Phuket Arrival Card: TDAC Online Guide, Entry Rules & Airport Process

What Is the Phuket Arrival Card?

Source: Thailand Digital Arrival Card Official Website

The Phuket arrival card is part of Thailand’s national Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, operated by the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau. Fully mandatory as of June 20, 2026, it replaces the decades-old paper TM6 disembarkation card that was previously handed out on flights.

The TDAC collects standard personal, passport, travel itinerary, and accommodation information for all foreign visitors entering the country. It is not a visa and does not grant entry permission on its own — you still need valid visa or visa-exempt status to enter Thailand.

Once submitted, the system generates a personal QR code that is linked to your passport record. This code is scanned at immigration upon arrival at Phuket International Airport (HKT), either at staffed counters or the new automated biometric gates. The system applies to all entry points nationwide, including air, land, and sea borders.

Do You Need the Phuket Arrival Card?

Yes, all foreign nationals arriving in Phuket by air must complete the TDAC online before arrival, regardless of their visa type. This requirement applies equally to visa-exempt tourists, holders of pre-approved e-Visas, travelers getting a visa on arrival, and long-term visa holders. Every passenger including infants and children needs their own individual TDAC record.

Who is exempt?

• Thai citizens
• Holders of Thailand Privilege Card (Elite Card)
• Airside transit passengers who remain in the international transfer zone and do not pass through Thai immigration
• Holders of official border passes entering via land border schemes

Scam warning: The only official TDAC website is tdac.immigration.go.th. Numerous third-party sites charge unnecessary "processing fees" for the free form. Never pay to submit your arrival card.

Is Phuket Entry Fully Digital?

Entry to Phuket is mostly digital for pre-arrival paperwork, but in-person border checks remain standard. Here is the breakdown:

Fully digital processes

• TDAC arrival card: Completed entirely online before departure; no paper form is available or accepted
• Automated Border Control (ABC) gates: Launched at HKT on June 13, 2026, these self-service gates scan passports and use facial biometrics for eligible travelers with electronic passports

Still in-person / not fully digital

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Processed manually at dedicated airport counters with on-site payment
• Manual immigration counters: Required for children under 120 cm tall, pregnant travelers, holders of non-electronic passports, and those who did not complete the TDAC in advance
• Customs inspection: Baggage X-rays and random physical checks are conducted on site; travelers choose between green and red channels
• Random document verification: Officers may request physical proof of return tickets, hotel bookings, or sufficient funds

What are the Phuket Entry Requirements

Before traveling to Phuket, ensure you have the following ready:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, with at least one blank visa page
• Valid entry authorization: Visa-free eligibility, pre-approved e-Visa, or eligibility for visa on arrival
• Completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) with QR code saved on your phone (printed copy also accepted)
• Return or onward travel ticket — may be verified at check-in or randomly by immigration officers
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation with full physical address
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay
• Customs declaration for cash or bearer instruments exceeding the equivalent of USD 10,000, or for any restricted or dutiable goods

When to Fill in Your Phuket TDAC

You may submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card no earlier than 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival date. Submissions made earlier than this will not be accepted by the system.

Our recommendation: complete the form 1–2 days before your departure. This gives you time to correct any errors, avoids last-minute internet issues on board or at the airport, and ensures your record is fully processed when you arrive.

Self-service kiosks are available at Phuket airport for on-site completion, but they often have long queues during peak arrival hours and will significantly add to your total processing time.

How to Fill in the TDAC Online (Step by Step)

The process takes 5–10 minutes and requires no account registration.

Step 1: Go to the official portal

Open tdac.immigration.go.th in your browser. Select English as your language and click Arrival Card.

Step 2: Enter your passport details

You may either manually enter your information or use the built-in MRZ scanner to auto-fill by scanning the bottom of your passport data page. Enter all details exactly as printed in your passport:

• Full legal name (surname and given names)
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport issue and expiry dates
• Gender

Step 3: Enter travel details

• Flight number of your arriving flight
• Date and time of arrival
• Port of entry: select Phuket International Airport (HKT)
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
• Intended length of stay

Step 4: Enter accommodation details

Fill in the full name and complete physical address of where you will be staying in Phuket. Use your first hotel’s address if you are staying at multiple locations.

Step 5: Enter contact information

Provide a valid email address and an optional phone number. Your confirmation and QR code will be sent to this email.

Step 6: Submit and save your QR code

Review all information carefully, accept the declaration, and submit. The system will immediately generate your unique QR code. Take a clear screenshot and save it to your phone, and optionally print a paper copy. You will need to present this at immigration.

Phuket Arrival Process at Phuket International Airport (HKT)

1. Follow International Arrivals signs

After disembarking, walk along the arrival corridor and follow the clearly marked International Arrivals / Passport Control signs. The international terminal is compact and well signposted in English.

2. Process your visa (if applicable)

• If you are visa-exempt or have a pre-approved e-Visa: skip this step and proceed directly to immigration.
• If you are getting a Visa on Arrival: go first to the dedicated VOA counter. Submit your passport, a passport photo, and the visa fee. Once your visa is issued, proceed to immigration.

3. Clear immigration

Choose the appropriate lane:

• Automated ABC gates: Available for travelers aged 6+ with electronic passports and a pre-completed TDAC. Remove your passport cover, scan the photo page, and complete facial recognition. The gate will verify your TDAC record automatically.
• Staffed counter: Join the foreign visitors lane if you have a VOA, are traveling with young children, are pregnant, or have a non-electronic passport. Hand over your passport and present your TDAC QR code. The officer will take your fingerprints and stamp your passport.

4. Collect your baggage

After clearing immigration, descend to the first floor baggage claim hall. Check the information screens for your flight number and assigned carousel. Luggage trolleys are available free of charge.

5. Pass through customs

• Use the green channel if you have no dutiable or restricted goods and are carrying less than USD 10,000 equivalent in cash.
• Use the red channel if you have goods to declare.
  All bags go through an X-ray scanner, and random physical inspections may take place.

6. Exit to the public arrivals hall

Once cleared, you will enter the main arrivals area, where you will find taxi counters, ride-hail pick-up points, SIM card counters, ATMs, and currency exchange offices.

Phuket Customs Declaration Rules

Standard personal effects and tourist souvenirs are generally duty-free. You must declare if you are carrying:

• Cash or bearer negotiable instruments with a total value exceeding the equivalent of USD 10,000
• Goods intended for commercial use or resale
• Restricted items including firearms, drones, protected wildlife products, and certain prescription medications
• Alcohol and tobacco above personal duty-free limits

Failure to declare restricted or dutiable items may result in fines, confiscation, or further legal action. When in doubt, declare the item.

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