Immigration warns of scam digital arrival card websites

The  Immigration Bureau has warned foreign travellers against fraudulent websites offering Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) services for a fee, stressing that registration, while mandatory, is free and available only through official channels.

The TDAC was introduced on May 1 last year, replacing the traditional TM.6 paper form. All foreign visitors must register their arrival details online, in advance, for immigration screening.

It is similar to entry systems used in countries such as South Korea, Japan and Singapore.

Immigration spokesman Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee said on Sunday that some travellers had been misled into registering on unofficial websites that were not part of the Thai immigration system.

He stressed that visitors must submit their details only via the official website at tdac.immigration.go.th, or through the Immigration Bureau’s main site, which provides a verified link and QR code to the platform.

Travellers are advised to complete registration at least three days before arrival to allow authorities time to process the information and send confirmation by email, helping to reduce waiting times at immigration counters.

“Registration is completely free of charge,” he said. Any website requesting payment was not affiliated with the government.

Despite repeated public warning, at least 10% of foreign arrivals had mistakenly used these websites, which often charge from US$20 to $90, according to Pol Maj Gen Choengron.

Among the platforms flagged were websites openly describing themselves as private or “independent” service providers. They included tdac.info, which advertises document assistance services, and ivisa.com, a commercial visa-processing platform offering TDAC submissions for a fee.

Several other domains claim to process the TDAC while stating in their terms and conditions that they are not affiliated with the Thai government.

Pol Maj Gen Choengron warned that personal data entered on such sites could be misused, potentially exposing travellers to scams or identity theft. Some fraudulent platforms even attempt to collect information under the guise of offering e-visa services.

The Immigration Bureau said it is working with other agencies to track down and shut down the fraudulent websites. Enforcement was complicated as many were hosted overseas.

Officials have sought cooperation from airline representatives in warning travellers to register only through official channels before arrival, to avoid unnecessary delays and costs.