Thailand Digital Arrival Card: The Complete Guide
🤫 SHHH... JUST THE GOOD STUFF
Welcome to the 2026 Mission Briefing for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The old paper forms are gone. This snapshot gives you the "Intel" needed to clear immigration with maximum respect and total confidence.
- ✅ 100% Free: Only use the official tdac.immigration.go.th portal.
- ✅ The 72-Hour Rule: You must register within 3 days before you land.
- ✅ Physical Backup: Print your QR code; don't rely on a dead phone battery.
- ✅ The 20k Law: Carry 20,000 THB in cash to show you respect entry rules.
A Legacy Note from Matthew John: After 20 years on the ground in the Heartland of Sukhothai, I’ve seen Thailand change from paper stamps to digital QR codes. This guide isn't just for our teachers—it's for anyone who wants to treat their arrival with the respect it deserves and make their "soft landing" in Bangkok as smooth as possible.
The 2026 Document Bible: Your "Intel Stack" Checklist
In 2026, clearing immigration is all about the "Signal" you send. Having your physical documents ready and professionally printed shows the authorities you respect the law and are a high-value traveler.
1. The TDAC QR Code (Digital & Printed)
- The Window: You must register exactly 1–3 days (within 72 hours) before you land.
- The Portal: Only use the official tdac.immigration.go.th portal. It is 100% free.
- Pro-Tip: Print two copies. If your phone dies, you are still "Mission-Ready".
2. Mandatory Proof of Funds (Cash is King)
- The Law: Travelers must show they have enough money to support their stay.
- The Standard: Carry 20,000 THB in cash (approx. $600 USD) per person or 40,000 THB per family.
- Maximum Respect: While officers may occasionally accept bank apps, the law specifically states cash. Having this on hand is the ultimate sign of respect for Thai immigration protocols.
3. Verified Accommodation & Forward Travel
- Residential Proof: A printed hotel booking for your first few nights in Bangkok before our Sunday pickup.
- Onward Ticket: If entering on a visa exemption, you must show a confirmed ticket out of Thailand within 60 days.
Step-by-Step: Submitting Your TDAC Like a Pro
The submission process is fast, but it is high-stakes. One typo in your passport number can cause a major headache at the border. Follow these steps to ensure a 100% "Mission-Ready" approval.
Step 1: The 72-Hour Window
You can only submit your TDAC within 3 days (72 hours) of your arrival. The official system will block any dates outside this window to keep your info fresh.
- If you land on Jan 14th, you can start your application on Jan 11th.
Step 2: Use the Official Portal
Only use tdac.immigration.go.th. This is the only legitimate site. It is 100% free. If a site asks for money, it is a third-party scam.
- Option: Select "Individual" for yourself or "Group" if you are traveling with a party of up to 10 people.
Step 3: Personal & Travel Details
- The MRZ Rule: Enter your name exactly as it appears in the MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) at the bottom of your passport.
- Caps Only: Use UPPERCASE letters for everything to avoid data errors.
- Transportation: Enter your flight number (e.g., TG601) and your exact arrival airport (e.g., BKK for Suvarnabhumi).
Step 4: Your Bangkok Address
- Even if you're only staying for a few nights before the KET Sunday pickup, you must provide your first address in Thailand.
- Select the Province, District, and Sub-district from the dropdown menus to ensure the system recognizes the location.
Step 5: The Health Declaration
- This is mandatory for 2026. Declare every country you have visited in the last 14 days.
- Safety First: If you have traveled from a Yellow Fever risk zone (like parts of South America or Africa), the system will prompt you to show your vaccination proof.
Step 6: Confirm & Print
- Review everything. Once you hit submit, you cannot edit core details like your passport number.
- The Payout: You will receive a confirmation PDF with your QR Code via email instantly.
- The Backup: Save the PDF to your phone AND print two physical copies.
⚠️ SCAM ALERT: The "Urgent" TDAC Trap
In 2026, the biggest threat to your wallet isn't at the border—it's on Google search results. Dozens of fake websites are now charging travelers between $30 and $150 USD for "urgent" or "express" TDAC processing.
How to Spot a Fake TDAC Website:
- The Fee: If a site asks for a credit card or PayPal payment, it is a scam. The official TDAC is 100% FREE.
- The URL: The ONLY official site ends in .go.th (Government of Thailand). Fake sites use
.com,.info,.net, or even.in.th. - The "Urgent" Lie: There is no such thing as "priority" or "express" approval. The official system gives you an email confirmation in minutes for free.
- Sponsored Ads: Scammers pay for the top spots on Google. Always scroll past the "Sponsored" results to find the official link.
⚠️ Top 5 Mistakes That Cause Denied Entry
Even if you use the right site, a simple typo can lead to a "Manual Review" and hours of delays at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.
- The "Zero vs. Oscar" Error: In your passport number, don't confuse the number 0 with the letter O. This is the #1 reason for QR code mismatches.
- Using Nicknames: If your passport says "Robert," do not type "Bob." Your name must be 100% identical to the MRZ line at the bottom of your passport.
- Wrong Date Format: The system uses DD/MM/YYYY. If you use the American format (MM/DD/YYYY), you might register for a date that has already passed!
- Waiting Until the Gate: While you can technically do it on the day, airport Wi-Fi is notoriously weak. If you can't show your QR code to the airline, they won't let you board.
- Not Adding Kids: Every traveler needs a QR code. Use the "Add Passenger" option on the health declaration page to include your family under one joint submission.
What to do if you've been scammed?
If you accidentally paid a fake site, contact your bank immediately and dispute the charge as fraud. Then, go to the Official Portal and file your real TDAC for free.
🏛️ 2026 Thailand Arrival FAQ: Common Questions
We know that digital systems can be stressful. Here are the simple answers to the most common questions travelers are asking in 2026.
Q: Is the TDAC really mandatory for everyone?
A: Yes. If you are not a Thai citizen, you need it. This includes tourists, business travelers, and even long-term residents. If you land without it, you will be sent to a kiosk to finish it before you can enter, which can add hours to your arrival.
Q: What if I made a typo in my name or passport number?
A: You cannot edit core identity info once it's submitted. If you find a mistake, don't panic—just file a new TDAC application for free. Immigration will only look at your most recent (correct) submission.
Q: Do I need a TDAC if I’m just transiting through Bangkok?
A: If you stay "airside" (behind the security gates) and don't clear immigration to enter Thailand, you do NOT need a TDAC.
Q: Does my baby or child need their own TDAC?
A: Yes. Every single person, regardless of age, needs their own QR code. You can use the "Group Submission" feature to add up to 10 people in one go to save time.
Q: Can I show the QR code on my phone or must it be printed?
A: You can show it on your phone, but we strongly recommend printing it. Airport Wi-Fi can be spotty, and phone batteries die. A physical copy is the "Maximum Respect" way to show you are prepared.
Q: How much cash should I really carry?
A: The legal requirement is 20,000 THB per person (or 40,000 THB per family). While checks are random, carrying this in cash (any major currency) is the official rule. Showing a bank app is sometimes allowed, but it’s up to the officer’s discretion.
Q: Do I need to do a new TDAC if I leave for a day trip to Laos?
A: Yes. The TDAC is valid for a single entry only. Every time you cross the border back into Thailand, you need a fresh submission.
📅 The 2026 Teacher’s Mission: 30-Day Deployment Timeline
Joining the KET family isn't just a job; it's a strategic mission. Here is exactly how your final 30 days look in February and March as you transition from your home country to our Sukhothai HQ.
February: The Legal Anchor ⚓
- The Goal: Secure your Non-Immigrant B E-Visa.
- The Task: 30 days before your flight, upload your legalized degree and clean background check to the thaievisa.go.th portal.
- The KET Fix: We provide your "Professional Umbrella" by sending you the official school sponsorship documents (WP3) needed to unlock this visa.
Early March: The Final Intel Stack 🗂️
- The Goal: Finalize your "Mission-Ready" documents.
- The Task: 7 days before you fly, gather your original degree, transcripts, and your 30-day medical certificate (including the mandatory chest X-ray and syphilis test).
- The Preparation: Withdraw your 20,000 THB in cash to satisfy the mandatory entry requirement.
3 Days Before Fly: The Digital Gateway ✅
- The Goal: Register your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
- The Task: Within 72 hours of your flight, register at tdac.immigration.go.th.
- The Safety: Print two copies of your QR code. If your phone dies at the airport, you're still in the game.
Arrival Week: The "Soft-Landing" in Bangkok 🏙️
- The Goal: Arrive and Acclimatize.
- The Action: Touchdown in Bangkok. Check into your hotel and spend 48 hours exploring the street food of Chatuchak or the riverside vibes of Wat Arun.
- The Requirement: Keep your printed TDAC and hotel booking handy for immigration.
Sunday: The VIP Pickup 🚐
- The Goal: Rendezvous with Matthew John and the KET Cohort.
- The Action: Meet us at Mochit 2 Terminal by 8:00 AM.
- The Journey: Board our VIP AC Vans for a scenic drive to the Sukhothai Heartland.
- The Payout: Check into your private AC suite, set up your local 5G SIM, and begin your 6-day cultural induction.
🚀 Ready to Start Your 2026 Adventure?
If you are looking for more than just a job—if you want to be part of an 80-year legacy that protects its teachers with a "Professional Umbrella" of legal and cultural security—then it’s time to apply.
- Step 1: Review our 2026 Teaching Programs.
- Step 2: Prepare your "Intel Stack" (Degree, Background Check, and 20k THB cash).
- Step 3: Submit your application for the February/March intake.
Matthew John and the KET team are waiting for you at the Sunday Pickup. Let’s make 2026 the year you truly experience the Heartland.
