Many travellers planning a trip to Thailand are confused about the difference between the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and the Thailand eVisa. Some assume they are the same thing. Others think that completing the TDAC means they no longer need a visa. Both the assumptions are wrong.
The Thailand eVisa and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card serve completely different purposes. One is permission to enter Thailand, while the other is an arrival declaration submitted before entering the country. If you misunderstand the difference, you could arrive at the airport without the correct documents and face unnecessary delays. This is a comparison guide that explains exactly what the TDAC is, what the Thailand eVisa is, and whether you need one or both for your trip.
| Feature | TDAC | Thailand eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Arrival declaration | Entry permission |
| Mandatory | Yes | Depends on nationality |
| Cost | Free | Visa fee applicable |
| Approval Required | No | Yes |
| Processing Time | Minutes | Several days |
Quick Answer: TDAC vs Thailand eVisa
The simplest way to understand the difference between the two is :
- A Thailand eVisa is the official permission to enter Thailand.
- A TDAC is an arrival declaration submitted before arriving in Thailand.
The eVisa determines whether you are allowed to enter Thailand. The TDAC tells Thai Immigration who you are, where you are staying, and when you are arriving. Having a TDAC does not replace a visa. Having an eVisa does not replace the TDAC. In some cases, travellers coming from different nations may need both just like in the case of India and in other cases where Thailand offers visa exemption to some nations, travellers from those nations may only need to fill and submit the TDAC.
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online arrival declaration system introduced by Thai Immigration. It replaced the old paper arrival card (TM6) that travellers previously completed before entering Thailand.
Before arriving in Thailand, travellers must submit their personal information, passport details, travel information, accommodation details, and other required information through the TDAC system. Once submitted, travellers receive confirmation of their registration. To know how to fill TDAC, check out detailed TDAC guide.
What Is Thailand Visa on Arrival & Thailand eVisa?
Thailand Visa on Arrival
A Thailand VoA is a short term tourist visa for travellers from some eligible countries who wish to stay in Thailand for upto 15 days. It allows you to travel without obtaining a visa beforehand, and instead get the visa stamp at designated immigration checkpoints upon landing.
Thailand e Visa
A Thailand eVisa is an official digital travel authorization issued by the Thai government. It allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for Thai visa online, without the need to visit Thai embassy or consulate in person. Once approved, the eVisa gives the traveller permission to enter Thailand for the purpose and duration specified in the visa.
Kindly note that depending upon your nationality and travel purpose, you may require a tourist visa, business visa, education visa, or another visa category. Without the required visa, a person may not be allowed to board their flight or enter Thailand.
We recommend our clients to get Thailand eVisa instead of Thailand Visa on Arrival, so that they can skip long queues at the airport, but the ultimate decision is of the client.
TDAC vs Thailand eVisa: Key Differences
| Feature | Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) | Thailand eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Arrival declaration | Entry permission |
| Required Before Travel | Yes | Only for those nations where a visa is required |
| Grants Permission to Enter Thailand | No | Yes |
| Immigration Approval Required | No | Yes |
| Contains Travel Information | Yes | Limited |
| Replaces Old Paper Arrival Card | Yes | No |
| Issued by Immigration Approval Process | No | Yes |
| Can Replace the Other? | No | No |
Do Indians Need Both Visa and TDAC for Thailand?
Yes, as per the latest update that India has been removed from the visa exemption scheme, now Indian nationals would need Visa on Arrival for entering Thailand or they can apply for an eVisa in advance in addition to the TDAC form that was already mandatory for all the foreign nations. The TDAC does not replaces either of these options. If you are travelling to Thailand on a Visa on Arrival, you must still complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before your physical arrival.
Let us understand both the cases better with help of these examples –
Example 1: Travelling on Visa on Arrival
Suppose I am travelling to Thailand on 25 July 2026 and plan to obtain a Visa on Arrival. So as an Indian national I would be carrying all the documents required for Visa on Arrival and before I physically touch down in Thailand I will submit my details and get TDAC confirmation that I can show to the immigration officer. Read this article about Thailand Visa on Arrival rules.
Example 2: Travelling on a Thailand eVisa
Suppose I am travelling to Thailand on 25 July 2026 and I decide to apply for a Thailand eVisa before departure instead of using the Visa on Arrival facility. In this case, I will first apply for the Thailand eVisa atleast 20 days before the departure date and wait for its approval. Once my eVisa has been approved, only then I will complete my TDAC submission 2-3 days before travelling to Thailand. When I arrive in Thailand, I will have both my approved eVisa and my TDAC confirmation available. So in this case I will not have to wait in long queues for visa approval.
The visa grants permission to enter Thailand whereas the TDAC provides arrival information to Thai Immigration. One does not replaces the other.
Some Other Useful Resources For Planning Thailand Trip
- Thailand Travel Hub
- Thailand Travel Guide
- Thailand Visa Guide
- Bangkok Travel Guide
- Phuket Travel Guide
- Koh Samui Travel Guide
- Krabi Travel Guide
- Official TDAC Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is TDAC the same as a Thailand visa?
No. The TDAC is an arrival declaration, while a Thailand visa is the official permission to enter the country.
Q2. Do I need a TDAC if I already have a Thailand eVisa?
Yes, TDAC is mandatory for all the foreign nationals, irrespective of whether you require visa to enter Thailand or even you are coming from a country that is under visa exemption scheme.
Q3. Can I enter Thailand only with a TDAC?
No, not in all the cases. If your nationality or travel purpose requires you to obtain visa, then first you may apply for the visa in correct category. Once you obtain the visa, only the submit TDAC application 2-3 days before your depature.
Q4. Does the TDAC guarantee entry into Thailand?
No. Final admission decisions are made by the Thai Immigration officers at the point of entry.
Q5. Is the TDAC free?
Yes TDAC is absolutely free if you do it yourself. If you want a travel company to submit TDAC for you they will probably charge a service fee from you.
Q6. Is Thailand visa free?
No, Thailand charges a fee for visa just like any other nation.
Need Help Planning Your Thailand Trip?
Confused about Thailand visas, TDAC requirements, hotels, flights, or tour packages? Our travel experts can help you plan a smooth and hassle-free Thailand holiday from start to finish. Whether you’re travelling to Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui, we can assist with itinerary planning, hotel bookings, airport transfers, sightseeing and complete Thailand tour packages.
Contact Amrit Travels today for personalised assistance with your Thailand trip.
