TDAC Thailand Land Border – The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Bus, Train & Visa Run Travelers

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TDAC Thailand Land Border , If you’re planning to enter Thailand via a land border — whether by bus from Malaysia, train from Laos, or on foot through Cambodia — you’ll need more than just your passport. Starting in 2023, the Thai government requires all foreign travelers to fill out the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card), and that includes land border crossings, not just airports.

TDAC Thailand Land Border

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the TDAC Thailand Land Border requirement, including how it works at Poipet, Nong Khai, and southern crossings from Malaysia. Whether you’re traveling by bus from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai, train to Thailand, or planning a visa run — this article is your go-to reference.

What Is the TDAC Thailand Land Border Rule?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online form required before entry into Thailand. It replaces the older TM6 paper form and is mandatory for all foreign arrivals, including:

  • Flights
  • Overland entry (bus/train/car)
  • Ferry or boat crossings

If you’re crossing by land, immigration officers will ask for your TDAC QR code at the checkpoint.

Land Crossings Where TDAC is Required

Poipet Border Crossing TDAC (Cambodia → Thailand)

One of the busiest land crossings in Southeast Asia. You must submit the TDAC within 72 hours of crossing. Officers at Poipet will scan your QR before stamping your passport.

Nong Khai Border TDAC (Laos → Thailand by Train)

A popular route for backpackers entering from Vientiane. If you’re using the international train or Friendship Bridge, have your TDAC QR code ready on your phone.

Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai (Malaysia → Thailand)

Overland buses from KL or Penang to Thailand stop at border points like Padang Besar or Bukit Kayu Hitam. Immigration will ask for your TDAC, even though you’re not flying.

TDAC for Overland Travel: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to submit the arrival card for land travel to Thailand:

  • Visit https://tdac.immigration.go.th
  • Fill out personal and passport details
  • Enter your entry checkpoint (land border, not airport)
  • Enter your first accommodation in Thailand
  • Submit within 72 hours of arrival
  • Download the TDAC QR code and save it (PDF or screenshot)

This works the same whether you’re entering Thailand by bus, train, or private car.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Submitting too early (more than 72 hours before entry)
  2. Choosing the wrong checkpoint (e.g., selecting airport instead of land)
  3. Forgetting to bring a copy of your TDAC QR
  4. Not knowing your first night’s address

Learn all about major mistakes.

Do You Need TDAC for Visa Runs?

Yes — even if you’re doing a same-day visa run by land, like from Chiang Mai to Myanmar or Bangkok to Cambodia, you’ll need to resubmit a new TDAC before re-entering Thailand. It doesn’t carry over.

TDAC and Land Entry Visa Rules

Just submitting a TDAC does not replace a visa. Depending on your passport, you may still need:

  • Visa-on-arrival
  • eVisa
  • Visa exemption

But without a TDAC, immigration may delay or deny your entry, even if your visa is valid.

Final Tips Before Entering Thailand by Land

  • Save your TDAC QR code offline
  • Submit within 72 hours of actual entry (not when your trip starts)
  • Enter accurate details (especially passport and border name)

Whether you’re traveling from Laos to Thailand by train, crossing from Cambodia at Poipet, or catching the bus from Malaysia to Hat Yai, always treat TDAC as essential for a smooth crossing.

FAQs About Thailand Land Border

Yes. TDAC is required even for overland entry by bus or train. It applies to all international entry points.

Yes. When filling the form, choose the land border checkpoint as your point of entry instead of an airport.

No. TDAC is a separate digital arrival record and does not replace visa requirements.

Conclusion

Crossing into Thailand by land is becoming increasingly popular again in 2025 — but many travelers still overlook one important step: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Whether you’re hopping on a bus from Malaysia, boarding the train from Laos, or walking across the Poipet checkpoint from Cambodia, having your TDAC ready is now a standard immigration requirement.

Filling it out takes just a few minutes, but skipping it could lead to delays, fines, or even being denied entry. Don’t take that risk.

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