Do Australians Need a Visa for Thailand & How to Apply for TDAC?
As a captivating kingdom in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is a gem renowned for its vibrant culture, golden temples, and world-famous tropical beaches. To help you experience its many wonders, we’ve put together this essential guide to the Thailand visa. We’ll cover everything from necessary paperwork to insider tips, ensuring your application process is as seamless as your upcoming tropical getaway.
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Do Australians Need a Visa for Thailand?
aerial photography of body of water surrounded with mountains Via Unsplash (by Evan Krause)
Australians can now enter and stay in Thailand for 60 days without a visa through the Visa Exemption Scheme because of an agreement between the two countries. There is no set limit if you’re traveling by air, but you can only enter on a visa exemption stamp twice a year if you’re entering Thailand through a land or sea border.
Main Thailand Visa Types for Australian Citizens
a book on a table Via Unsplash (by Global Residence Index)
Visa-Free Entry (Exemption Scheme)
- Under a mutual agreement, Australian passport holders can enter Thailand for tourism without a visa and stay for up to 60 days.
- While there is no specific cap for arrivals by air, travelers entering via land or sea borders are limited to two visa-exempt entries per calendar year.
Tourist Visa (TR)
- For those planning a longer stay, a standard Tourist Visa can be obtained through the Thai Embassy in Canberra or the Consulate in Sydney.
- This visa grants an initial 60-day stay, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Bangkok immigration office, allowing for a total trip duration of 90 days.
Thailand Privilege Visa (Formerly Elite Visa)
- This is the premier option for Australians looking for long-term residency or frequent, hassle-free access to the country.
- The program offers residency for 5, 10, or 15 years, featuring significantly fewer eligibility hurdles than other long-term categories and a suite of exclusive VIP benefits.
Non-Immigrant Visas
Australians traveling for specific purposes beyond tourism can apply for various Non-Immigrant categories at Thai diplomatic missions in Australia:
- Non-Immigrant B: For individuals seeking employment or conducting business.
- Non-Immigrant O: For those visiting a Thai spouse or family members.
- Non-Immigrant ED: Designed for students enrolled in recognized Thai educational institutions.
- Retirement Visas (O, OA, and OX): Multiple options are available for retirees, with Type OA and OX offering extended stays for those who meet specific financial and health requirements.
What is Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
passport booklet on top of white paper Via Unsplash (by Nicole Geri)
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online form designed to replace paper arrival cards, providing convenience for travelers entering Thailand by any means. It is used to submit entry information and health declaration details approved by the Thai Ministry of Public Health prior to arrival. After completing the application, travelers will receive a QR code. Upon entry, this code must be presented to immigration officers to streamline the entry process and reduce physical contact at border checkpoints.
Who needs to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
All foreign nationals entering Thailand must complete the TDAC before arrival, with the following exceptions:
- Foreign nationals transiting through Thailand.
- Foreign nationals using a Border Pass.
When to complete it?
All foreign nationals must submit their digital arrival card information within 3 days prior to entering Thailand, including the date of arrival.
How to Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Step 1: Access the Portal: Enter the official website of Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
(Source: Official Website of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand)
Step 2: Select Service: Click on the "Arrival Card" option.
Step 3: Personal Details: Enter your personal information, including passport details, and click "Continue".
(Source: Official Website of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand)
Step 4: Travel & Stay: Input your travel-related and accommodation information, then click "Continue" again.
Step 5: Health Declaration: List the countries or regions you have resided in during the two weeks prior to your arrival for health declaration purposes. If any location you enter is on the Ministry of Public Health's high-risk list, the system will prompt you to complete a specific health declaration form.
Step 6: Add Travelers: Click "Add" to include information for additional travelers and repeat steps 1 through 4. If traveling alone, click "Next".
Step 7: Review: Carefully check your information. If any errors are found, click "Edit" to make corrections.
Step 8: Email Registration: Enter your email address to receive your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
Step 9: Final Submission: Review the Terms and Conditions, tick the box to indicate your agreement, and click "Submit" to finalize the application.
Step 10: Retrieve Your Card: Download your Thailand Digital Arrival Card. You can also download or print a copy of the arrival card sent to your email inbox.
Top Attractions in Thailand
The Grand Palace
4.4/5
5837 reviewsThe Grand Palace is very large and its most distinctive feature is its golden splendor. This package includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a Khon opera experience, allowing you to experience royal culture and traditional Thai Khon opera performances up close, which is very special!
Simon Cabaret Phuket
4.7/5
1313 reviewsI really liked it, the dancing was amazing and there was something to laugh about ☺️ They give cocktails, we sat in the front row in VIP
How to Change Information on the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
(Source: Official Website of the Immigration Bureau of Thailand)
- Access the Portal: Enter the official website of Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
- Select Update: Click on the "Update Arrival Card" option.
- Search Criteria: Enter the required details to find your record, including your TDAC number, passport number, date of birth, and nationality/citizenship.
- Execute Search: Click the "Search" button.
- Edit Details: Confirm the information that requires correction and make necessary edits.
- Review: Double-check your updated information for accuracy.
- Email Registration: Enter your email address to receive your updated Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).
- Finalize Update: Review the Terms and Conditions, tick the box to indicate your agreement, and click "Submit" to update your application.
- Retrieve Your Card: Download your new Thailand Digital Arrival Card. You can also download or print a copy of the arrival card sent to your email inbox.
Important Notes for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
- Language Requirement: All information must be completed in English.
- Efficient Input: For fields with dropdown menus, you can type the first three letters of the relevant information, and the system will automatically display matching options.
- Clarification of Status: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is not an entry visa.
Non-Editable Personal Information
The following details cannot be modified once submitted:
- Full Name (as it appears in your passport)
- Passport Number
- Nationality/Citizenship
- Date of Birth
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88400 booked
Hotel Recommendations in Thailand
Hotels in Bangkok
5 star
Very Good4770 Reviews
Siam Bangkok|2.01km from downtown
My stay here was absolutely fantastic! From the moment I walked in, I felt incredibly welcome. The front desk attendant was super efficient with check-in and even thoughtfully upgraded my room. The room itself was spotless, and the bedding was incredibly soft and comfortable. I especially appreciated the choice of both soft and firm pillows – truly excellent attention to detail. The breakfast spread was extensive and delicious too. This will definitely be my top choice whenever I visit this city again!FromCAD 34
Very Good1157 Reviews
Silom/Sathon Bangkok|0.28km from downtown
Located in the heart of the city with convenient transportation and parking. The facilities are complete, including a swimming pool that isn't very large, but I liked it because it was easy to take my child for a swim. There's also a fitness room.FromCAD 105
Very Good1146 Reviews
Sukhumvit Bangkok|5.68km from downtown
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The location was excellent, making it easy to explore and enjoy the surroundings. My room was spotless and comfortable, and I especially appreciated how clean and well‑maintained the bathroom was. Everything felt fresh and welcoming, which made my stay even more enjoyable. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would happily recommend this hotel to others.FromCAD 75
Very Good2455 Reviews
Riverside Bangkok|2.99km from downtown
The hotel service is excellent, with a complimentary shuttle boat to the Sathorn pier. If you want to go to ICONSIAM, it's only 12 baht, with round trips every hour, which is very convenient. There's a Ferris wheel night market nearby that's great for strolling around. The hotel provides tuk-tuks to take you to the night market anytime, allowing you to enjoy it as much as you like. The hotel's location is superb, making it easy to get anywhere. They offer airport pick-up and drop-off services; booking these in advance yourself is much cheaper than booking a taxi online. The hotel staff are very welcoming, and I had a very comfortable stay. If it's your birthday, the hotel even provides a small complimentary birthday cake. Exploring the night market and taking a cruise on the Chao Phraya River at night was a wonderful travel experience.FromCAD 85
Great1459 Reviews
Siam Bangkok|3.59km from downtown
The premier room is located at the end of the wing, near the fire exit. The self-closing swing door is quite noisy, and soundproofing between rooms isn't great. The ambiance and decor are classic, old-style, and grand. The bed is quite high off the ground, but the thick mattress is comfortable. Even though you use a key card to turn on the lights, you have to manually switch off each individual lamp. The bathroom is large, with sufficient shampoo, shower gel, and lotion in pump bottles. The shower is still a combination shower-bathtub. Breakfast offers a good variety. Other meals are pricey but worth it for the quality and taste. The Bistro restaurant has beautiful decorations, but they can obstruct the view between some diners and the waitstaff. It's very convenient to the BTS (Skytrain). 🙏FromCAD 112
Business travel
Very Good1583 Reviews
Khaosan Road Bangkok|3.03km from downtown
This hotel was booked for a one-night stay as we had an evening flight after attending an exhibition with family. In conclusion, while the hotel was larger than expected, it felt a bit old, and the carpet in the hallways had a strong musty smell. However, once inside the room, it was fine. The air conditioning seemed to be centrally controlled, and it was quite hot from the morning, which was a bit uncomfortable. Also, make sure to bring your own hairdryer. The one provided was so weak it was almost unusable; it felt like a ventilation fan, so I gave up trying to dry my hair and just left. For around 50,000 won, it's not a bad place. The check-in lobby is on the 11th floor. We stayed in Tower C. We heard that the 'White Flower' restaurant nearby was good, and it was an 11-minute walk. It was indeed delicious!FromCAD 45
Very Good2345 Reviews
Silom/Sathon Bangkok|0.82km from downtown
Objectively speaking, this Hilton Garden Inn feels more like an upgraded budget hotel. The decor is simple, without a luxurious vibe. The biggest highlight is the outdoor rooftop pool, which offers expansive views and outstanding scenery, making it a very relaxing spot for a swim. The guest rooms are clean and tidy, with all the basic amenities. The breakfast buffet has plenty of variety, and the taste is decent. The location is excellent, making it very convenient for getting around. Setting aside the lack of luxury, considering the price, facilities, and service, it offers incredible value for money, making it perfect for a layover or short stay. No exaggeration here, it's a practical choice for travelers, and I'd definitely stay again if I'm passing through.FromCAD 62
Very Good1928 Reviews
Sukhumvit Bangkok|3.87km from downtown
I cannot recommend the Ambassador Hotel enough. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable—friendly, efficient, and genuinely warm.
The hotel itself strikes that perfect balance between vintage character and modern amenities. The lobby is stunning, and our room was spotless, spacious, and surprisingly quiet. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the blackout curtains ensured a great night's sleep.
The location is ideal, close to great restaurants and attractions, yet peaceful enough to feel like a retreat. We also loved the complimentary coffee in the morning and the cozy bar area for an evening drink.FromCAD 70
Great1974 Reviews
Silom/Sathon Bangkok|0.67km from downtown
Amazing experience from check-in to check-out. The staff were professional and welcoming, the room was spotless, and everything exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended, and we look forward to staying here again in the future.FromCAD 65
Good836 Reviews
Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok|12.89km from downtown
The hotel staff work very efficiently and everything is well organized. The service feels professional and smooth from check-in to check-out. There is also a convenience store available 24 hours a day, which makes it very easy to buy food, drinks, or anything you need at any time. It’s really convenient for guests who arrive late or get hungry at night. Overall, it was a comfortable and pleasant stay.FromCAD 21
Breakfast
Great2433 Reviews
Pratunam Market Bangkok|3.2km from downtown
Had a wonderful stay at Vince Hotel! The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well maintained, while the staff were friendly and welcoming throughout our stay.
One of the highlights was the complimentary tuk-tuk service, which offers 5 convenient drop-off points to nearby attractions and transport hubs, making it easy to get around. Another great perk was the free supper served from 9PM to 11PM, which was a nice treat after a day of sightseeing.
Overall, Vince Hotel offers excellent value for money with thoughtful amenities and great service. I would definitely recommend it and would happily stay here again.FromCAD 77
Very Good3036 Reviews
Sukhumvit Bangkok|7.78km from downtown
The hotel is reasonably close to the metro, about a 12-minute walk. There's a 7/11 nearby. While it's a bit further from Sukhumvit, the overall location is very convenient. For dining, there are some good Thai restaurants within a 5-minute walk.FromCAD 52
Great923 Reviews
Sukhumvit Bangkok|3.93km from downtown
Bed was very comfy and hotel gave me a free upgrade with bathtub, very spacious room with direct view of the pool downstairs. Like that it’s very convenient with free tuktuk service to Terminal 21 Asok or Asok station! Could also walk down to SW1 night market too and right next to an amazing Thai massage shop called Thai Thai Massage. Would definitely wanna come here and stay again the next time in BKK!FromCAD 101
Very Good649 Reviews
Sukhumvit Bangkok|3.77km from downtown
Galleria 12 is located in an excellent spot down an alley in the middle of downtown. It is super close to Pier 12 which has a ton of cheap and tasty food options. The pool is quite relaxing if you can ignore the construction next door. The gym comes stocked with a multipurpose machine and other equipment, but it’s rather cramped. We really enjoyed the breakfast which offered good Thai and western options. The main issue we had with the rooms was that the soundproofing was quite terrible. Our room was connected to a neighboring room by two locked doors. Unfortunately, the soundproofing was so bad that I could clearly hear my neighbors’ conversation when they were simply talking. When they were watching TV, it felt as if it was in the same room. If you’re a light sleeper, you might have a hard time.FromCAD 45
Very Good1060 Reviews
Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok|12.64km from downtown
This was my first time staying here, and everything was excellent. One thing I especially want to praise is how clean and quiet the room was. I slept very comfortably. The room was spacious, and considering the price I paid, it was great value for money. There are several restaurants nearby, and a 7-Eleven is conveniently located right next door. The staff were friendly and always smiling. Even the housekeeping staff were very polite and kind to me.FromCAD 26
FAQs about Thailand Visa for Australians
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Do Australians get a visa on arrival?
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How much is the ETA for Thailand?
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Can Australians apply for a Thailand visa online?
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Do I need a visa if I am an Australian citizen?
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