Yes, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is 100% free. There are no government processing fees, no hidden charges, and no mandatory “service fees” to submit this form. The Royal Thai Immigration Bureau provides the official portal at no cost to all travelers.
If a website asks you to pay money to “process,” “approve,” or “expedite” your TDAC, you are on a third-party imposter site.
This guide will show you exactly how to apply for Thailand Digital Arrival Card for free, how to spot a scam, and what actual entry costs you should be preparing for.
Why Are Some Websites Charging for the TDAC?
If you search “Thailand arrival card” on Google, the first few results are often paid third-party agencies. These sites are designed to look like official government portals. They use similar logos, urgent language, and professional designs to trick travelers into paying anywhere from $10 to $35 for a service that is fundamentally free.
How these sites operate: They act as intermediaries. You pay them, and they manually enter your information into the free government portal on your behalf. Although this is not technically illegal, it is completely unnecessary. Filling out the government form takes about 3 to 5 minutes, and it is available in English.
How to Spot a TDAC Scam Website
To distinguish between a genuine site and a fake portal, you simply need to pay attention to one thing: the web address (URL).
- The ONLY official website ends in: tdac.immigration.go.th (The .go.th domain is strictly reserved for Thai government entities).
- Avoid any site ending in: .in, .com, .org, .net, or .info that claims to be the “Official TDAC Portal.”
- Bookmark the Real Address: The official URL is https://tdac.immigration.go.th
How to Apply for the TDAC for Free (Step-by-Step)
To apply for TDAC – Thailand Digital Arrival Card without paying any fees. Follow these easy steps.
You can only submit the form within 72 hours (3 days) of your scheduled arrival in Thailand.
- Go to the official portal: Type https://tdac.immigration.go.th directly into your browser.
- Gather your documents: Keep your passport (valid for at least 6 months), flight number, and the address of your first night’s accommodation in Thailand ready.
- Fill out the form: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Submit and save: You will receive a QR code via email. Take a screenshot of this QR code. You do not need to print it, though a physical backup is always a smart travel habit.
Pro Tip: If you are traveling with family, the official portal allows you to add additional travelers under one main application, saving you from filling out separate forms for infants and children.
Hidden Costs to Actually Watch Out For (Not the TDAC)
While the TDAC itself is free, Thai immigration officers do enforce other financial requirements upon arrival. Do not confuse these legitimate rules with TDAC fees:
- The 20,000 THB Cash Rule: Immigration officials have the authority to ask visa-free travelers at any time to prove that they have sufficient funds for their stay. These funds must be in the form of cash (equivalent to 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family). Credit cards or banking apps are not accepted for this specific check.
- Visa Fees: If your nationality requires a ‘Visa on Arrival’ (VoA) or a pre-arranged tourist visa, the associated government fees will still apply. The TDAC is not a visa; it is simply a digital alternative replacing the old paper TM6 arrival card.
- The “300 Baht Tourist Fee” Rumor: You may come across older articles mentioning a proposed 300 THB entry fee for tourists. As of late 2026, its implementation has been postponed multiple times; it is neither collected at the border nor integrated with the TDAC system.
Frequently Asked Questions
I already paid a third-party site. Can I get a refund?
You will need to contact the customer support of the specific website where you made the payment. The Thai government does not process refunds for third-party services. However, you can still use the QR code they generated for you, provided the data matches your passport.
Do children and infants need a free TDAC too?
Yes, every foreign passport holder, regardless of age, is required to have their own TDAC QR code. Parents can fill this out on their behalf for free via the official portal.
What if I make a mistake on the free government form?
If you have entered an incorrect flight number or hotel address, you can use the “Update Arrival Card” function on the official website. However, if you have made a major error (such as an incorrect passport number or date of birth), you cannot edit it. You simply need to submit a new, free application; the system will automatically treat your most recent submission as the correct one.
Is there a paid option to get the TDAC approved faster?
No, TDAC generates your QR code as soon as you hit the submit button on tdac.immigration.go.th. There are no queues to skip, no manual review lines to bypass, and no legitimate way to pay for an “express” service.
Conclusion
Don’t let paperwork-related scams spoil the start of your Thailand vacation. The ‘Thailand Digital Arrival Card‘ is a simple, essential, and completely free digital declaration. Bookmark tdac.immigration.go.th, set a reminder on your phone for three days before your flight, and keep your QR code ready. That’s all you need for a smooth immigration process.