BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s immigration authority warned foreign visitors about fraudulent websites charging fees for the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card, which is officially free of charge.
Introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) was introduced on 1 May last year, replacing the traditional TM.6 paper form. All foreign visitors were required to register their arrival details online in advance in order to pass immigration screening.
Officials stated that the digital system was designed to streamline border procedures and reduce paperwork. They noted that it was similar to entry processes used in countries such as South Korea, Japan and Singapore.
Warning over fraudulent websites
Immigration Bureau spokesperson Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee said on Sunday that some travellers had been misled into registering through unofficial websites. These platforms were not part of Thailand’s immigration system and had no connection to the authorities.
He stressed that visitors should submit their data only via the official website tdac.immigration.go.th or through the main Immigration Bureau portal, which provides a verified link and QR code to the TDAC platform. Any other site offering similar services should be treated with caution.
Recommendations for registration
Travellers were advised to complete their TDAC registration at least three days before arrival. This timeframe was intended to give officials enough time to process the information and send an email confirmation, helping to shorten queues at immigration counters.
“The registration is completely free of charge.”
said Pol Maj Gen Choengron, adding that any website requesting payment was not affiliated with the government. He urged visitors to carefully check web addresses before entering personal data.
Misled travellers and high fees
Despite repeated public warnings, at least 10% of foreign arrivals had mistakenly used these unofficial websites, according to the spokesperson. Many of these sites charged fees ranging from US$20 to US$90 for the service.
Platforms described as fraudulent included sites that openly presented themselves as private or “independent” service providers, such as tdac.info and ivisa.com. Authorities said such operators created the false impression of being authorised intermediaries.
Risks posed by unofficial websites
Pol Maj Gen Choengron cautioned that personal data submitted on these pages could be misused, exposing travellers to scams or identity theft. Some fraudulent platforms also tried to obtain additional information under the pretext of offering e-visa services.
The Immigration Bureau said it was working with other agencies to identify and shut down the scam websites. Enforcement had proved difficult, however, because many of the sites were hosted overseas and operated across multiple jurisdictions.
Officials reiterated that the TDAC could be completed only through the official immigration website at tdac.immigration.go.th. Registration had to be finalised no later than three days before entry and, since 1 May 2025, had been mandatory for all non-Thai nationals, whether arriving by air, sea or land.