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From May 1, 2025, there Thailand will put in place a new travel formality: the electronic arrival card, also known as Digital Arrival Card. This initiative aims to modernize entry processes and facilitate the collection of traveler information. Inspired by similar devices in use in other countries in the region, such as Cambodia, this measure is part of an approach to digital transformation which promises to significantly change the experience of international visitors.
THE Thai Ministry of Tourism recently announced the introduction of a new travel formality for international visitors, known as Digital Arrival Card, or electronic arrival card. Planned for the May 1, 2025, this initiative marks an important step in the country’s digital transformation, aiming to simplify and modernize the entry process for travelers.
Digital development of entry formalities
Thailand is part of a dynamic of digitization of its entry formalities, drawing inspiration from similar systems already in place in other countries in the region, such as the Cambodia with its E-Arrival recording. From this date, all incoming travelers must fill out a free online form before their departure, in order to provide the necessary information upon their arrival.
The objectives of the Digital Arrival Card
This approach aims to automate information collection on visitors to make the immigration process smoother and more efficient. By dematerializing the traditional form, the Thai government hopes to speed up arrival procedures while strengthening security at the borders.
A system that is still unclear for travelers
Despite this promising announcement, many uncertainties remain regarding the implementation of this electronic arrival card. The modalities of application, such as the compulsory or optional nature of online registration, remain to be defined. Travelers also have questions about the content of the form: what information will be required, and how long before arrival will they have to be provided?
The tourism context in Thailand
In 2024, Thailand saw the number of international visitors reach more than 25 million, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year. Although these figures are encouraging, they remain below the record levels reached in 2019, when the country welcomed almost 39 million tourists.
Implications for travelers
The transition to a digital arrival card raises concerns among future travelers. On the one hand, this development could improve the visitor experience by reducing the waiting time on arrival; on the other hand, it may also give rise to concerns regarding the protection of personal data and the confidentiality information provided. Travelers will have to adapt to this new procedure and familiarize themselves with the steps to follow before their departure.
Information sources for travelers
For more details on this initiative, travelers can consult specialized sites such as FastVisa Or Thailand, which provide updates on the development of this electronic arrival card. Additionally, additional information can be found on platforms like Southeast Asia Or Visa Thailand.
Key information about the Thailand electronic arrival card
- Implementation date: May 1, 2025
- Card name: Digital Arrival Card
- Procedure : To be completed before departure
- Inspiration : Model from Cambodia with its E-Arrival
- Objective : Automatically collect traveler information
- Terms of application: Not yet specified (mandatory or optional?)
- Tourist volume: More than 25 million visitors in 2024
- Fluctuation compared to 2019: Down from record 39 million
FAQs on the introduction of electronic arrival card in Thailand
A: The Electronic Arrival Card, also known as the “Digital Arrival Card”, is a form that travelers will need to complete online before their arrival in Thailand, scheduled for 1er May 2025.
A: This system aims to automate the collection of information on travelers entering the country, which will facilitate entry formalities and improve the efficiency of immigration.
A: The terms of application remain unclear, but it has not yet been clarified whether this form will be mandatory or whether there will be a paper filling option available in parallel.
A: Although the specific details are not yet clearly defined, it is likely that personal information such as first name, last name, date of birth, as well as address information for staying in Thailand will need to be provided.
A: The introduction of the electronic arrival card is expected to simplify the entry process by reducing administrative formalities, but may also result in an adaptation period for visitors who are unfamiliar with this new system.
A: The electronic arrival card will need to be completed before the traveler’s departure, but the exact time frame for doing this has not yet been specified.
A: This initiative is part of a larger digital transformation project aimed at modernizing travel procedures and strengthening security at the country’s borders.