Your Essential Guide to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Starting May 1, 2025, Thailand is ushering in a significant change to its immigration process with the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This new online system replaces the traditional paper-based TM6 arrival/departure card, aiming to streamline entry procedures, enhance border security, and make your arrival in the Land of Smiles smoother and more efficient.

Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, digital nomad, or long-term resident, the TDAC is a mandatory requirement for all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the TDAC, including who needs it, how to apply, and tips for a hassle-free entry.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online pre-arrival registration form designed to replace the paper TM6 form, which travelers previously filled out on flights or at border checkpoints. Launched as part of Thailand’s push toward digital transformation in tourism and immigration, the TDAC aims to:

Streamline immigration processes: By submitting your details online before arrival, immigration officers can process your entry faster, reducing queues at airports and border crossings.
Enhance security: The digital system helps Thai authorities track visitors more effectively, addressing concerns about illegal activities and improving border control.
Improve public health monitoring: The TDAC includes a health declaration to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Reduce paperwork: No more fumbling with pens and forms on a plane—everything is now digital, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The TDAC is not a visa but a mandatory entry requirement for all foreign travelers, regardless of visa status or purpose of visit. It must be completed within 72 hours (three days) before your arrival in Thailand, and you’ll need to present the confirmation (digital or printed) at immigration checkpoints.

Who Needs to Complete the TDAC?

The TDAC is required for all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand, including:

Tourists (visa-exempt, visa-on-arrival, or tourist visa holders)
Business travelers
Students
Digital nomads
Long-term residents (e.g., those with retirement visas, work permits, or re-entry permits)
Travelers of all ages, including children and infants (each traveler requires an individual TDAC, though group submissions are possible for families or groups)

Exceptions:

Thai nationals are not required to complete the TDAC.
Transit passengers who remain airside and do not pass through immigration control.
Certain border-pass holders at specific land crossings, where TM6 forms were not previously required.

The TDAC applies to all modes of entry—air, land, or sea—and must be completed for every entry into Thailand, even if you’re a frequent visitor or long-term resident.

When and How to Complete the TDAC

The TDAC must be submitted online within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand (e.g., if you’re arriving on May 15, you can submit from May 12 onward). The process is straightforward and can be completed on a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access. There is no fee for submitting the TDAC, and the official portal is available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Thai.Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the TDAC

Visit the Official TDAC Portal:
- Go to the official Thailand Immigration Bureau website at tdac.immigration.go.th.
- Select “Arrival Card” to begin the process. Avoid third-party websites, as they may charge unnecessary fees.
Enter Personal Information:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Passport number and expiration date
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Occupation
- Country of residence (long-term residents in Thailand should select “Thailand”)
- Contact information (phone number and email address)
Provide Travel Details:
- Arrival date and port of entry (e.g., Suvarnabhumi Airport, Phuket International Airport, or a land border)
- Mode of travel (air, land, or sea)
- Flight number or vehicle details
- Purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business, study)
- Accommodation details (hotel name, address, province, district, sub-district, postal code)
- Departure date (if known, though not always mandatory)
Complete the Health Declaration:
- List countries visited in the 14 days prior to arrival.
- Report any symptoms experienced in the past two weeks.
- If traveling from a country with a Yellow Fever warning (e.g., certain African or South American countries), provide proof of vaccination.
Add Other Travelers (Optional):
- If traveling with family or a group, you can add multiple travelers to a single submission by selecting “Add Other Traveler.” Each person still requires their own TDAC confirmation.
Review and Submit:
- Double-check all information for accuracy, as errors in critical fields (name, passport number, nationality, date of birth) cannot be edited after submission—you’ll need to start a new form. Other details, like accommodation or travel plans, can be updated if needed.
Receive Confirmation:
- After submission, you’ll receive an email with a confirmation code or QR code. Save this digitally (e.g., screenshot or cloud storage) and consider printing a backup copy.
Present at Immigration:
- Upon arrival, show your TDAC confirmation (on your phone or printed) along with your passport to the immigration officer. Do not delete the confirmation, as you may need it for departure or other immigration processes, such as the 90-day report.

Alternative Options:

At the Airport: If you’re unable to complete the TDAC before arrival (e.g., due to internet issues), TDAC kiosks will be available at major airports like Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket. However, expect long queues, especially during peak travel seasons, so completing it online beforehand is highly recommended.
On Your Phone: You can submit the TDAC while waiting at immigration using a QR code provided at checkpoints, but this may delay your entry. Ensure you have internet access (e.g., via an eSIM or airport Wi-Fi).

Key Information Required for the TDAC

Before starting the TDAC process, gather the following details to avoid delays:

Passport Details: Full passport number, country of issue, expiration date.
Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, occupation, contact details.
Visa Information: Visa type and number (if applicable; not required for visa-exempt entries).
Travel Itinerary: Arrival date, flight/vehicle number, port of embarkation, purpose of visit.
Accommodation Details: Hotel or residence address, including province, district, sub-district, and postal code (booking confirmations can help).
Health Information: Countries visited in the past 14 days, any symptoms, and proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if applicable (required for travelers from countries like Angola, Brazil, or Colombia—see full list on the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs website).

Pro Tip: Have your travel documents and accommodation bookings ready before starting the TDAC form. The system includes dropdown menus to help you select the correct province, district, and sub-district for your accommodation address.

Why is Thailand Introducing the TDAC?

The TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to modernize its immigration and tourism infrastructure, aligning with global trends in “Smart Tourism.” Key reasons include:

Efficiency: Pre-submitted data allows immigration officers to process entries faster, reducing wait times at borders.
Security: The digital system helps track visitors to prevent illegal activities and enhance border control.
Public Health: The health declaration helps monitor and prevent the spread of communicable diseases, a priority since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Environmental Impact: Moving to a paperless system reduces waste and aligns with sustainable tourism goals.

Thailand’s approach is similar to other countries’ digital entry systems, such as Singapore’s SG Arrival Card, Malaysia’s digital arrival card, and South Korea’s K-ETA, but it’s tailored to Thailand’s specific needs as a top global tourism destination.

Consequences of Not Completing the TDAC

Failing to submit the TDAC before arrival can lead to significant issues:

Delays at Immigration: You may be required to complete the TDAC at airport kiosks, which can result in long waits, especially during busy periods.
Denial of Entry: In extreme cases, if you cannot comply with the TDAC requirement, you may be refused entry and asked to return to your point of origin.
Disrupted Travel Plans: Delays can affect hotel check-ins, tour schedules, or other arrangements, adding stress to your trip.

To avoid these issues, submit your TDAC within the 72-hour window before your arrival and double-check all details for accuracy.

Important Tips for a Smooth Arrival

Submit Early: Complete the TDAC as soon as the 72-hour window opens (e.g., three days before your arrival) to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Double-Check Details: Errors in critical fields (name, passport number, etc.) require a new submission, so ensure accuracy.
Save Your Confirmation: Store the confirmation email or QR code digitally (e.g., in cloud storage) and consider printing a backup copy in case of phone or internet issues.
Use the Official Website: Only use tdac.immigration.go.th to avoid scams or unnecessary fees from third-party sites.
Plan for Connectivity: If you anticipate internet issues, consider purchasing an eSIM for Thailand to ensure you can submit or access your TDAC confirmation upon arrival.
Keep Confirmation for Departure: The TDAC confirmation may be required when leaving Thailand or for immigration processes like visa extensions or 90-day reports.

TDAC and Visa Requirements

The TDAC is separate from visa requirements. It does not replace the need for a visa if your nationality requires one. Key points:

Visa-Exempt Travelers: If you’re from one of the 93 countries eligible for visa-free entry (e.g., the US, UK, Australia, or Japan), you still need to complete the TDAC. Note that Thailand is considering reducing the visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days, so check the latest rules before traveling.
Tourist Visa Applicants: You must provide proof of funds (at least 20,000 THB, ~$550 USD) in addition to completing the TDAC.
Long-Term Residents: If you hold a long-term visa (e.g., retirement, work, or Destination Thailand Visa), select “Thailand” as your country of residence on the TDAC form to reflect your status.

For the latest visa requirements, check the official Thailand Immigration Bureau website or consult a reputable visa agency like Siam Legal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to complete the TDAC for every entry into Thailand?
A: Yes, a new TDAC is required for each entry, regardless of visa type or frequency of travel.

Q: Can I submit the TDAC for my family or group?
A: Yes, you can add multiple travelers to a single submission using the “Add Other Traveler” option, but each person needs their own confirmation.

Q: What if I don’t receive the confirmation email?
A: Check your spam/junk folder. If it’s not there, use the “Retrieve TDAC” function on tdac.immigration.go.th with your passport number and date of birth.

Q: Can I edit the TDAC after submission?
A: You can update non-critical fields (e.g., accommodation or travel details) using the confirmation code. Errors in name, passport number, nationality, or date of birth require a new submission.

Q: Is there a fee for the TDAC?
A: No, the TDAC is free when submitted through the official portal. Beware of third-party sites charging fees.

Q: Do children need their own TDAC?
A: Yes, every traveler, including infants and children, requires an individual TDAC, though they can be included in a group submission.

Q: What if I’m transiting through Thailand?
A: If you stay in the international transit area without passing through immigration, you don’t need a TDAC.

Q: What if I encounter technical issues with the TDAC website?
A: Try a different browser or device. If problems persist, document your attempts and arrive early at the airport to use TDAC kiosks or seek assistance from immigration officers.

Broader Context: Thailand’s Evolving Immigration Landscape

The TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader efforts to modernize its immigration and tourism policies. Other recent changes include:

Reduced Visa-Free Stays: The visa-free period for 93 countries may be shortened from 60 to 30 days, with a possible 30-day extension at immigration offices.
Financial Proof for Tourist Visas: Applicants must show at least 20,000 THB (~$550 USD) in funds, effective immediately.
Expanded E-Visa System: Since January 2025, Thailand’s e-Visa system is available to all nationalities, simplifying visa applications.
New Visa Options: The Thailand Privilege Bronze Membership and Destination Thailand Visa cater to long-term visitors, digital nomads, and investors.

These changes reflect Thailand’s goal to balance tourism growth with stricter border control, addressing issues like overstays, illegal work, and public health risks.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a game-changer for travelers, replacing the outdated TM6 form with a faster, more secure digital system. By completing the TDAC online within 72 hours of your arrival, you can breeze through immigration and start enjoying Thailand’s beaches, temples, and vibrant culture without delay. To ensure a hassle-free entry:

Submit your TDAC early via tdac.immigration.go.th.
Double-check your details and save your confirmation.
Stay updated on visa rules, especially if you’re eligible for visa-free entry or applying for a tourist visa.