The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has streamlined the immigration process for millions of travelers, replacing the old paper arrival/departure forms (TM6). While the new digital system is fast and convenient, its launch has led to a major wave of online scams designed to trick tourists out of their money and steal personal data.
If you are traveling to Thailand soon, you must know one crucial fact: The official Thailand Digital Arrival Card submission is 100% FREE.
Here is everything you need to know to protect yourself and ensure a smooth, free entry into the Kingdom.
Need to Know More?
For a comprehensive overview, you can find a full guide and introduction to the TDAC on our website. We break down the requirements and the application process step-by-step.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
What is the TDAC?
The TDAC is a mandatory digital form required for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. It is the electronic replacement for the traditional paper immigration card (TM6). It requires you to submit essential personal and travel details, such as passport information, flight number, and your address in Thailand, typically within 72 hours (3 days) of arrival.
The Scam: Why You Should Never Pay
Dozens of fake websites and sponsored advertisements are currently running online, often appearing at the very top of Google search results when travelers look for the "TDAC form."
These fraudulent sites are designed to look identical to the official government portal, complete with Thai flags, official-looking logos, and promises of "instant" or "urgent" service. They then charge travelers exorbitant, unnecessary fees—often ranging from $10 USD to over $100 USD per person—for a service that is legally free.
In many cases, these scam operators simply take your money and then manually submit your information on the official free government website, or in the worst cases, they never submit the form at all, leaving you with no TDAC and a lighter wallet.
4 Red Flags to Spot a Fake TDAC Website
Always assume any website asking for money for the standard TDAC form is a scam. To be sure, check for these warning signs:
| Red Flag | Official TDAC Site | SCAM Website |
| 1. The Fee | Completely FREE. The submission costs zero baht/dollars. | Asks for a processing fee (e.g., $10, $29, $50+ USD). |
| 2. The URL | Must end with .go.th (Government of Thailand). |
Ends with .com, .info, .net, .in.th, or uses unusual subdomains. |
| 3. Approval Time | Instant (1–3 minutes) confirmation via email if submitted within 72 hours of arrival. | Claims to offer an "urgent" or "express" service for a fee. |
| 4. Payment Required | NO payment page is ever presented. | Requires credit card or PayPal details to proceed. |
The Official Way to Register (It's Free!)
To safely and officially submit your Thailand Digital Arrival Card, follow this single step:
Use Only the Official TDAC Portal
- Official Website:
https://tdac.immigration.go.th/ - Provider: Thailand Immigration Bureau
- Cost: FREE
You should submit your TDAC information within the 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival in Thailand. After successful submission, you will receive an immediate confirmation email, which you can show to immigration officers upon arrival.
What to Do If You Paid a Scam Site
If you have already paid a fee to a third-party website, take these immediate actions:
- Dispute the Charge: Immediately contact your bank or credit card company and report the transaction as fraud or an unauthorized charge. Provide them with screenshots of the website and the charge amount.
- Do Not Wait for Confirmation: Regardless of what the scam site promised, do not rely on them to send you the actual TDAC. Go directly to the official government website and submit the TDAC form yourself for free to ensure you have the required document before you fly.
- Report the Scam: Collect the URL and screenshots of the fraudulent website and consider reporting it to the Thai authorities via the Cyber Police Hotline 1441 or the Online Complaint Center 1212 OCC.
