TDAC Is Required for All Foreign Nationals
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card requirement applies universally to all non-Thai passport holders. There are no nationality exemptions – a traveler from the United States has the same TDAC requirement as a traveler from India, Australia, or any EU country.
- All tourists (all nationalities, all entry modes)
- All business travelers entering Thailand
- All long-stay visa holders (retirement, education, work permit)
- Travelers entering on visa on arrival
- Travelers entering visa-exempt (30-day and 60-day)
- Returning residents with non-expired long-stay visas
- Travelers entering by land border
- Travelers arriving by sea or ferry
TDAC If You Already Have a Thai Visa
Having a valid Thai visa does not exempt you from TDAC. The two requirements are completely separate:
Thai Visa
- Authorization to enter Thailand
- Issued by Thai Embassy or consulate
- Or granted visa-exempt / on arrival
- Controls how long you can stay
TDAC
- Pre-arrival registration form
- Completed online at tdac.immigration.go.th
- Required in addition to any visa
- Not a visa application
Even if you hold a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa, an LTR Visa, or a Non-Immigrant Visa, you still need to complete TDAC each time you enter Thailand.
Who Is Exempt from TDAC?
| Category | TDAC Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thai nationals (citizens) | Exempt | Only Thai passport holders are fully exempt |
| Diplomatic passport holders | Case by case | Verify with Thai Embassy before travel |
| Aircraft crew on duty | Likely exempt | Confirm with airline; duty-only exemption |
| Vessel crew on duty | Likely exempt | Confirm with shipping company |
| Transit without clearing immigration | May be exempt | Only if not clearing Thai immigration |
| All other foreign nationals | Required | No nationality exceptions |
What About Transit Passengers?
Transit requirements depend on whether you clear Thai immigration:
- Airside transit (no immigration clearance) – Typically does not require TDAC. You remain in the international terminal without entering Thailand.
- Landside transit (clearing immigration) – TDAC is required, even for short stays. This applies if you leave the international zone of the airport.
- Transit visa holders passing through Thailand – TDAC required at immigration.
If you are unsure whether your transit involves clearing immigration, contact your airline or check with the Thai Immigration Bureau before travel.
Do Airlines Check TDAC at Check-In?
Yes, and this is increasingly common. Airlines serving routes to Thailand have been instructed to verify TDAC compliance at the departure check-in counter. The process mirrors how airlines check visa requirements.
If you cannot present a TDAC QR code at check-in:
- You may be required to complete TDAC at the counter before receiving your boarding pass
- This can cause delays and stress at the airport
- In rare cases, boarding may be denied
TDAC for Groups and Families
Each traveler must submit their own individual TDAC. There is no group submission option.
- Each adult family member: separate TDAC required
- Children with their own passport: separate TDAC required per child
- Children on parent's passport (where applicable): one TDAC for the primary passport holder covers included children – verify with Thai Immigration
- Tour groups: each individual member submits own TDAC
You can complete TDAC for any family member using your own device – simply enter their passport information and travel details in separate submissions.
TDAC for Multiple Entry Visa Holders
If you hold a multiple-entry visa or make frequent trips to Thailand, you must submit a new TDAC for each entry. The TDAC is tied to a specific arrival date – it does not carry over between trips.
Yes. UK citizens are not exempt from TDAC. All British passport holders must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before entering Thailand, whether arriving by air, land, or sea.
Yes. American citizens must complete TDAC. The US Embassy in Thailand specifically advises travelers to register for the TDAC before arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th.
Yes. Despite entering Thailand visa-exempt, all EU (and EEA) citizens must complete the TDAC. Visa exemption and TDAC are separate requirements.
Possible outcomes include: airline denying boarding, immigration delays on arrival, or in serious cases, entry denial. The Thai Immigration Bureau considers TDAC mandatory. Always complete it before travel.