If you’re planning a journey to Thailand, there’s an important update you need to know. Beginning May 1, 2025, all international travelers will be required to fill out the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering the country.

This new system is designed to simplify the immigration process, making your arrival quicker and more efficient. Here’s an in-depth look at everything you need to know about this requirement, including who must fill it out, how to apply, and tips for a smooth entry.

What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online immigration form that travelers must complete prior to entering Thailand. This digital upgrade replaces the traditional paper arrival card, allowing for expedited processing at immigration checkpoints across the country. By submitting your details online, you contribute to a more efficient entry experience and help reduce paper use.

Key Features of the TDAC:

• Digital Submission: Complete your immigration details online before your flight, eliminating the need for paper forms upon arrival.
• Real-Time Processing: The TDAC allows for quicker processing at immigration counters, reducing wait times significantly.

Who Is Required to Complete the TDAC?

The TDAC is mandatory for all foreign visitors arriving in Thailand by air. This includes:

• Tourists: Individuals visiting Thailand for leisure or vacation purposes.
• Business Travelers: Those traveling for work-related activities.
• Students: International students who are studying in Thailand.
• Work Visa Holders: Individuals entering Thailand on work permits.
• Visa-Exempt Visitors: Travelers from countries that do not require a visa for short stays.
• Visa-on-Arrival Passengers: Travelers who are eligible for visas upon arrival.

Exemptions:

• Thai Citizens: Nationals of Thailand are not required to fill out the TDAC.

When Should You Complete the TDAC?

You can fill out the TDAC form up to three days prior to your arrival in Thailand. For example, if your flight lands on May 1, 2025, you can complete the TDAC on April 29, April 30, or May 1. It’s advisable to complete the form as early as possible to avoid any last-minute stress or technical issues.

How to Apply for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Applying for the TDAC is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure you complete your application correctly:

1. Access the Official Website: Navigate to [Click here] to fill out the application form. It’s crucial to use the official website to avoid scams or misinformation.

2. Information Required: Prepare to provide the following details:

   • Passport Information: Include your passport number, nationality, and expiration date.
   • Flight Details: Enter your arrival flight number and the date of your arrival.
   • Accommodation Address: Specify where you will be staying in Thailand.
   • Contact Information: Provide a phone number or email address for communication.

   Make sure to review all entered information for accuracy before submitting.

3. Confirmation of Submission: After successfully submitting your TDAC, you will receive a confirmation. While it is recommended to keep a digital or printed copy, the requirement for showing this confirmation at immigration is not explicitly stated.

What If You Don’t Have a Smartphone?

If you do not have a smartphone or access to the internet, Thailand’s international airports will provide dedicated computer terminals where travelers can fill out the TDAC upon arrival. However, completing the form in advance is still highly recommended to save time and avoid long queues at the airport.

Important Information for Travelers

Here are some essential points to remember:

• Mandatory Requirement: The TDAC will be required starting May 1, 2025, for all eligible travelers.
• One Form Per Traveler: Each individual must complete their own TDAC, even if traveling as a family.
• Keep Confirmation Ready: While it’s not mandatory, having your confirmation available can help streamline your passage through immigration.
• Avoid Incomplete Forms: Failing to complete the TDAC accurately may result in delays or complications upon arrival.
• Data Protection: Thailand’s immigration authorities have implemented measures to protect travelers’ personal information.

Why Is Thailand Implementing the TDAC?

The introduction of the TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader efforts to modernize its immigration system. The goals include:

• Enhancing Efficiency: Streamlining the entry process to reduce wait times at airports.
• Improving Security: Utilizing digital data collection to strengthen border control.
• Minimizing Paperwork: Supporting eco-friendly travel by reducing the use of paper forms.

This initiative aligns with global trends in digitizing border entry systems, making travel more seamless and enjoyable for visitors.

Updated Liquid Rules for Hand Luggage

In addition to the TDAC, travelers should be aware of updated regulations concerning liquids, gels, and aerosols (LGAs) in hand luggage. These rules are in line with international aviation standards and include:

• Container Size: Each container must not exceed 100 milliliters, regardless of how full it is.
• Total Volume: Passengers are allowed to carry multiple containers, but the total volume must not exceed one liter.
• Packaging: All liquid items must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag for screening at airport security.

The new Thailand Digital Arrival Card represents a significant advancement in the country’s immigration process, aiming to provide a more efficient and traveler-friendly experience.

To ensure a hassle-free start to your adventure in the "Land of Smiles," remember to complete your TDAC well in advance, keep your confirmation accessible, and get ready to explore the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality that Thailand is renowned for. With these preparations, you can look forward to a smooth entry and an unforgettable travel experience!

Riyadh Air is ramping up preparations to finally launch its long-awaited Boeing 787 flights, following an extended period on the sidelines. As the calendar moves past the midpoint of 2025, the new Saudi Arabian carrier remains optimistic that it will take to the skies before the year concludes.

If current plans hold, Riyadh Air aims to inaugurate service to two European cities by the end of 2025. This marks the start of a broader expansion strategy, with more global destinations expected to be added as additional 787s and other aircraft join the fleet.

The journey to launch has been anything but smooth for Riyadh Air. Securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in April 2025 was a major milestone, following a rigorous six-month testing campaign. However, the celebration was short-lived: just days after receiving the AOC, the airline announced another postponement, pushing the anticipated first flight to the fourth quarter of 2025.

This latest delay scrapped earlier plans for a Q3 debut. In fact, Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight was originally expected much sooner, but a series of setbacks have kept the airline grounded.

A significant factor behind the repeated delays has been Boeing’s well-publicized delivery challenges. Riyadh Air, like many other airlines worldwide, has struggled to receive new aircraft on schedule. These industry-wide setbacks have forced airlines to reconsider fleet plans, delay retirements of older jets, and, in Riyadh Air’s case, postpone the launch of scheduled passenger operations.

Despite the hurdles, Riyadh Air remains committed to its vision of becoming a major player in international aviation. With regulatory approval secured and preparations underway, the airline is poised to make its long-anticipated debut—pending timely aircraft deliveries and the resolution of industry supply chain issues.
As the end of 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Riyadh Air to see if it can finally turn plans into reality and begin connecting Saudi Arabia to the world.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is set to launch a new direct flight service connecting Zayed International Airport and Sialkot International Airport in Pakistan, starting July 17, 2025. This exciting development will see the airline operate three weekly flights, enhancing connectivity between the UAE capital and one of Pakistan’s key industrial hubs.

The new route will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with flight 3L 311 departing Abu Dhabi at 1:35 a.m. and arriving in Sialkot at 6:00 a.m. The return flight, 3L 312, will leave Sialkot at 6:50 a.m., landing in Abu Dhabi at 9:20 a.m. This schedule is designed to cater to the growing demand from business travelers and the large expatriate community linking the two regions.

Sialkot, located in the northeast of Punjab province near the Kashmir hills and Chenab River, is renowned as a vital industrial and export center in Pakistan. The new service will expand Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s footprint in Pakistan beyond its existing routes to Faisalabad and Multan, providing passengers with more options for direct and affordable travel.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline offers value-added services such as free in-flight streaming through ‘SkyTime’ and affordable onboard catering with ‘SkyCafe.’ Additionally, travelers can benefit from the ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program, allowing them to earn and redeem points.

Tickets for the new Abu Dhabi–Sialkot flights are now available for booking via Air Arabia’s website, call center, and authorized travel agencies, marking a significant boost in air connectivity between the UAE and Pakistan’s thriving industrial regions.

Qatar Airways has officially resumed direct flights between Doha and Malta, with four non-stop services each week starting July 2, 2025, further strengthening its extensive global network and enhancing international connectivity.

The flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, departing Doha at either 08:45 or 14:05 and arriving in Malta later the same day or the following morning, depending on the schedule. Return flights from Malta to Doha are similarly structured, with departures at 10:15 or 17:05 and an average flight time of just over five hours.

This route re-establishes Malta as the 50th European destination in Qatar Airways’ network for the northern summer of 2025, providing travelers from Asia-Pacific markets—including China, India, Japan, and the Philippines—greater access to the Mediterranean. The service is expected to boost tourism to Malta’s capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the islands of Gozo and Comino.

Travelers from Malta will benefit from seamless connections to Qatar Airways’ network of over 170 destinations worldwide, including 42 weekly flights to Australia. The airline’s proposed partnership with Virgin Australia, pending regulatory approval, is set to further expand connectivity options for passengers.

Qatar Airways Group CEO, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasized the importance of the Malta route in reinforcing economic ties and supporting tourism, highlighting Malta’s appeal with its rich history, cultural sites, and sun-soaked coastline. Malta International Airport and the Malta Tourism Authority have both welcomed the airline’s return, citing the positive impact on regional connectivity and tourism potential.

Qatar Airways remains the only Middle Eastern carrier offering non-stop flights between Doha and Malta, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft with both Economy and Business Class options. Bookings for the new service are now open.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has officially commenced its daily passenger service to Shenzhen, China, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic expansion across East Asia. The inaugural flight, EK328, touched down at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on July 1, 2025, where it was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute and a special ceremony attended by local dignitaries, Emirates executives, and media representatives.

A New Gateway for Emirates in Mainland China

Shenzhen becomes Emirates’ fourth gateway in mainland China, joining Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The new route is operated by the airline’s newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, which features Emirates’ latest four-class configuration: eight private suites in First Class, 40 new-generation lie-flat seats in Business Class, 24 seats in Premium Economy, and 260 seats in Economy Class.

Shenzhen is the first city in mainland China to receive Emirates’ upgraded aircraft with the Premium Economy product, reflecting the airline’s commitment to offering a superior travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

Flight EK328 departs Dubai International Airport (DXB) daily at 10:05 am, arriving in Shenzhen (SZX) at 10:00 pm local time. The return flight, EK329, leaves Shenzhen at 11:55 pm, arriving back in Dubai at 3:40 am the next day.

These timings are designed to optimize connections to and from Emirates’ extensive global network, including key cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Boosting Trade, Tourism, and Cargo

The launch of the Dubai-Shenzhen route is expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, and business ties between the UAE and southern China. Shenzhen, often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of China,” is a major technology, innovation, and manufacturing hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, home to over 86 million people and a GDP exceeding US$1.9 trillion.

Each Emirates flight to Shenzhen offers up to 16 tonnes of cargo capacity in the bellyhold, supporting the city’s thriving export-oriented industries, including electronics, e-commerce, and high-tech manufacturing. This will facilitate the movement of goods between China and over 140 destinations across Emirates’ network, reinforcing Shenzhen’s role in global supply chains.

Strategic Importance and Bilateral Relations

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, highlighted the significance of the new service: “The launch of our Shenzhen route is a testament to Emirates’ long-term commitment to China and to supporting the country’s trade and tourism ambitions. This new link will not only provide travelers with more choice and convenience but will also strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the UAE and China.”

The expansion comes at a time of deepening bilateral relations between China and the UAE, with both countries seeking to enhance cooperation under initiatives such as the Belt and Road. Emirates has been serving China since 2004 and now operates 42 weekly flights to four major Chinese cities, offering travelers and businesses unprecedented connectivity.

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines have launched daily nonstop flights between Manila and Doha as part of a new strategic partnership, with the inaugural codeshare flight celebrated at Hamad International Airport on June 30, 2025. The collaboration officially began on June 16, 2025, with Philippine Airlines operating the service using its long-range Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering 18 flat-bed seats in Business Class and 341 seats in Economy Class.

Flights depart Manila at 18:50, arriving in Doha at 23:40, while the return leg leaves Doha at 01:30, reaching Manila at 16:15, enabling smooth connections to Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations across Africa, the Americas, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East via Hamad International Airport, which was named the Middle East’s Best Airport by Skytrax in 2025.

The partnership also enhances connectivity for travelers from key markets such as Brazil, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, offering greater flexibility and seamless travel options.

The launch event was attended by senior executives from both airlines, including Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall and Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori, who highlighted the partnership’s role in strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties between the Philippines and Qatar, as well as providing improved travel options for overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Both airlines plan to explore further collaboration, including expanded codeshare destinations and frequent flyer cooperation, aiming to maximize fleet efficiency and enhance passenger convenience through integrated schedules and check-ins.

Qatar Airways already serves four cities in the Philippines—Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao—while Philippine Airlines connects to 31 domestic and 38 international destinations, making this partnership a significant step in boosting access and connectivity for travelers in both regions.