Thailand's nightlife, healing spa hotels, charming beaches and addictive chill have long been a fantasy list for travelers around the world. Especially since the second season of “White Lotus Hotel” was aired, Thailand's popularity has heated up again. If you also plan to visit this Southeast Asian tourist hotspot in 2025, you have to first understand: Thailand's entry policy has officially changed.
Starting from May 2025, Thailand's new entry regulations
Starting from May 1, 2025, all foreign tourists (including sightseeing, business, and long-term residence) must fill in the “Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Thai Digital Entry Card” online within 72 hours before departure. This provision applies to all non-Thai persons entering by air, land and sea.
The U.S. Embassy in Thailand has also issued a travel reminder in April, emphasizing that this measure is mandatory and only two cases can be exempted:
- Those who only transfer through Thailand and do not enter the country;
- Entry using a Border Pass.
How to apply for TDAC online
You can complete the TDAC online application through the official website of the Thai Immigration Bureau (https://tdac.immigration.go.th/manual/en/index.html). The entire process takes about 10 minutes to complete, and it is simple and clear:
You need to prepare the following information:
- Valid passport information
- Personal basic information (nationality, date of birth, etc.)
- Itinerary plan and accommodation address
- Travel records and health statements in the past 14 days
Thoughtful reminder: There is no charge for filling in TDAC at present. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation letter containing QR Code. You must present it when entering the country.
Why does Thailand use electronic entry cards instead?
The Thai government said the measure aims to strengthen border security, improve entry efficiency, and strengthen public health control. TDAC will also officially replace the traditional paper TM6 entry card, and no longer need to fill out forms on the plane, but passengers must complete it within 72 hours before departure.
“Travel Tax” and ETA system delayed on the road
In addition, you may have heard of two measures originally expected to be implemented in Thailand, including a “one-time 300 baht sightseeing tax (about NT$270)” and a “electronic travel authorization (ETA) system”. However, according to Thai law firm Siam Legal International, these two policies have been determined to be postponed, and the current focus will be on the full implementation of the TDAC system first.
Small reminder
- Please set an alarm before departure reminder: Complete the TDAC application within 72 hours
- Print and backup the QR Code in the confirmation letter, or store it in the mobile phone album
- Each person has a table, and the whole family also needs to apply for their own travel
Global travel trends! Digital borders become the new normal
The electronic entry card is quietly rewriting the travel mode. Thailand's TDAC's launch is actually just part of the wave of digitalization of global borders.
