Many UAE residents have often thought of visiting Thailand, the Land of Smiles. Thailand recently launched the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). It is an online application that all visitors must complete, which goes into effect on 1 May 2025. According to the new travel regulations, all foreign visitors must fill out this form. When you land, immigration officials will check your digital card, which has replaced the previous physical arrival card.
Read on to know more about the Thailand digital card.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The original paper arrival card that tourists had to fill out before to entering Thailand has been replaced by an electronic version known as the Thailand digital arrival card (tdac). It includes important information including personal information, the reason for the trip, the duration of the stay, and specifics about the accommodations. The immigration process is now more efficient because tourists can now complete the form digitally before their journey rather than manually when they arrive. This technology intends to improve border control and visitor tracking capabilities. This system will help reduce paperwork and queues at immigration counters.
Why is the Recently Introduced TDAC Necessary?
The immigration and tourism officials in Thailand have been working for a number of years to update their entry systems. The TDAC Thailand digital arrival card is part of a long-term strategy to integrate technology into border management. By switching to a digital platform from a paper-based system, the government can,
a) Speed up the immigration clearance process.
b) Cut down on human mistakes in passenger information.
c) Make sure that more precise data is gathered for travel planning.
d) Pre-screening travelers can improve national security.
Who Requires the TDAC?
The majority of foreign visitors to Thailand, including citizens of the United Arab Emirates, are required to finish the TDAC Thailand before their arrival. This holds true for both business and leisure travelers, whether they are traveling under a visa-exemption program or need a visa. Only individuals traveling with a Border Pass or without an immigration clearance are exempt. To prevent needless delays, it is always wiser to fill out the form, even if you think you could be excluded.
How to Apply Online for the Digital Arrival Card for Thailand
Completing the Thailand arrival card online is an easy process.
a) Go to the TDAC official website.
b) Give your flight information, passport information, and Thailand lodging address.
c) Indicate why you are traveling, such as for work, pleasure, or another reason.
d) Submit in the form.
e) You will receive a QR code or confirmation code after completing the form.
f) Take the Confirmation printout.
g) Present this to immigration officials when you get there.
Thailand Travel Requirements
As a resident of the United Arab Emirates, you must be aware of these Thailand travel requirements if you are planning a trip there.
a) The TDAC must be finished 72 hours prior to your trip to Thailand.
b) All travelers, even those from countries that do not require a visa, must have it.
c) Individual or group submissions of the TDAC are required.
d) This electronic confirmation slip needs to be presented when you arrive.
e) Give your passport and personal information.
f) Provide your Date of arrival, flight information, and mode of entry.
g) Your address of your accommodation in Thailand.
h) Declaration of health.
i) Recent history of travel.
Visa Requirements for UAE Travelers
Those who are eligible to enter Thailand without a visa, such as UAE passport holders who are citizens of the UAE, must nevertheless finish the TDAC before they can enter. You might want to apply for the 30 Days Single Entry Thailand Visa if you intend to stay longer than the visa-free period permits. You will still need to do the TDAC prior to arrival, even if you get this visa.
Benefits of TDAC for UAE Travelers
For visitors arriving from the United Arab Emirates, the TDAC offers these benefits.
a) A quicker immigration clearance is provided by the Thailand digital card for visitors.
b) It saves time. The procedure can be finished whenever it is convenient for you.
c) Less paper waste and encouragement of eco-friendly travel programs.
d) Increased Precision. There are fewer handwriting errors.
e) Authorities are able to plan for the volume of arriving tourists, particularly during festivals and well-attended events.
Common Errors to Avoid When Completing TDAC
Even though the system is easy to use, some visitors still make mistakes that cause their access to be delayed.
a) You must verify your passport number before submitting the form.
b) Verify that your arrival date and flight number are accurate.
c) Immigration requires a complete address, not simply the name of the hotel.
d) Steer clear of unofficial websites that might impose needless expenses.
Arrival Experience and TDAC
Upon reaching an airport in Thailand, passengers who have finished their TDAC can proceed to the appropriate immigration desks by following the signs. Compared to others filling out paper cards, you will typically be processed faster if you provide your passport and QR code. This is especially useful during periods of high travel demand, when lines at immigration can get very long.
Tips for UAE Travelers
The following instructions must be followed if you are a traveler from the United Arab Emirates who intends to visit Thailand.
a) Before you take off, you have to submit your TDAC Farm online.
b) At Thai Immigration, you have to present the digital card.
c) If your travel to the Thailand-Cambodia border in the area is unnecessary, you should think twice about it.
d) Avoid congested places.
e) Throughout your visit, keep an eye out for embassy advisories.
f) Keep a paper and digital copy of your TDAC confirmation with you at all times.
g) Keep in mind that regulations can change. You must check the entry requirements in Thailand regularly.
h) Make sure you finish the TDAC for your actual port of entry into Thailand if you have connecting flights.
i) Stay away from non-essential travel in provinces including Si Saket, Surin, Buriram, Ubon Ratchathani, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, and Trat that are within 50 kilometers of the border.
Final Thoughts
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is not a visa, so keep that in mind. You need to apply for a Thailand Visa from Dubai before traveling to the country. You can guarantee a stress-free and exciting start to your Thailand trip by being aware of how the TDAC operates and completing it before leaving. Residents of the UAE can expect a more efficient arrival procedure, less time spent in line, and a more pleasurable beginning to their vacation or business trip.
FAQs
1) When is the best time to finish the TDAC before leaving?
Completing your TDAC at least 72 hours prior to your trip to Thailand is advised. This guarantees that you will have enough time to correct any mistakes or address technical problems.
2) What will happen if I forget to fill out the TDAC before arriving in Thailand?
There may still be kiosks at the airport where you can complete your TDAC if you forgot to do so before you arrived. This could take longer, though, particularly if there is a line for the machines. It’s best to do it prior to your vacation to reduce stress.
3) Is the TDAC available in multiple languages?
To cater to foreign visitors, the TDAC is available in a number of languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese.
4) What information must I provide for the TDAC?
You will need to provide passport details, airline information, the reason for your trip, and the address where you will be staying in Thailand. To prevent delays, make sure all the information is correct.
5) Do I have to pay a fee to complete the TDAC?
There is no cost associated with completing the TDAC. However, to stay away from third-party websites that can demand additional costs, always utilize the official Thai government website.