If Thailand is on your travel list for 2025 or beyond, take note of an important update to its entry process. A new digital system is replacing the previously proposed Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), changing how visitors from visa-free countries prepare to enter the country.
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ETA Proposal Officially Cancelled
Thailand had initially planned to launch an ETA system starting 1 December 2024 for visa-exempt travelers. It was designed to tighten immigration control, streamline border processing, and align with global digital entry standards. However, after delays and policy reviews, the ETA has been dropped.
In its place, Thailand introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on 25 July 2025.
Why the Change Was Made
The ETA was delayed in part due to a proposed THB 300 tourism fee, which would have required travelers to pay online before arrival. Since this policy still awaits Cabinet approval, authorities decided to simplify the system by consolidating both processes under the new TDAC format.
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The TDAC is a pre-arrival registration requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries. It aims to enhance immigration screening and simplify entry procedures. Though not a visa, the TDAC functions as a digital entry authorization.
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Who Needs to Register for the TDAC?
Citizens from 93 visa-exempt countries will be required to register for the TDAC before each trip. Some regional neighbors—such as Laos, Malaysia, and Cambodia—may be exempt. Long-term visa holders, diplomatic passport holders, and those entering on specific consular visas might also be excluded, although this is not guaranteed.
How Long Is the TDAC Valid?
Each TDAC grants a single entry into Thailand for up to 60 days, with an option to extend the stay by an additional 30 days.
How to Apply for the TDAC
Applications must be submitted online through Thailand’s integrated visa and immigration portal. The full system is expected to be operational by mid-2025.
Steps include:
- Filling out the online TDAC application
- Uploading travel documents
- Waiting for confirmation
- Printing or downloading the approved digital card for border checks
Is There a Fee?
The TDAC is currently free of charge. However, if the THB 300 tourism fee is approved by the government, the two processes may be integrated into a single digital transaction.
Important Reminders
- Approval for a TDAC does not guarantee entry; Thai immigration officers will still have the final say at the border
- Be sure to apply before each visit, as the TDAC is required even for short-term tourism
- Stay updated on Thai government websites for changes regarding the tourist tax or exemptions
What This Means for Travelers
Whether you’re planning a short vacation or a business trip, you can no longer expect to arrive in Thailand without completing an entry form—even if your nationality does not require a visa. The TDAC adds a layer of digital security while expediting immigration procedures for genuine travelers.
Part of a Broader Tourism Strategy
Thailand has been expanding its visa-free access policies to boost tourism, and the TDAC is part of a larger effort to modernize its border security while maintaining openness. In July 2024, visa-free access was expanded to more countries. Now, with the TDAC, the government aims to manage that flow responsibly.
