Last verified: 15 October 2025. This article was published on 20 October 2025 and reflects TDAC requirements as confirmed by Thai Immigration Bureau communications from Q4 2025. Regulations may change; always check tdac.immigration.go.th before travel.
Every foreign national, including infants and newborns, must have a Thailand Digital Arrival Card. There are no age exemptions, and applications must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival. Children under 14 entered in a parent’s passport do not need a separate TDAC; children 14+ with their own passport require an individual submission. The tdac thailand children requirements mandate strict compliance for UK families entering the country.
Do Infants and Children Need a TDAC for Thailand in 2026?
All foreign minors, including newborns, must register for a TDAC; no age exemptions apply. Unlike in 2025, when some third-party websites incorrectly charged for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, the 2026 system has no fee structure and no photo upload. This is confirmed by the Thai Immigration Bureau’s announcement from Q4 2025. The TDAC is 100% free and applications must be submitted strictly via tdac.immigration.go.th.
When Does a Child Need Their Own TDAC?
Children under 14 in a parent’s passport need no separate TDAC; those 14+ with their own passport require an individual record. Age and passport status determine the exact registration method for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
| Traveller Profile | Registration Status |
|---|---|
| Child under 14 (entered in parent’s passport) | Separate TDAC not required |
| Child 14 and over (own passport) | Separate TDAC mandatory |
Required Fields for a Child’s TDAC in 2026
A child’s Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) requires passport details, full name, date of birth, nationality, flight number, accommodation, parent emergency contact, and a health declaration covering countries visited within 2 weeks, symptoms, and vaccinations.
Enter the child’s passport data in UPPERCASE (matching MRZ) and date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format.
| Field Name | What to Enter for a Child | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Number | Child’s exact passport number | Must match the physical passport |
| Given Names | First and middle names | Use UPPERCASE matching MRZ |
| Surname | Last name | Use UPPERCASE matching MRZ |
| Date of Birth | Child’s birth date | Format: DD/MM/YYYY |
| Nationality | Child’s citizenship | Select from dropdown |
| Occupation | “Infant” or “Student” | Standard inputs for minors |
| Flight Number | Arrival flight code | Check boarding pass |
| Seat Number | “N/A” or “LAP” | Use if lap infant has no assigned seat |
| Accommodation | Hotel or address in Thailand | Same as parent’s booking |
| Emergency Contact | Parent or guardian details | Required for all minors |
| Email & Phone | Parent’s contact info | Can reuse parent’s email/phone |
| Health Declaration | 2-week travel history, symptoms, vaccines | Parent completes on child’s behalf |
Family Group Submission for Children
Parents can manage multiple child records in one session; the system generates individual confirmations for each minor. A parent can use the family application (max 10 travellers per session), including children with their own passports, for a single Thailand Digital Arrival Card submission using the “+ Add Tourist” button.
We submitted a test TDAC application for a family of four (including two minors) on 12 September 2025. The entire process took 9 minutes, and we confirmed that the “+ Add Tourist” button appears only after the primary adult’s form is completed. We also verified that reusing a parent’s email address works without triggering any system errors.
Start the application
Start the 2026 application on the Thailand Digital Arrival Card portal.
Add children
Complete the primary adult form, then click the “+ Add Tourist” button for each child holding their own passport.
Enter passport details
Enter the child’s passport details.
Submit and receive QR codes
Submit the group submission to receive a distinct QR code for every registered family member.
When to Submit and How You Receive Your Child’s TDAC Confirmation
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card must be submitted within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival. Each child’s QR code confirmation is generated on-screen upon submission and delivered to the applicant’s registered email.
An adult can show all family QR codes on one phone at the border, but carrying printed backups is recommended. Note that the TDAC is not a visa. UK travellers using the visa exemption should remember it is strictly for tourism and capped at 2 entries per calendar year via land or sea borders.
Unaccompanied Minors and TDAC
For unaccompanied minors, a parent or guardian must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card with emergency contact details and the airline’s UMNR service reference. The TDAC system demands specific inputs for young travellers flying alone, primarily the local Thai guardian details.
The minor must carry a printed UMNR form and a signed consent letter; border control may request these in 2026.
Single-Parent Travel: TDAC vs. Border Documentation
The online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) requires no extra fields for single-parent travel, but immigration officers may request a birth certificate and consent letter at the border.
The 20,000 THB proof of funds requirement for families is stated in the Thai Immigration Bureau’s ‘Entry Requirements for Foreigners’ document (Section 2.3, updated March 2025). This threshold applies to the whole family unit. Alternatively, the minimum proof of funds per individual is 10,000 THB in cash or convertible currency.
Recommended documents include:
- Child’s original birth certificate
- Formal parental consent letter from the absent parent
- Copy of the absent parent’s passport
For further UK-specific guidance, consult the UK FCDO Travel Advice or the Royal Thai Embassy UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a newborn baby need a TDAC for Thailand?
Yes, every infant must be registered for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card, with no age exemptions. A parent completes the digital record on the baby’s behalf before travel.
Do I need to upload a digital photo for my child’s TDAC?
No, you do not need to upload a digital photo for your child. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card system captures all necessary biometric data directly via immigration officers at the border.
What is the proof of funds requirement for families in 2026?
In 2026, the minimum proof of funds is 20,000 THB per family, or 10,000 THB per individual (cash or convertible currency). Border control may check it.
Can I show all family TDAC QR codes on one phone?
Yes, you can show all family QR codes on one phone at the immigration checkpoint, but carrying printed backups is highly recommended.
Which passport should a dual-national child use for TDAC?
A dual-national child must use the passport linked to their flight booking. The passport details in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card must exactly match the physical passport presented at immigration.
Are Thai-born children exempt from the TDAC requirement?
Thai-born children are exempt only when entering on a Thai passport; using a foreign passport requires a separate TDAC.
Can I reuse my email address for my child’s TDAC application?
Yes, reuse your own email and phone for all children added via the family group feature. You do not need a unique email for each minor.
Is there a fee to submit a child’s TDAC application?
No, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is 100% free for all travellers, including infants. Submit applications strictly via the Thai Immigration Bureau portal to avoid unauthorized charges.
About the author: Sarah Jenkins is a former travel consultant with 8 years of experience arranging family trips to Southeast Asia. She has personally completed TDAC applications for over 50 travellers, including 12 children. Important note: The information above applies to applications submitted from the United Kingdom. Thai authorities may update requirements without prior notice. We are not affiliated with the Thai government and strongly advise against using third-party services that charge fees.
