Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for Indian Travellers

What is TDAC?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online arrival form introduced by Thai immigration to replace manual paperwork. It records personal details, passport data, travel dates, and accommodation information before arrival. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is not a visa and does not grant stay permission. It simply allows immigration officers to verify entry details faster.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card connects directly to immigration systems. Once submitted, the details are visible to officers at the counter. That is why accuracy matters. A small mismatch in passport number or arrival date can slow things down, especially during busy landing hours.

This system applies regardless of whether a traveller enters on a Thai visa or under visa free rules. It works alongside the Thailand Visa process, not instead of it.

3 Simple Steps to Register for TDAC

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card registration follows a clear flow and usually takes only a few minutes when documents are ready.

First, passport details are entered exactly as printed. Even spacing matters here. Second, travel details like flight number and arrival date are added. Third, accommodation details are declared, usually a booking confirmation in best hotels in Bangkok or residential address.

Here’s what really happens at the counter. Officers scan the passport, pull up the Thailand Digital Arrival Card record, and cross check flight details. When everything matches, entry moves quickly. When something doesn’t, that’s where waiting starts.

Benefits of TDAC

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card reduces paperwork, shortens queues, and limits repetitive questioning at immigration. Travellers who complete it correctly often clear immigration faster than those who rush through it at the last minute.

Another benefit is predictability. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card allows immigration officers to prepare for arrivals in advance, which improves crowd handling during peak travel months. It also reduces the need to fill forms on arrival after a long flight.

For families and older travellers, this system removes stress. Done once, stored digitally, and checked instantly.

Who Needs to Register?

Every foreign traveller entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. This includes Indian passport holders, children, senior citizens, and travellers entering under visa free arrangements.

Even those holding a Thailand tourist visa from India must register separately. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is independent of Thailand visa types. Skipping registration leads to delays, not denial, but delays feel long after a red eye flight.

This requirement forms part of Thailand entry requirements and is enforced consistently at major airports.

Documents Required for TDAC

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card does not require heavy documentation. A valid passport is essential. Flight details and accommodation information must be available while filling the form.

A photo upload is sometimes requested depending on travel profile. The photo must be recent, clear, and taken against a plain background. Avoid shadows and cropped images. Photos that resemble passport style images work best.

Unlike a Thai visa application, financial proof is not required for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, but immigration officers may still ask for proof of funds separately.

How to Apply for TDAC

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is submitted online before travel. It should be completed after flights and hotels are confirmed. Doing it too early leads to date mismatches, actually — that’s less true for fixed itineraries.

It’s easiest to apply through Akbar Travels, they handle the whole process smoothly and ensure details align with travel bookings. Many travellers already booking cheap flights to Bangkok prefer completing arrival formalities together through akbartravels.com to avoid last minute errors.

For those combining visas and holidays, assistance platforms help align the Thailand Digital Arrival Card with Thailand E Visa records when applicable.

Fees, Duration & Validity for Indians

There is no charge to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. It is free of cost and mandatory. Any payment request linked to TDAC should be treated with caution.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is valid only for the declared entry. It does not cover multiple visits. Each arrival requires a fresh submission.

Processing time is usually instant. Confirmation appears immediately after submission. Still, saving a copy or screenshot helps when internet access is slow at arrival halls.

TDAC Requirement for Indian Passport Holders

Indian passport holders do not require a visa for short tourist visits to Thailand, but the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is compulsory. This rule applies regardless of trip duration within permitted limits.

Those applying for a Thailand visa for Indians or holding a Thai visa must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. The two systems work together. One controls permission to stay, the other controls entry flow.

This requirement is separate from Thailand visa requirements for Indians and should not be confused with visa approvals.