Thailand to introduce mandatory digital arrival card for all foreign nationals from May 1
Travel Trade Journal
3-Apr-2025
Starting 1 May 2025, Thailand will mandate the use of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for all non-Thai nationals entering the country by air, land, or sea. This paperless initiative aims to streamline immigration procedures, enhance border security, and create a faster, more efficient entry experience for international travellers.
This move marks a major step forward in modernising Thailand’s immigration infrastructure and aligning it with global smart travel trends. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Thailand is embracing digital innovation to offer convenience and security for millions of visitors.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
The TDAC is an electronic replacement for the traditional paper disembarkation form that foreign travellers were previously required to fill out upon arrival. It serves as an official record of the traveller’s entry into Thailand and provides key information to immigration authorities.
Beautiful beaches. Lively parties. Arctic expeditions. And Australian hospitality.
The holidays are here! Join the hordes of travellers gleefully packing their bags for trips in India and across the world this December. Read on for some popular domestic and international destinations that are winter favourites for people in India, and get planning your trip.
Planning your December getaway
Explore India or travel further afield
December is a wonderful time of year to explore new places. Whether you’re craving some Christmas markets and festive lights or you want the beach, the sun and the sand, these are 10 of the best spots for a December break. Travel within India for great flight deals and no visa requirements – the beaches of Goa or the unique landscapes of Shillong are calling. Or plan the trip of a lifetime for parties in Sydney, incredible Arctic experiences in Tromsø, romance in Paris, or a winter wonderland in New York.
10 of the best places to go on vacation in December
Make it a December to remember
If you’re looking for the best places to go in December in India or you’re planning an unforgettable vacation in Europe, Australia or Asia, these are 10 destinations that are always worth it.
Goa, India
Goa, India
December
Average temperature: 27.5°C
If you want to throw down your towel and relax on the beach, Goa has just what you need in December. But it’s not just the beach that makes it one of the best places to visit in December in India. Goa hums and pulsates with the sound of beach parties throughout the month. Whether you dream of hippie festivals on the beach, bonfires and fireworks on New Year’s Eve or something more classic in your resort, Goa has it all.
As the capital of Meghalaya, this hill station in northeast India is always a wonderful place to visit, with its unique landscape and captivating Khasi culture. Shillong in December is cool, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C so it’s the perfect time to explore. Visit the Mawphlang Sacred Grove. Go trekking in the Khasi Hills. Explore the living root bridges. Visit the Don Bosco Museum. And have an unforgettable December vacation.
Shillong is an average of 6,449 feet (1,496m) above sea level.
Temperatures can drop to as low as 2°C in winter.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku, Azerbaijan
December
Average temperature: 8°C
Blending modern architecture with a rich history, Baku is wonderful for a December trip. There are so many must-see sights on your visit to Baku, including the medieval walled old city, home to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the iconic stone Maiden Tower. Baku in December promises a chance to explore and really get to know the city without the summer crowds, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 10°C. Take a winter stroll along the Caspian Sea Boulevard. Visit the Gobustan National Park. And go ice skating at the Baku Crystal Hall.
With highs of 32°C in December, Langkawi in Malaysia is all about a beach getaway this winter. Relax on the sand, take a dip in the ocean and drink in the epic scenery. Yet there’s so much more to Langkawi in December. Enjoy a scenic walk along Langkawi Sky Bridge. Take a trip to the beautiful Kilim Geoforest Park and marvel at the views of the famous eagle statue at Dataran Lang. Plus, there’s duty free shopping to enjoy too.
December marks the start of the dry season in Langkawi, so expect plenty of dry days and great temperatures. In the first couple of weeks of the month, there may be the occasional thunderstorm. Prices will be slightly cheaper in early December too.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø, Norway
December
Average temperature: -3°C
For an unforgettable trip this December, travel to the Capital of the Arctic. The Norwegian city of Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. A Northern Lights tour is absolutely essential, but it’s just one of the things to do in Tromsø at this time of year. Head out on an Arctic road trip, go whale watching, spend time exploring the city, and try Norwegian delicacies. Just remember to wrap up warm. It’s going to be a cold one!
Port Blair is the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. And whilst you’re no doubt keen for some beach time in December, give yourself a chance to explore Port Blair too. You’ll find a delightful mix of cultures that comes to life in the food. And discover an interesting period of history with the Cellular Jail, the Anthropological Museum, and the National Memorial. Spend a couple of days exploring and gorging on delicious food here, on your way in or out of the pretty islands.
Exciting, fun, and boisterous – Sydney is the essential Harbour City. In December, the first month of summer in the southern hemisphere, there is renewed vigour – which works out well for the holidaymaker. Music festivals, outdoor cinemas, yacht races, golden beaches, alfresco dining, and rooftop bars help Sydney make quite a splash on the Pacific coastline it sits pretty on.
Come December and Paris actually transforms into the City of Light. Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, windows dressed up for the holidays, and a general air of festivity makes for quite a Christmas holiday, especially if you are travelling with young children. Explore the iconic sights and attractions of this pretty city – gaze at the Eiffel Tower, walk down the famed streets, and museum hop – all the while taking breaks to warm up and gorge on the delicacies that Paris is famous for. Be warned though, Christmas in Paris will be an expensive, cold, and crowded affair.
Events to attend:
Champs-Elysées Traditional Christmas Illuminations.
The Noël Gourmand exhibition.
Window displays at the Haussmann, BHV Marais, and Bon Marché Rive Gauche.
French food is recognised as a UNESCO cultural heritage.
Paris is known as the City of Love and the City of Light.
The Louvre has 9 million visitors each year, making it the world’s most famous museum.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket, Thailand
December
Average temperature: 27°C
Beach alert! Phuket lives up to its reputation and presents some of the most heavenly beaches anywhere in the world. Plan the quintessential sun, sand and sea vacation to Phuket – there will be water sports, unending seafood options, party strips, pretty sights, plus local sightseeing options that you can visit on day trips. Expect high season rates, December in Phuket is bang in the middle of its priciest season.
Despite its occasional freezing temperatures and chance of snow, New York is a super popular destination at Christmas. And it’s easy to see why when you hop on a carriage ride through the snow in Central Park, take to the ice at Bryant Park Winter Village, or stroll around a Christmas market with a mulled wine in hand. Plus, there are enormous Christmas tree displays, festive Broadway shows, and iconic Christmas window displays along 5th Avenue.
Events to attend:
Union Square Holiday Market.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting on 4th December.
The beaches of Sydney, Goa or Phuket. New York’s incredible Christmas markets. The iconic sights of Paris. It’s time to plan the vacation of a lifetime in December this year.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that sometimes opening times and dates of Christmas Markets may change locally after we have published our article.
Travelling in December? ONE WORLD can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
