Quick answer

Thailand's digital arrival card (TDAC) is a free, mandatory online form for every foreign visitor, by air, land or sea. Complete it on the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th, within 72 hours before you arrive. You'll get a QR code by email to show at immigration. Americans don't need a visa for tourist visits, but Thailand is cutting its visa-free stay from 60 to 30 days, so check the current limit before a longer trip.

It's free. Look-alike websites charge "processing fees" for the TDAC. You don't need them.

What Americans need to visit Thailand

  • A U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Thailand is strict about this: Passport validity checker →
  • An approved TDAC.
  • A return or onward ticket within your permitted stay. Airlines may check it at boarding.
  • Proof of funds, which immigration may ask to see, for example a bank card or statement.

How long can Americans stay?

Since 2024, Americans could stay up to 60 days without a visa. In May 2026, Thailand's Cabinet approved cutting this to 30 days for most nationalities, including the United States. The change takes effect once it's officially published, so check the current limit with the Royal Thai Embassy or the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs before planning a stay of more than 30 days. For longer stays, apply for a tourist visa before you go.

The timing rule: within 72 hours

Submit the TDAC within the 3 days before you arrive, counting your arrival day. Too early, and it won't be accepted. Each entry needs a new TDAC, so if you leave Thailand and come back, for example for a side trip to Cambodia or Laos, you complete another one.

What you'll need

  • Your passport, with details entered exactly as printed;
  • Your flight number, or how you're arriving;
  • Your first night's accommodation in Thailand (hotel name and address);
  • An email address for your QR code.

Step by step

  1. Go to the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th, within 72 hours of arriving.
  2. Choose individual or group submission. Families can submit together.
  3. Enter your passport details exactly as printed.
  4. Add your arrival details and first-night accommodation.
  5. Submit, and save the QR code from the confirmation email on your phone, and as a screenshot.
  6. At immigration, show your QR code with your passport.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Paying a website. The TDAC is free on the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th.
  • Submitting too early. It's only accepted within 72 hours of arrival.
  • Reusing an old TDAC. Every new entry needs a new one.
  • Planning more than 30 days without checking. The visa-free stay is being shortened.
  • A passport with less than 6 months left. Thailand may refuse entry, and airlines may refuse boarding. If it needs renewing, we can expedite it as quickly as 4 business days from when your documents reach us.

Questions

Yes, for every foreign visitor arriving by air, land or sea, since May 1, 2025. It replaced the old paper TM6 card.