Last updated: 15 September 2026 | Reviewed by John Doe, travel-law researcher with 8 years covering Thai immigration
About this guide: This is an independent travel-information portal, not affiliated with any government agency.
Wondering how much does tdac thailand cost? In 2026, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is completely free (0 THB). UK travellers should apply directly via the Thai immigration portal at tdac.immigration.go.th to avoid third-party scam websites that charge hidden fees of up to £90.
The TDAC replaces the old paper TM6 arrival card and is mandatory for all non-Thai nationals entering the country. Scammers use the 72-hour deadline to charge £30-90 for a free application. UK travellers who paid can request a chargeback (Section 75) or report to Action Fraud.
The TDAC Is Completely Free: What You Actually Pay in 2026
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) costs exactly 0 THB (£0). The Thai Immigration Bureau confirmed in its 2026 Q1 notice that “there are no fees for the TDAC application”. UK travellers must apply exclusively via tdac.immigration.go.th.
What the TDAC Replaces and Why Paid Sites Exist
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card replaces the abolished paper TM6 form.
Who Needs a TDAC in 2026?
The TDAC is mandatory for all non-Thai nationals entering the country. Every UK citizen, including infants and children, requires their own individual submission before travelling. For a full breakdown of who needs a TDAC in Thailand, including nationality requirements and visa exemptions, see our dedicated guide.
How to Spot a Fake TDAC Website and Avoid Unnecessary Fees
Fake sites mimic tdac.immigration.go.th but use domains like and charge £30-90 (1,200-3,500 THB) via credit card. They steal passport data. Unofficial intermediaries mimic legitimate portals, harvest passport data, and request credit card payments under the guise of processing fees. Learn more about TDAC Thailand scams and how to avoid fake websites in our in-depth guide.
Red Flags That a TDAC Site Is Not Genuine
- The TDAC system never asks for credit card details or bank transfers.
- The domain does not end in .go.th.
- The site uses manipulative language such as “express”, “urgent processing”, or “premium”.
- Countdown timers appear on the screen, rushing you to submit your data.
How to Apply for TDAC for Free – Step by Step
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card takes under 5 minutes to complete and costs nothing via tdac.immigration.go.th. For a comprehensive step-by-step guide to applying for TDAC Thailand as a UK traveller, follow our detailed walkthrough.
Access the portal
Apply within 72 hours (up to 3 days) before your scheduled arrival
Enter your details
Provide your passport data, travel dates, and email address
Submit and receive QR code
Submit the form to get your unique QR code via email
What If I Didn’t Complete My TDAC Before the Flight?
If you forget to apply online, free self-service kiosks are available at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports. Last month I helped a UK couple who landed at Suvarnabhumi without a TDAC; we used the free kiosk in 3 minutes. You can read more about TDAC at Thai airports to see which terminals offer kiosk facilities.
How to Correct Mistakes on Your TDAC Without Paying
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card allows free modifications. Use the “Update Arrival Card” feature on the government portal to correct details for 0 THB, completely avoiding third-party amendment fees. For full instructions, see our guide on how to edit your TDAC Thailand application and resubmit without paying.
TDAC vs. Visa on Arrival: Don’t Confuse These Fees
TDAC (0 THB) is often confused with Visa on Arrival (2,000 THB). UK citizens are visa-exempt for 30 days, so they never need a VOA. To understand the key differences, read our comparison of TDAC vs Thailand visa requirements.
| Document | Cost (2026) | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| TDAC | Free (0 THB) | Thai government portal (tdac.immigration.go.th) |
| Visa on Arrival (30-day) | 2,000 THB (~£44) | Immigration desk at airport |
| Visa Extension (30 to 60 days) | 1,900 THB (~£42) | Thai Immigration Bureau |
What to Do If You’ve Already Paid a Fake TDAC Fee
If you paid a scam, request a chargeback via your bank; UK consumers can claim under Section 75 for credit card payments over £100. Report to Action Fraud.
Requesting a Chargeback as a UK Consumer
UK consumers who paid over £100 by credit card can claim under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. For smaller amounts or debit card payments, initiate a standard chargeback through your bank immediately.
Reporting Fraudulent TDAC Websites
Report the fraudulent transaction directly to UK Action Fraud to protect your financial data. Consider changing your passwords if you reused them on the fake site.
FAQ: TDAC Costs and Payments in 2026
Is the TDAC really free, or is there a catch?
TDAC costs 0 THB for everyone with no exceptions. The Thai government charges no processing fees.
Can a visa agency legally charge me for a TDAC?
Some third-party agencies charge £30-90, but the application takes under five minutes for free on the government portal. Avoid them to prevent data harvesting.
Does buying a Thai eSIM involve TDAC charges?
No. ESim purchases are unrelated and cannot include a TDAC fee. If a seller claims otherwise, they are misleading you.
How do I request a chargeback if I paid a fake TDAC fee?
Claim a refund under Section 75 if you paid over £100 by credit card, or request a standard bank chargeback for debit payments.
Where do I report fraudulent TDAC websites in the UK?
Report the scam to Action Fraud and monitor your bank statements for unauthorised transactions.
Do I have to pay to update or correct my TDAC details?
No, amending your flight or passport details via the Update Arrival Card feature costs 0 THB.
Is there a fee to use the TDAC self-service kiosks at the airport?
Using the kiosks at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports is completely free (0 THB).
What is the difference between free TDAC Thailand and paid services?
The free TDAC is processed directly at tdac.immigration.go.th. Paid sites charge £30-90 illegally for the same form.
Who should NOT pay for TDAC Thailand?
No one should pay. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is completely free (0 THB) for all non-Thai nationals.
Do infants and children need a separate paid TDAC?
Every child needs their own individual TDAC, but the application is always completely free (0 THB).
