The Immigration Bureau has issued a warning to foreign travellers about fraudulent websites offering Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) services for a fee, emphasising that registration is mandatory but entirely free through official channels.
The TDAC system, introduced on May 1 last year, replaced the traditional TM.6 paper form. All foreign visitors are required to submit their arrival details online in advance for immigration screening.
The system mirrors digital entry platforms used in countries including South Korea, Japan and Singapore.
Speaking on Sunday, immigration spokesman Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee said some travellers had been misled into using unofficial websites not connected to Thailand’s immigration system.
He urged visitors to submit their details via the official TDAC website at tdac.immigration.go.th, or through the Immigration Bureau’s main website, which provides a verified link and QR code to the platform.
Travellers are advised to complete their registration at least three days prior to arrival, allowing sufficient time for authorities to process the information and issue email confirmation, thereby reducing waiting times at immigration checkpoints.
“Registration is completely free of charge,” he said. Any website requesting payment was not affiliated with the government.
Despite repeated public warnings, at least 10% of foreign arrivals have mistakenly used such websites, which typically charge between US$20 and $90, according to Pol Maj Gen Choengron.
Among the platforms identified were sites that openly describe themselves as private or “independent” service providers. These include tdac.info, which promotes document assistance services, and ivisa.com, a commercial visa-processing platform offering TDAC submissions for a fee.
Several other domains also claim to process TDAC applications while stating in their terms and conditions that they are not affiliated with the Thai government.
Pol Maj Gen Choengron warned that personal data submitted through such platforms could be misused, potentially exposing travellers to scams or identity theft. Some fraudulent sites have also attempted to collect information under the pretext of providing e-visa services.
The Immigration Bureau said it is coordinating with relevant agencies to identify and shut down the fraudulent websites, although enforcement remains challenging as many are hosted overseas.
Authorities are also working with airline representatives to advise travellers to register only through official channels prior to arrival, helping to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
