A family trip to Thailand is everyone’s long-cherished dream. The beautiful Kingdom of Thailand has numerous attractions catering to various interests for all age groups. Thailand is a tourist haven, with lush green national parks, colourful monuments, picturesque beaches, and beach resorts.

However, due to recent civil unrest, Thailand’s entry rules have changed. Before travelling, it is always advisable to verify the most recent guidelines from official sources such as the Thai Embassy or the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Besides, it is ideal to have travel insurance for senior citizens if you’re travelling with elderly parents.

General travel information includes visa regulations, passport validity, and any health or vaccination requirements. Recently, a Thailand Digital Arrival Card has been introduced as an additional mandate.

This article will provide details about Thailand’s new entry regulations.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Mandatory for entering Thailand

The Thailand immigration authorities have announced that starting 1st May 2025, all foreign travellers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) electronically at least three days before their arrival.

However, exceptions are granted solely to the following travellers:

Those who transit or transfer through Thailand without going through immigration control, and
Those who enter the Kingdom of Thailand with a Border Pass.

Otherwise, all foreign passport holders, tourists, business travellers, and long-term residents must complete the TDAC.

What is a TDAC?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online form that replaces the traditional paper arrival card, thereby streamlining the entry process for travelers arriving in Thailand by land, air, or sea. This initiative aims to enhance security protocols, optimize immigration procedures, and support public health management, ultimately providing a smoother experience for international guests.

What are the rules for submitting the TDAC?

Here are the regulations for submitting the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

All passengers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
If a foreign national stays in the Kingdom of Thailand for more than 90 days, s/he must notify the nearest Immigration Officer in written regarding their place of stay as soon as possible after the initial 90 days. They are required to repeat this notification every 90 days.
Foreign nationals are not permitted to work without a valid Work Permit.
Tourists must submit their Thailand Digital Arrival Card information at least three days before they arrive in Thailand.

How to submit the TDAC online?

Here is the step-by-step process to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC):

Click on the “Arrival Card” button.
Enter your personal details, including passport information. You have the option to scan or upload an MRZ image to automatically retrieve data. Then, click “Continue”.
Enter your travel and accommodation details, and then click “Continue”.
Provide your health information as required by the Ministry of Public Health. If you have visited a country on the Ministry’s list within the past two weeks, or if your flight or nationality triggers additional requirements, the system will request more health details. Then, click the ‘Preview’ button.
Review your details carefully. If you find any inaccuracies, click the “Edit” button to make corrections.
Enter your email address to receive the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
Check the box to accept the Terms and Conditions, then click “Submit”.
Download your Thailand Digital Arrival Card from the email you receive.

It is recommended to keep a printed copy of the TDAC with you during your stay in Thailand.

Are there any specific Thailand travel insurance guidelines?

While travel insurance is not mandatory for travel to Thailand, it is highly recommended. A comprehensive Thailand travel insurance policy provides coverage for potential risks during your trip. While not a mandatory entry requirement, travel insurance is highly beneficial.

What should Thailand travel insurance cover?

Here are a few key aspects of coverage under a Thailand travel insurance that you must consider:

Medical costs: Travel insurance covers hospitalisation and medical treatments during your stay in Thailand, or other medical emergencies during your trip. Always consider coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation to your home country, if necessary.
Trip cancellation or interruption: Sometimes, you are compelled to cancel or curtail your trip short due to an unforeseen emergency, such as illness or a family emergency. Your travel insurance policy must cover the cost of the return flight in case of trip interruption.
Flight delays and missed connections: Travel insurance provides coverage for flight delays, missed connections,
Loss of baggage: In case of loss, theft, or damage to baggage, travel insurance covers the cost of your belongings, subject to proper furnishing of accurate purchase bills.
Personal liability: Your Thailand travel insurance must also cover you for expenses incurred in case you accidentally harm or injure another person or damage their property.

These are key coverage aspects you must consider while buying travel insurance for your Thailand trip.

Have a safe Thailand trip!

Now that you are familiar with the broad coverage aspects of travel insurance, it is time to buy travel insurance for your Thailand trip. It is ideal to go with comprehensive travel insurance that covers all medical and non-medical expenses during your trip. Never forget to thoroughly go through the policy documents and cross-check Thailand’s travel insurance requirements.

Press “Read more” on the Level-1 advisory.