Heads Up, Travelers! Watch Out for Thailand Digital Arrival Card Scams
Thailand Warns of Fraudulent Digital Arrival Card Site
Look out for phoney Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) websites sprouting up, especially on the day the official system went live for visitors to Thailand.
One such unofficial website, pretending to be a third-party service provider, demands a $10 processing fee while the actual site is free. Stay vigilant and steer clear of these shady duplicate sites!
The TDAC system has taken over the paper TM6 arrival cards, filing system mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, sea, or land, effective from May 1.
Fill out thenecessary details on the genuine TDAC website when prompted, and you'll receive an email with the confirmation. Just show this on arrival in the country.
To quell the confusion regarding application deadlines, the Immigration Bureau has made it clear that applications can be filed within a three-day window before arrival, but not more. Previous reports suggested a three-day advance application was necessary.
In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports stated, "Our system is primed, and contingencies are in place to ensure smooth operations. During the initial phase, users encountering issues can revert to using a paper immigration form."
Moreover, computer terminals are stationed at Immigration at Suvarnabhumi Airport for travellers who may need to complete their TDAC form upon arrival.
Remember, the official TDAC website is run solely by the Immigration Bureau. To confirm its authenticity, ensure you access the following URL: .
Keep these points in mind to avoid scams and securely register for the TDAC on the legitimate site:
- Official Language Support: The genuine TDAC website supports five languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese. If a site claims to be the TDAC but lacks these languages, exercise caution.
- Avoid Unusual Info Requests: Legitimate TDAC registration requires personal details, travel document info, flight details, and accommodation addresses. Watch out for suspicious sites demanding unusual or sensitive data beyond that list.
- Confirmation Method: After submission, you'll receive a confirmation, usually in the form of a QR code or unique reference number. Scammers might send fake confirmations, so verify that the confirmation is generated from the official TDAC site.
- Avoid Solicited Links: Don't follow links shared via emails or messages as they may lead to duplicate sites. Always access the TDAC site directly using the official URL.
By heeding these tips, you'll navigate the legitimate TDAC registration site with ease and confidence. Safe travels!
- Be cautious of fraudulent Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) websites claiming to be third-party providers, demanding a fee, as the official TDAC website is free.
- The Immigration Bureau has clarified that TDAC applications can be completed within a three-day window before arrival, contrary to previous reports suggesting a three-day advance application was necessary.
- In case of any issues with the TDAC system, users can revert to using a paper immigration form at the Immigration desk at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand.
