on your TDAC. For frequent issues to anticipate, see common mistakes and problems with the TDAC.