Latest news with #ThailandDigitalArrivalCard
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Where to holiday this summer? Dubai vs Bangkok
Planning a long weekend holiday? Both Bangkok and Dubai are great options - short flights, great shopping, delicious food and even cheap accommodation. Bangkok is visa-free, so you can decide now, book the ticket, fill the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and fly out. Dubai also has Visa on Arrival facility if you have a valid visa for the UK, the US, Canada, Australia (visa should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival), otherwise an E-Visa takes about 2-3 days to process. In Dubai, alcohol is served only in licensed establishments; in Bangkok, it is available everywhere. The Thai Baht is cheaper than the UAE Dirham. Dubai can be very hot in summer, Bangkok is always humid and rain in always unpredictable. Would you choose Bangkok or Dubai for a quick holiday? Check the essentials and decide which city suits your holiday needs better. Visa: Thailand is visa-free country for Indian nationals. Visa on Arrival facility; you can also apply for an E-Visa. With a Tourist visa you can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is mandatory for all visitors, regardless of their visa status, and needs to be applied online three days before the date of travel. Flights: There are several direct flight options from various Indian cities. Delhi-Bangkok return Economy flights cost around ₹18,000. Kolkata-Bangkok flights starts at around ₹15,000. Currency: Thai Baht (THB). 1 THB = 2.62 INR What to see/do: Lumphini Park. Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market (with 15,000 stalls, it's among the largest outdoor markets in the world), What Pho (houses the country's largest reclining Buddha, a 150-foot long sculpture), The Grand Palace. Shop in Chinatown. The Jim Thompson House. IconSiam (houses 7,000 brands, more than 100 restaurants). Benchakitti Park. Talat Noi Street Art. Wat Arun, an iconic Buddhist Temple. Pak Khlong Talat (24-hour flower market). What/where to eat: Soi Nana (Bangkok's best bar-hopping street). Manohra Dinner River Cruise. Street food at Rattanakosin (Old Town). Must eat Pad Thai, Thailand's 'national dish'. Fine dining at Gaggan Anand, Suhring, and Sorn. Mango & sticky rice at Ban Khun Mae and Eathai. Vegetarians/vegans head to Veganerie, Bonita Bonita Cafe & Social Club, and Sarvana Bhawan. Try Thai coffee. Must do: A day-trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Where to stay: Siam and Pratunam are in the heart of the city centre and very close to biggest shopping centres, including MBK, Siam Paragon, Platinium, Central World and Palladium. Museums, parks, shops and markets are in the Sukhumvit district and the Skytrain is very easily accessible. Silom area is lined with various bars, nightclubs, restaurants; if you like the buzz of the city, stay in Khao San Road (metro or Skytrain not available in this area, you'll have to take a bus, taxi or Tuktuk). Chinatown has affordable accommodation while the historic Rattanakosin area is for those interested in Buddhist temples. Tips: Bangkok's pavements can be dangerous. Watch out for uneven streets and sidewalks. Street food can be very spicy; if you are chilli-intolerant, ask before ordering. Smoking marijuana in public is not legal. Covered shoulders and knees is the general requirement to enter temples. Use the BTS and MRT as much as possible for transport. Be careful while crossing streets. Do not get into a taxi/tuktuk without meters. Do not speak against the monarchy or Buddhism. Do not wear dresses/tees with Buddha prints. If you have a Buddha tattoo, cover it. Do not step on Thai currency, it is illegal. Visa: Single entry visa is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and 14 or 30 days from the date of entry (depending on the type of visa applied for). The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. For 5-year multiple entry visa, a bank balance of US$ 4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months is mandatory. Flights: There are several direct flight options from various Indian cities. Delhi-Dubai return Economy flights cost around ₹25,000. Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). 1 AED = 23.16 INR What to see/do: Standing 828metre high,Burj Khalifais the tallest building in the world, go to the observationdeck at levels 124 and 125 for an incredible view of the city. Take time out for the Dubai Fountain, one of theworld's largest choreographed fountaindisplays (check timings). Traditionalabraboatride at Dubai Creek. Walk around, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Shop at Dubai Mall. Go skydiving with Skydive Dubai. Walk the clear glass bridge walkway at Dubai Frame. Kite Beachis the perfect place for watersports lovers. City Walkoffers European-style pedestrian streets alongside a host of shopping and entertainment options. Spend an afternoon at Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest natural flower garden. Museum of the Future. Where to eat Emirati food: Aseelah (Radisson Blu Hotel), Logma (Dubai Mall), Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Al Fahidi neighbourhood), Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe (do not miss their shorbat adas,a delicious and delicately-spiced lentil soup), Siraj (Souk Al Bahar), Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant (do not miss their Beid wa tomat (local-style scrambled eggs), dango (spiced chickpeas) and balaleet (sweetened vermicelli with egg)). Must do: A day trip to Hatta, a mountain town. Where to stay: Hotels in Downtown Dubai at the foot of Burj Khalifa are expensive; if you want to see traditional Dubai, stay in Deira and Bur Dubai, two neighbourhoods separated by Dubai Creek. If like the sea, choose Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim districts; JBR and Dubai Marina house almost all major international hotel chains (of the two, JBR is comparatively more expensive); Trade Centre district is a convenient option while Al Barsha is ideal for low-budget travellers. Tips: Public display of affection (PDA) is frowned upon. Holding hands is acceptable, but kissing and hugging in public areas is not permitted. It is illegal for unmarried couples to cohabit, even in hotel rooms. Alcohol is served in licensed establishments only and is prohibited in public areas. It is customary to offer a little extra payment in restaurants, but tipping certainly isn't compulsory. Dressing conservatively is appreciated in Dubai's historic neighbourhoods and places of worship. There are specific requirements for entering a mosque, like wearing clothing that covers shoulders, arms and legs – and headscarves for women. Use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. Check tax tags attached to the back of your sales receipts. For tax refunds, validate these tags when you leave Dubai.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Planning a trip to Thailand? Here's what's changing from May 2025
Thailand has implemented significant changes to its visa policies as of May 2025, affecting travelers worldwide, including those from India. These updates aim to enhance immigration controls and streamline entry procedures. Financial proof requirement reinstated As of May 2025, Thailand has reinstated the requirement that applicants for tourist visas provide proof of income. This regulation, which was temporarily suspended in November 2023 to encourage travel during the pandemic, has been reinstated and will now demand that anyone coming on a tourist visa demonstrate that they have the means to support themselves while on vacation in the country. Applicants will be required to provide proof that they have a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht (about USD 550) in available funds. Acceptable documents include three months' worth of bank statements or, if the trip is being sponsored by someone else, a letter of sponsorship. Thai embassies around the world implement this condition, which is made explicit on Thailand's official e-Visa website. Introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Apart for the requirement of financial proof, Thailand has also implemented the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system on May 1, 2025. Any non-Thai nationals travelling by air, land, or sea must electronically complete the TDAC, At least three days before their arrival, . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo Reports add that the conventional paper TM6 arrival card has been replaced by this digital form, which would require travellers to submit their information about passport, their travel and lodging arrangements, and any recent medical disclosures. In addition to supporting public health initiatives, the TDAC seeks to improve security and expedite immigration processes. Read more: 6 legendary hill forts in India for killer views and vibes Potential reduction in visa-free stay duration Thailand also intends to reduce the 60-day visa-free stay for tourists to 30 days. Concerns about visa abuse have prompted an examination of this proposed amendment, which aims to enhance immigration laws. Currently, citizens of 93 countries, including India, are allowed entry without a visa for a maximum of 60 days. This policy may be modified to address issues with overstays and illegal activities by certain guests. Read more: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025: Back after 5 years—route, dates, and preparations Thailand's move towards more stringent immigration laws is reflected in these policy measures. Visitors to Thailand should make sure they fulfil the new requirements, which include completing the TDAC prior to arrival and presenting proof of finances. Entry may be refused or other issues may arise if these rules are broken. Travellers should stay informed about the most recent visa regulations and seek accurate information from Thai embassies or official sources. Even though Indian visitors are now able to enter without a visa, it is important to keep an eye out for any changes to this policy. A seamless trip to Thailand can be ensured by following the new guidelines. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Thailand announces major travel rule change following White Lotus tourist boom
Thailand has introduced a new rule for foreign tourists which travellers will need to follow. Under the new rules, which came into place on May 1, tourists have to complete a digital arrival card online before arriving in Thailand. The FCDO has updated its advice to warn British tourists that they need to complete the card. It says: 'From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. 'Travellers can register for an arrival card within three days before they arrive.' The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has replaced the paper arrival cards which used to be filled out by travellers. Tourists will need to provide their personal information on the TDAC as well as details about their length of stay and accommodation. The change comes as tourism is expected to surge in Thailand after it featured in the latest series of HBO's White Lotus. Hawaii and Sicily, the locations of the first two series, each experienced a tourism boom after being featured. According to data from Four Seasons in Koh Samui saw a 40 per cent increase in interest after it was announced as the filming location for White Lotus season 3. Thailand welcomed over 35 million visitors in 2024 with the country aiming to attract 40 million in 2025. British tourists can currently visit Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa, although the country reportedly has plans to halve this to 30 days. The country's Minister of Tourism and Sports has warned that the visa exemption time could be cut.
The Star
04-05-2025
- The Star
Malaysians praise new Thai digital entry card
PASIR MAS: Malaysian tourists have given positive feedback on the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), introduced by the Thai government to ease and speed up the entry process for foreign visitors. The system, which took effect on May 1, replaces the manual arrival forms previously required at immigration checkpoints across the country. Through TDAC, travellers can submit their personal and travel details online up to three days before arrival – a move aimed at improving border clearance efficiency. In addition to faster processing, the digital card enhances visitor monitoring and safety in line with current technological advancements. A Bernama check at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in Sungai Golok, Narathiwat, near the Malaysia-Thailand border, found many Malaysian travellers already using the system since its rollout on Thursday. Tourist Siti Aishah Karim, 34, praised the digital initiative as user-friendly and time-saving compared to the previous manual process. 'I submitted my details two days before heading to Rantau Panjang. When I arrived in Sungai Golok, the immigration process was quick and smooth,' she said. Meanwhile, retired teacher Siti Mariam Mohamed, 56, admitted she was initially unsure about using the system. 'It was a bit tricky at first because I'm not used to filling in details on a mobile phone, but my daughter helped me, and everything went smoothly at the checkpoint,' she said. She lauded the Thai government's move, describing it as a step forward in enhancing safety and traveller record-keeping.
Malay Mail
03-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Faster, safer and smoother: Malaysians crossing into Thailand embrace new online arrival card for foreign visitors
PASIR MAS, May 3 — Malaysian tourists have given positive feedback on the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), introduced by the Thai government to ease and speed up the entry process for foreign visitors. The system, which took effect on May 1, replaces the manual arrival forms previously required at immigration checkpoints across the country. Through the TDAC, travellers can submit their personal and travel details online up to three days before arrival – a move aimed at improving border clearance efficiency. In addition to faster processing, the digital card enhances visitor monitoring and safety in line with current technological advancements. A Bernama check at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in Sungai Golok, Narathiwat, near the Malaysia-Thailand border, found many Malaysian travellers already using the system since its rollout on Thursday. Tourist Siti Aishah Karim, 34, praised the digital initiative as user-friendly and time-saving compared to the previous manual process. 'I submitted my details two days before heading to Rantau Panjang. When I arrived in Sungai Golok, the immigration process was quick and smooth,' she said. Meanwhile, Sharifah Zafirah Said Madri, 33, described the TDAC as a game changer, especially for frequent travellers like her. 'I often travel to Thailand for business. With TDAC, I save a lot of time and avoid mistakes that can occur with manual forms,' she said, expressing hope the system will be maintained and further enhanced. Retired teacher Siti Mariam Mohamed, 56, admitted she was initially unsure about using the system due to unfamiliarity. 'It was a bit tricky at first because I'm not used to filling in details on a mobile phone, but my daughter helped me, and everything went smoothly at the checkpoint,' she said. She lauded the Thai government's move, describing it as a step forward in enhancing safety and traveller record-keeping. The Bernama survey also observed a steady flow of Malaysian tourists crossing into Narathiwat, reflecting strong acceptance of the new system. Heavy traffic was also noted in the evenings as many visitors returned to Malaysia after completing short trips to Thailand. — Bernama
