Filing TM30 for a whole tour group at once
Tour groups arrive 30–40 at a time. Typing them one by one takes an hour. Here's how to file the whole group in one file.
Why tour groups are hard
- Dozens of guests check in at once, often late at night
- Long Chinese, Russian or Indian names are easy to mistype
- The whole group must be filed within 24 hours. Missing one guest can mean a fine
Recommended steps
Collect passports at check-in
Get the whole group's passports from the tour leader and count them against the rooming list. Don't forget children: everyone must be filed.
Photograph every photo page
Make sure the two bottom lines (the MRZ) are sharp. See how to photograph a passport. You can hand the passports back straight away.
Scan the whole group at once
In TM30Auto, select all the photos together or drag them in at once. It reads the name, gender, passport number and nationality for everyone, and warns you about duplicate photos.
Check each guest
Compare the name and passport number with the photo shown next to them. Fix flagged entries first.
Download the Excel file and import it
You get one file for the whole group in immigration's template. Import it following how to file TM30 online and click Save.
Export the proof
Keep the proof for the whole group. See how to print proof of filing.
Watch out for
- One file per check-in date: the immigration import page takes one check-in date per import. If the group arrives on different days, split the file by check-in date
- At most 1,000 rows per file: one group won't reach it, but split files if you have several groups on the same day
- Passport numbers must be text: if you edit the file in Excel yourself, watch for lost leading zeros
- Count before saving: the number of rows in the immigration system must match the number of passports you collected
Scans per day
The free plan scans 5 passports a day. For tour groups we recommend the Guesthouse plan (50 scans a day) or Hotel & Resort (150 scans a day). If you only take groups now and then, a one-time 30-day pass has no repeat charges. See all prices.
Stop typing passport details by hand
Upload passport photos and TM30Auto reads the name, gender, passport number and nationality, then gives you the Excel file in immigration's template. It runs on your device and photos are never uploaded. 5 free scans a day.
This article is general information for accommodation operators, not legal advice. Immigration rules and websites can change. Check the latest requirements with your local immigration office.