Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for US Travelers: Timing & Why It Is Not a Visa
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The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an immigration arrival form — it is not a visa. The Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. states that from 1 May 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering by air, land, or sea must complete TDAC online within 3 days prior to arrival, including travelers under visa exemption. You still need the correct entry permission (exemption or visa). my-evisas.com can assist with TDAC form filing; you can also complete the government form yourself. Updated: 15 September 2026. The exceptions below apply.
Short answer
- What it is: digital arrival card / immigration form — not a visa.
- Who: non-Thai travelers entering by air, land, or sea, including visa-exempt visitors; exceptions are explained below.
- When: within 3 days before arrival.
- Government channel: Thailand Immigration TDAC portal (named once below).
- Government fee: TDAC registration on the official Immigration portal is free. Optional agency assistance has a separate service fee.
- Filing help: start on my-evisas.com.
What TDAC is (not a visa)
Completing TDAC does not grant entry permission by itself. The Embassy states that this form is not a visa, but an immigration requirement. TDAC does not replace visa or visa-exemption requirements. Check the entry rules that apply on your arrival date.
If you need a visa, that is a separate path — see the Thailand eVisa guide. Short US vacation under exemption: visa exemption.
Who must file and when
| Source | Rule |
|---|---|
| Embassy (from 1 May 2025) | All non-Thai nationals entering by air, land, or sea must complete TDAC online within 3 days prior to arrival |
| Embassy | Applies regardless of visa type, including Visa Exemption |
Exceptions: travelers transiting or transferring without passing through Thai immigration, and travelers entering with a Border Pass, do not need TDAC. The Immigration Bureau FAQ also exempts crew.
Official TDAC channel
The government channel for the form is https://tdac.immigration.go.th/. Assisted filing through my-evisas.com is form-completion help — it does not turn a private company into the Immigration Bureau.
Fees — official registration is free
The official TDAC registration is free of charge. You can complete it yourself through the Immigration Bureau portal linked above.
If you use assisted filing, any service fee is separate from the government form.
How TDAC relates to exemption and eVisa
| Requirement | Role |
|---|---|
| Visa exemption or eVisa / visa | Entry permission path |
| TDAC | Arrival information form (separate) |
- Short US vacation under exemption → still file TDAC — exemption guide.
- When you need a visa → eVisa path + TDAC — eVisa guide.
FAQ
Is TDAC a visa?
No. The Embassy states it is not a visa, but an immigration requirement.
When should I submit TDAC?
Submit within the three-day window before arrival, including the arrival date, as explained in the Immigration Bureau FAQ.
Is the government TDAC free?
Yes. Registration through the official TDAC portal is free. Optional agency assistance has a separate service fee.
Who must file — including visa exemption?
Non-Thai travelers entering by air, land, or sea generally need TDAC, including visa-exempt visitors. Exceptions include transit without immigration clearance, entry using a Border Pass, and crew.
Does my-evisas.com file TDAC?
Yes, where offered: my-evisas.com can assist with TDAC form filing (not a visa product) via my-evisas.com/visas/thailand. You can also file the government form yourself.
How my-evisas.com can help
- Provided: TDAC form filing assistance (≠ visa); Thailand eVisa help when you need a visa → my-evisas.com/visas/thailand.
- Not provided: treating TDAC as a substitute visa; selling visa exemption as a product.
Hub: Thailand hub.
Sources
- Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C. — Visa Information
- Thailand Immigration Bureau — TDAC portal (government channel named above)
Important notice
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. my-evisas.com is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.
Entry and TDAC rules can change. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. Only the official rules in force at the time of your travel are authoritative.
As of: 15 September 2026
For binding information, check the Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, D.C. Visa Information page and the live Immigration TDAC form (Sources above).