Thailand will replace paper arrival cards with a new digital system starting May 1. This change aims to make travel easier and to improve how the country checks for transnational criminals. Thai immigration officials say the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) will be required for all international travelers arriving by air, sea, or land. Applications must be submitted online at least three days before arrival.
New Arrival Card Goes Fully Digital
The new TDAC system will begin accepting applications on April 28. It will apply to travelers arriving on or after May 1. This move marks the end of paper-based arrival cards for international visitors.
Travelers will need to visit the official TDAC website and complete the digital form. They can access the form from any device, at any time. This replaces the older system where arrival cards were handed out on planes or at airports.
Simple Process for Travelers
According to Police Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, head of Immigration Division 2 at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the new system is easy to use. He said travelers can fill in the form wherever they are, making the process much more convenient than before.
He also said that using a digital form speeds up the screening process. It cuts down waiting times and reduces the risk of errors.
Better Security with Biometric Checks
The TDAC will link directly with Thailand’s biometric immigration database. This means that every traveler’s data will be automatically matched with the criminal record system.
Police Maj Gen Choengron explained that this link helps identify people with criminal backgrounds more quickly and accurately. It also ensures that data about where each visitor is staying in Thailand is recorded right away in the central system.
Previously, this information had to be typed in manually. Now it will be sent automatically, which saves time and avoids mistakes.
A Step Toward Safer Borders
National Police Chief Gen Kittharath Punpetch said the change is a big step in the fight against international crime. He said the Immigration Bureau’s improved system will stop criminal groups from using Thailand as a base for illegal activities.
With better screening tools, officials can catch criminals trying to enter the country. This will help protect both locals and tourists.
Who Needs the TDAC?
All foreign travelers arriving in Thailand after May 1 will need to fill out the TDAC. This includes those coming by airplane, cruise ship, or through land borders.
People should apply for the card at least 72 hours before they plan to enter the country. The online system opens on April 28, 2025.
Officials suggest travelers apply early to avoid any problems when they arrive.
Benefits for Both Travelers and Officials
The new digital card not only helps police and immigration officers. It also benefits travelers by speeding up the entry process.
Immigration lines at airports are expected to move faster. Officers will have quick access to traveler information, making checks smoother.
It also means fewer delays due to missing or incomplete arrival cards.
How to Apply
To apply for the TDAC:
- Go to the official TDAC website.
- Fill out the online form with your travel and accommodation details.
- Submit the form at least 3 days before arrival.
- Save or print the confirmation to show at immigration if needed.
This system is designed to work on phones, tablets, and computers.
Security Measures and Data Protection
Thai immigration says personal data from the TDAC will be kept safe. It will only be used for border screening and crime prevention.
The system follows data privacy laws and is protected with high-level security tools.
Officials say they are committed to keeping travelers’ information secure.
More Countries Going Digital
Thailand is not the only country going digital with arrival forms. Other nations like Australia, Singapore, and Canada already use online entry cards.
Thailand’s move shows its efforts to modernize and become a more secure and tourist-friendly destination.
