Thailand’s entry rules have shifted significantly over the last 12 months. Gone are the days of filling out a paper card on the plane. As of 2026, Thailand has fully digitized its borders.
If you are traveling to Thailand this year, you are likely confused by the alphabet soup of acronyms: ETA, TDAC, E-Visa.
Which one do you need? Do you need all of them?
This “Live Update” guide is maintained weekly to cut through the confusion and ensure you don’t get turned away at the boarding gate.
Current Status at a Glance (January 2026)
TDAC (Digital Arrival Card): ACTIVE & MANDATORY. All travelers must complete this.
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): CANCELLED. ETA is now replaced by the TDAC.
300 Baht “Tourist Tax”: DELAYED. Not currently collected separately (expected Q3 2026).
Visa Exemption: 60 DAYS. Standard for 93 countries (US, UK, EU, Aus, etc.).
1. The New “Must-Do”: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
If you remember the old blue “TM6” paper card you used to fill out on the plane, the TDAC is its digital replacement.
Since May 1, 2025, the TDAC has been mandatory for all foreign arrivals.
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Who needs it? Everyone. It does not matter if you have a visa, an ETA, or a Diplomatic passport. Infants and children need their own registration.
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When to apply: You can register up to 72 hours (3 days) before your flight.
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Cost: Free.
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The Risk: If you do not have your TDAC QR code ready at immigration, you will be pulled out of the queue and forced to complete it on a kiosk, adding 30-60 minutes to your arrival time.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave this until you land. The airport Wi-Fi can be spotty. Need help? Let us handle your registration alongside your visa application.
2. The Thailand ETA: Scrapped for 2026
This is the biggest source of confusion for travelers in 2026.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) was originally scheduled for late 2024 but faced technical delays. As of January 2026, the ETA is replaced by the TDAC.
3. ETA vs. E-Visa vs. TDAC: Which One Do I Need?
This simple table breaks down the requirements for 2026 travelers.
| Feature | TDAC (Digital Arrival Card) | E-Visa (60+ Days) |
| Purpose | Pre-Screening & Location Tracking | Long-Stay Permission |
| Who Needs It? | EVERYONE | Digital Nomads, Retirees, Long Stays |
| Cost | Free | Varies by Visa Type |
| Validity | Single Entry | 60 Days up to 5 Years |
| Application Time | 72 hours before flight | 3-4 weeks before flight |
Confused? If you are planning to stay longer than 60 days, or if you want to work remotely (Destination Thailand Visa), you must apply for a proper E-Visa.
4. The “Tourist Tax” (300 Baht): Is It Finally Here?
You may have read headlines about a 300 Baht “Kha Yeap Pan Din” (Landing Fee).
Status as of Jan 5, 2026: The fee is NOT yet being collected as a separate payment at the airport. After multiple delays, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has pushed the rollout to mid-2026 (likely Q2 or Q3).However, you will notice your flight tickets are slightly more expensive.
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New Airport Tax: Effective Feb 1, 2026, the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) at major airports (BKK, HKT, CNX) increased from 730 Baht to 1,120 Baht. This is included in your airline ticket price, so you do not need to pay cash on arrival.
5. Summary Checklist for your 2026 Trip
To ensure a smooth entry into Thailand, follow this exact order:
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4 Weeks Before: Check if you need a Long-Stay E-Visa (for stays >60 days). If so, apply now.
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72 Hours Before: Complete the mandatory TDAC online.
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Arrival: Have your TDAC QR code and Passport ready.
Recent Update Log:
Jan 4, 2026: Confirmation of Airport Tax (PSC) increase to 1,120 THB.
May 1, 2025: TDAC becomes fully mandatory for all arrivals.
