Four pitfalls with the new entry card for Thailand

Starting May 1, 2025, all travelers to Thailand must complete the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days prior to arrival. Early submission is not permitted. The TDAC collects personal details, accommodation information, and health data, replacing the previous paper-based TM6 form.

Exceptions apply to Thai nationals, transit passengers not entering the country, individuals with border passes, and those not passing through Thai border control. Once submitted, approval is typically granted immediately, and travelers receive a QR code required for entry.

Swiss tour operators and airlines are actively informing their customers about the introduction of the new digital entry card for Thailand. Asia365 ensures that all guests receive the current entry requirements for their destination with their booking confirmation or invoice – this also applies to Thailand. Customers who booked their trip before the new regulations were announced will be proactively contacted.

Swiss is informing passengers about the new entry card through multiple channels. In addition to details on its website, the airline includes reminders in pre-flight emails and during the check-in process.

One thing is clear: travelers who overlook or carelessly complete the new requirements risk delays at the border—or, in extreme cases, denial of entry. Travelnews outlines four key pitfalls Swiss travelers should avoid.

Without a form it gets complicated

Swiss spokesperson Silvia Exer-Kuhn clarified: “In principle, it is the responsibility of our passengers to travel with the necessary documents.” She did not confirm whether travelers without a completed TDAC would be allowed to board, but noted that, in exceptional cases, the form may still be completed online upon arrival—according to Thai authorities. However, she warned that this could lead to significant delays at the border.

The devil is in the details

"We expect some teething problems – the new form certainly presents some challenges," says Ruth Landolt, Managing Director of Asia365. For example, the system requires "CHE: Swiss" for nationality, not simply "Switzerland." Landolt also recommends entering "Swiss Confederation" for residence instead of the usual "Switzerland." While this is correct, it's unusual for many, according to the Asia specialist.

In addition, the province, district, and subdistrict of the booked accommodation must currently be provided—information that is not familiar to everyone. Furthermore, since the form can only be submitted three days before departure, this creates unnecessary stress for less experienced travelers. "The previous paper form was more straightforward in this regard. We hope for improvements soon," says Landolt.

Every time anew

Unlike established systems such as the US ESTA or the UK ETA, which are valid for up to two years, the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is only valid for the current entry. This means that the form must be completed and submitted again for each trip to Thailand – even if you have already been in the country shortly before. Failure to do so could, in the worst case, result in delays upon entry or an unpleasant surprise at the airport.

Fake websites

Wherever new digital entry systems come into force, fraudsters are usually not far away. The introduction of the electronic travel authorization (ETA) for Great Britain has clearly demonstrated this: Anyone who googles "ETA UK" quickly lands on deceptively authentic third-party websites that charge unnecessary fees – or worse, debit money multiple times. A similar scenario now threatens with the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).

The most crucial tip: complete the TDAC only through via the official website of the Thai authorities – never via questionable links or third-party ads.