What Documents Do You Need for the TDAC?
The Thailand TDAC requirements are straightforward – you need a valid passport, your flight details, and your accommodation address in Thailand. No physical documents are uploaded; you enter all information online at the official portal.
Here is the complete document checklist for your TDAC application:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond your arrival date
- Confirmed flight booking or transport details (flight number, arrival date)
- Accommodation address in Thailand (hotel name and street address)
- Contact information – a working email address and/or phone number
The TDAC is completely free of charge. You only need to submit your application at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival. After submission, you will receive a QR code confirmation by email – save this to your phone or print it for immigration.
Who Must Complete the TDAC?
Every non-Thai national entering Thailand must complete the TDAC, regardless of age, nationality, or purpose of visit. This applies to all entry methods – by air, land, or sea.
Who must complete the TDAC:
– Tourists and vacationers
– Business travelers
– Long-term residents with work or retirement visas
– Students with education visas
– Children and infants (each needs a separate TDAC)
Who does NOT need a TDAC:
– Transit passengers who remain in the international airside area and do not clear Thai immigration
– Border Pass holders entering from neighboring countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia) using the Border Pass system
If you clear immigration for any reason – even to catch a connecting flight in a different terminal – you must have a completed TDAC.
Personal Information Required for the TDAC
The TDAC form requires specific personal details that must match your passport exactly. Every field is mandatory – you cannot skip any section.
| Field | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | As printed on passport | Include middle names if on passport |
| Date of birth | DD/MM/YYYY format | Must match passport |
| Nationality | Country of citizenship | Based on passport |
| Gender | Male / Female | As on passport |
| Passport number | Alphanumeric | Double-check every character |
| Passport expiry date | DD/MM/YYYY | Must be 6+ months from arrival |
| Contact email | Valid email address | Confirmation sent here |
| Contact phone | With country code | For emergency contact |
Critical: Your name on the TDAC must match your passport letter for letter. If your passport shows “Michael James Smith,” entering “Mike Smith” will cause rejection.
Travel Information Required for the TDAC
The TDAC links your declaration to a specific arrival, so you must provide accurate travel details. This information helps Thai immigration process your entry efficiently.
- Flight number (or vessel/vehicle number for land/sea entry)
- Arrival date – the date you will enter Thailand
- Port of entry – the airport, border crossing, or seaport you will arrive at
- Purpose of visit – tourism, business, transit, education, or other
If you are arriving by land from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, or Malaysia, provide the border checkpoint name instead of a flight number. For sea arrivals (cruise ships, ferries), provide the vessel name or booking reference.
Accommodation Requirements for the TDAC
You must provide the name and address of your first-night accommodation in Thailand. This is a mandatory field on the TDAC form.
- Enter the hotel, resort, or guesthouse name exactly as it appears on your booking
- Include the full street address with district and province
- If staying at multiple locations, use only the address where you will spend your first night
- If staying with friends or family, enter their residential address
You do not need to upload booking confirmations or proof of reservation. The address is entered as text only.
TDAC Requirements by Nationality
The TDAC requirements are identical for all nationalities – everyone fills out the same form with the same fields. However, your nationality determines whether you also need a separate visa in addition to the TDAC.
| Nationality | TDAC Required? | Also Need a Visa? | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| US citizens | Yes | No (visa exemption) | Up to 60 days |
| UK citizens | Yes | No (visa exemption) | Up to 60 days |
| Indian citizens | Yes | Yes (tourist visa) | 30-60 days |
| Chinese citizens | Yes | VOA or visa | 15-60 days |
| German citizens | Yes | No (visa exemption) | Up to 60 days |
| Australian citizens | Yes | No (visa exemption) | Up to 60 days |
The TDAC does not replace a visa. If your nationality requires a visa, you need both the visa and the TDAC. If you are visa-exempt, you only need the TDAC and your passport.
TDAC Requirements by Visa Type
Regardless of what visa or entry permission you hold, the TDAC is always required. The form adjusts slightly based on your purpose of visit.
| Visa Type | TDAC Required? | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Yes | Standard tourism purpose |
| Business Visa | Yes | Include business contact in accommodation field |
| Work Visa | Yes | Include employer address if known |
| Student Visa | Yes | Include educational institution address |
| Transit Visa | Yes, if clearing immigration | Airside transit exempt |
| Visa on Arrival | Yes | Complete TDAC before reaching VOA counter |
| Visa Exemption | Yes | Even visa-exempt nationals must complete TDAC |
| e-Visa | Yes | TDAC is separate from e-Visa application |
| Retirement Visa | Yes | Long-term residents must submit TDAC each entry |
| Elite Visa | Yes | TDAC required for every entry into Thailand |
The TDAC is a mandatory arrival declaration that supplements – never replaces – your visa or entry permission.
Special Requirements for Children and Minors
Every non-Thai national, including infants and children, must have an individual TDAC. There are no age exemptions.
Key points for family travel:
– Each child needs their own separate TDAC submission
– Parents or guardians complete the TDAC using the child’s passport details
– The child’s full name, passport number, and date of birth are required
– Use the parent’s contact email and phone for the child’s TDAC
– The child’s accommodation should match the family’s hotel address
If you are traveling with three children, you will need to submit four separate TDAC applications – one for yourself and one for each child.
What You Do NOT Need for the TDAC
The TDAC is a form-only submission. You do not need to upload or present any of the following as part of the TDAC application itself:
- No visa – the TDAC is separate from visa requirements
- No travel insurance – not required for TDAC (but recommended for your trip)
- No proof of funds – not part of the TDAC (may be checked at immigration)
- No passport photos – the TDAC is text-based, no photo upload
- No document uploads – all information is typed into the form
- No payment – the official TDAC is completely free
Scam warning: If any website asks you to pay for the TDAC, it is not the official portal. The only legitimate TDAC website is tdac.immigration.go.th. Third-party sites charging $15-$50 for TDAC processing provide no additional value and collect your personal data unnecessarily.
Common TDAC Requirement Mistakes to Avoid
Most TDAC rejections are caused by simple data entry errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:
- Wrong passport number – Double-check every digit and letter before submitting. A single wrong character causes rejection.
- Name mismatch – Enter your name exactly as shown on your passport, including middle names and suffixes.
- Expired passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Check before applying.
- Wrong arrival date – The TDAC must be submitted within 72 hours of your actual arrival date. Applying too early or too late causes issues.
- Duplicate submissions – Submitting multiple TDAC forms for the same trip creates conflicts. Submit once per entry.
- Incorrect accommodation – Enter a real hotel name and address. Fake or incomplete addresses may delay processing.
If your TDAC is rejected, correct the error and submit a new application. There is no limit on resubmissions.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How early can I submit my TDAC application?
You can submit your TDAC starting 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival date. The system does not accept applications earlier than this window. Plan to complete your TDAC at least 2-3 days before your flight to allow time for any corrections.
Does the TDAC cost anything?
No. The official TDAC is completely free. The Thai government does not charge any fee. If a website asks you to pay for the TDAC, it is not the official portal. Always apply at tdac.immigration.go.th.
What is the official TDAC website?
The official TDAC website is tdac.immigration.go.th. This is the only government-approved portal for submitting your Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Be cautious of unofficial sites that mimic the official portal and charge fees.
Can I edit my TDAC after submission?
No. The TDAC system does not allow editing of previously submitted forms. If you need to correct information, submit a new application. Make sure to double-check your passport number and arrival date before clicking submit.
Do I need to print my TDAC confirmation?
Printing is recommended but not strictly required. Most travelers save the QR code to their phone. Immigration officers may ask to see your TDAC confirmation at the port of entry, so having a digital or printed copy ensures smooth processing.
Do transit passengers need a TDAC?
Transit passengers who remain in the international transit area and do not clear Thai immigration do not need a TDAC. However, if you leave the airport or clear immigration for any reason, you must complete the TDAC before arrival.
What happens if I arrive without a TDAC?
Arriving without a completed TDAC may result in delays at immigration. Some airports have kiosks where you can complete the TDAC on arrival, but this is not guaranteed. To avoid complications, always submit your TDAC online before traveling.
How long is the TDAC valid?
The TDAC is valid for a single entry into Thailand. If you leave and plan to return, you must submit a new TDAC application for each entry. The TDAC does not have an expiration date beyond your specific arrival date.
Last updated: July 2026. Information sourced from the Thai Immigration Bureau (tdac.immigration.go.th) and the U.S. Embassy in Thailand. Always verify current requirements before traveling, as policies may change.
