The system will go live on 28 April in readiness for arrivals from 1 May. Visitors to the country will be able to complete the process up to three days prior to their arrival.
A completed digital arrival card will be mandatory, and is free to complete. It will apply to all international arrivals entering Thailand for leisure or business by air, land or sea.
Those transiting or transferring in Thailand without clearing immigration control will be exempt, as will Thai passport holders.
Arrivals with smartphones, tablets or computers with WiFi access can apply on arrival before clearing immigration, should they wish, although the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is advising visitors to complete their applications before travelling for peace of mind.
Worapa Ankhasirisap, TAT’s director in London, hailed the new process "a huge step forward". "This streamlined, paperless system makes the arrival process more efficient allowing travellers to start their journey in Thailand with ease.
"By embracing digital innovation, we are not only improving border procedures but also gathering valuable insights to better understand travel trends and enhance our tourism offerings."
Once travellers complete their application, they will be sent a QR code. This will then need to be presented – either digitally on their device or as a printout – along with their passport at immigration upon their arrival.
The digital arrival card is not a visa. British and Irish citizens can currently travel to Thailand for up to 60 days visa free.
The Foreign Office has updated its Thailand travel advice to reflect the change. "From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea, must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival," read the update. "Travellers can register for an arrival card within three days before they arrive."
