If you’re planning a trip to Thailand soon, then please spare a few minutes for this post because we are currently in the midst of some big changes when it comes to immigration and arrival formalities. 

Basically Thailand is rolling out a brand new Digital Arrival Card system that all non-Thai citizens must complete before entering the kingdom. 

The button bellow will take you to the official Thai immigration website to complete your arrival card.

Im sure we have all experienced filling out arrival cards when travelling abroad, your flight is about to land and the air-hostess’ begin walking down the aisle handing out paper arrival cards that everyone visiting the country must complete. It is at this point that you realise you don’t have a pen, fortunately the friendly couple you are sat next to are more prepared and hand you a biro after they have completed there cards. Now as the plane descends you quickly scribble down your personal information resting on the flimsy fold down tray table. 

The good news is that that whole fiasco is a thing of the past when it comes to travelling to Thailand. Instead you will be required to fill in an online digital arrival card.

As of May 1st 2025 anyone entering Thailand by air land or sea must have filled out the digital arrival card before being allowed past immigration or passport control. 

So, lets go over everything we know about the new system so we don’t get caught out on arrival. 

Let’s start with the basics. In the past, when you entered Thailand, you had to fill out a paper arrival card. It was that blue and white card that they handed out on the plane towards the end of the flight. You had to fill in your personal details and travel plans. Then once at passport control you would hand it over along with your passport to the immigration officer, who would keep one half and return the other half to you. The form asked you for information such as:

• Your Full name
• Passport number
• Flight details
• Where you’re staying
• How long you plan to stay
• Purpose of your visit (tourism, work, etc.)

It’s basically a way for the airlines and government officials to keep track of who is entering the country, for what purpose they are visiting, and for how long. The information is used for security measures but is also very valuable information to have for countries with large tourism industries.

In Thailand the paper arrival cards have been gone for a while, in fact they where phased out before my most recent entry. However soon they will be back in a digital form as Thailand is moving to a completely digital system. That means instead of filling out a paper form on the plane or at immigration, you’ll now submit your arrival information online perhaps even before you travel.

So, why the change? Well, it’s all about speed, security, and convenience. A digital system has a few advantages over the paper system such as: 

• Faster at the airport: Can speed things up at the airport as passengers don’t waste time filling out a paper forms on the plane or in the arrivals halls.

• Fewer mistakes: Online systems often check for errors automatically (like missing passport numbers and spellings).

• Environmentally friendly: No paper = less waste.

• Helps immigration officers: They get your information digitally ahead of time, so they can process you faster. (Also you can imagine it streamlines things on there side as they were probably having to input the information from the paper arrival cards into a database)

• Convenient: You can fill it out calmly from your phone, laptop, or even before you leave for your trip. (That being said make sure you have a data package and some battery in your phone if you plane to do it upon arrival). • Helps with tracking and safety: Governments officials can quickly organise traveler information in case of emergencies (like health alerts or security issues).

My understanding is that everyone needs to complete the digital arrival form who is travelling to Thailand, unless you are a Thai citizen. So come may 1st, the date we have been given currently, everyone travelling to Thailand will have to have completed the digital arrival card before gaining entry through passport control. It applies to most foreign travellers — whether you’re here for tourist purposes and visa exempt, or have a longterm visa like the DTV or Retirement Visa it looks like all will need to complete the digital arrival card, as was the case with the paper form. 

With it being a new system that has been developed and is in the process of being rolled out problems could arise and perhaps the launch date will change but you defiantly want to be prepared and check if you are able to complete the form before travelling. 

How To Do It

Here’s how to use the system. It’s pretty straightforward. Before your flight, head to the official website or download the Thai e-Arrival Card app.

You’ll enter your flight number, passport info, visa type, and your accommodation details. Once submitted, you’ll get a QR code or confirmation — save this on your phone. You’ll need to show it at immigration

Warnings & Considerations

Watch out for scam websites!
There is only one official website and that is https://tdac.immigration.go.th
any other website is not legitimate. Also, there is no service fee for the digital arrival card so if you are being asked to pay a fee it is likely a scam.

Make sure your phone is charged and your QR code is accessible.
It goes without saying but if you are planning on presenting your digital arrival card on your phone then you are going to have to make sure your have some battery when you arrive in Thailand. 
When it comes to my next trip I am most likely going to print out my digital arrival card so I have a paper form with me. 

Machines should be installed at airports. I have seen pictures online of machines being installed at the airports that are there to complete the digital arrival card. For me I would always prefer to this myself before hand but maybe this is a better option for you. 

So, that’s the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card system in a nutshell. What do you think about the switch to digital? Let me know in the comments — and if you’ve already tried it then let me know how it went, would love to hear your experience and thoughts on the process.