Thailand Digital Arrival Card – Step-by-Step Guide and Requirements

Thailand has introduced a digital arrival card system that transforms how international visitors complete immigration procedures. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card, commonly referred to as TDAC, replaces the traditional paper TM6 form with an online submission process that generates a scannable QR code confirmation. All non-Thai nationals entering the country by air, land, or sea must complete this digital form before arrival, with the mandatory requirement taking effect from May 1, 2025.

The shift toward digital immigration processing reflects Thailand’s broader effort to streamline border management while enhancing security screening capabilities. Travelers now submit their arrival information through the official immigration portal rather than filling out paperwork upon landing. This change affects everyone from tourists on short visits to long-term residents holding various visa categories, including those with tourist visas, Digital Nomad Visas, and privilege stays.

Understanding the TDAC requirements and submission timeline proves essential for anyone planning travel to Thailand. The process is straightforward but demands attention to specific details and timing windows that differ from the previous paper-based system.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card represents a fundamental change in how Thailand processes incoming international travelers. This free online form replaces the paper TM6 arrival card that visitors previously completed upon landing at Thai ports of entry. Instead of filling out documentation at the immigration counter, travelers now submit their information digitally before they even board their flight.

TDAC at a Glance

Key Takeaways

• All non-Thai nationals must submit a TDAC for every entry into Thailand
• The form must be completed within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival
• Submission occurs entirely online through the official immigration website
• Once submitted, you receive a QR code via email for presentation at immigration
• Families can submit applications jointly through the same portal
• The service remains completely free with no hidden charges
• Digital presentation at immigration speeds up the clearance process

TDAC Facts Snapshot

The digital system serves dual purposes beyond simply tracking arrivals. According to immigration policy documentation, the TDAC also enables authorities to screen travelers against criminal databases more efficiently than the previous paper-based system allowed. The Thai Immigration Bureau oversees this system and provides regular updates on procedural changes.

How Do I Complete the TDAC?

Completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card involves navigating the official immigration portal and providing several categories of information. The process is designed to be completed on any internet-connected device, whether a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The website offers multilingual support, accessible through a flag icon on the portal, making it accessible to travelers from numerous countries.

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

Begin by visiting the official TDAC website and selecting the “Arrival Card” option. Using the official portal is critical, as the system only accepts submissions through this verified government channel. The site is free to use, and no third-party services are necessary or recommended.

Step 2: Enter Personal Information

The personal details section requires information exactly as it appears in your passport. Required fields marked with red asterisks include nationality, passport number, and a phone number where you can be reached. Additional fields cover your full legal name as it appears in your travel document, date of birth, gender, occupation, country of residence, and visa number if applicable to your situation.

Step 3: Add Travel Details

Travel information requires your intended arrival date, which must fall within the 72-hour submission window, the country where you boarded your flight or vehicle, your specific flight or transportation number, and your mode of entry whether that is air, land, or sea. Ensuring accuracy here prevents issues during the immigration screening process.

Step 4: Input Accommodation Information

Provide your accommodation details including the type of lodging such as hotel or private residence, along with the complete address including province, district, sub-district, street address, and postal code. The system prompts you to select the province first, after which district options automatically update based on your selection. This hierarchical address structure aligns with Thailand’s administrative divisions.

Step 5: Declare Health Information

Health declarations cover countries you have visited within the two-week period before your planned arrival in Thailand. This screening measure helps authorities track potential health risks and align with international travel health protocols that may be in effect. For the most current health advisory information, travelers should consult the Tourism Authority of Thailand website before departure.

Step 6: Preview, Submit, and Confirm

Before final submission, review all entered information carefully for accuracy. Add a valid email address where you can receive confirmation, accept the terms and conditions, and submit your form. The system then processes your information and sends a confirmation email containing your QR code as an attachment.

Step 7: Present Your QR Code

After receiving your confirmation email, save the QR code attachment to your device for easy access at immigration. While presenting the QR digitally on your phone or tablet suffices, printing a physical copy as a backup is advisable in case of device issues. Keep the QR code accessible until you have completed all departure procedures, as immigration officers may request it during exit processing.

When Is the TDAC Mandatory?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card became mandatory for all travelers entering Thailand starting May 1, 2025. This date marks the transition from the legacy paper TM6 form to the fully digital system. The rollout applies to all entries by air, land, and sea, covering every international port of entry into the country.

Prior to this date, the paper TM6 form remained the standard requirement for all arrivals. The digital system underwent implementation phases that included testing periods, with the official portal becoming operational well before the mandatory enforcement date. Travelers entering Thailand before May 1, 2025 continued using the traditional paper-based arrival card without penalty.

TDAC Rollout Timeline

1. Early 2025 — Official announcement of the TDAC system and initial portal launch for user familiarization
2. May 1, 2025 — TDAC becomes mandatory for all entries including air, land, and sea arrivals
3. Future Phases — Planned integration with mobile applications and additional platform expansions

The system enforces the 72-hour submission window strictly, automatically blocking any attempts to submit forms outside this timeframe. This technical constraint means travelers cannot complete their TDAC too early or too late, reinforcing the importance of proper trip planning. The official portal remains operational and accessible for travelers to prepare their submissions as their arrival dates approach.

What Are the TDAC Requirements?

Meeting the TDAC requirements involves gathering specific documentation and information before beginning your online submission. The system demands accurate data matching your travel documents, and discrepancies between your form and actual passport information can cause complications at immigration. Those seeking additional information about Thai visa categories should consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Personal Documentation

You will need your passport or recognized travel document containing your passport number, full legal name, date of birth, nationality as recognized by your issuing country, gender as indicated on your passport, your current occupation, a contact phone number, your country of residence, and your visa number if you hold one of the various Thai visa categories such as tourist, DTV, or privilege entry.

Travel Documentation

Your travel itinerary must include your confirmed arrival date falling within the 72-hour submission window, the country from which you embarked on your journey to Thailand, your specific flight number, bus route, or ship name depending on your mode of transportation, and your chosen mode of entry whether air, land, or sea.

Accommodation Details

Provide complete accommodation information including the type of lodging such as hotel, hostel, guesthouse, apartment, or private residence, and the full postal address including province, district, sub-district, street address, and postal code. This information must reflect where you actually plan to stay during your initial period in Thailand.

TM6 vs TDAC: Understanding the Change

The transition from the paper TM6 form to the digital TDAC represents more than a format change. While both serve the fundamental purpose of collecting arrival information from international visitors, the digital system offers enhanced capabilities that were impossible with the paper-based predecessor. The Royal Thai Embassy network also communicates these changes to travelers through their global consular offices.

The digital format enables faster processing at immigration checkpoints. Travelers with QR codes can move through automated lanes more quickly than those requiring manual document review. Additionally, the QR code serves ongoing purposes throughout a Thailand stay, including the mandatory 90-day reporting process for long-term visitors and visa extension applications.

Confirmed vs Upcoming Changes

Certain aspects of the TDAC system are firmly established, while others remain subject to future announcements. Understanding which elements are confirmed versus those still being developed helps travelers prioritize their preparation efforts. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand provides updates on air travel procedures that may intersect with TDAC requirements.

The core functionality is solid and operational, with the system handling real submissions since before the mandatory enforcement date. However, Thai immigration authorities have indicated plans for mobile application development and potential integrations with other government digital services that may further streamline the traveler experience.

Why the TDAC Matters for Travelers

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card initiative reflects Thailand’s commitment to modernizing its tourism and immigration infrastructure. By digitizing arrival procedures, the country aims to reduce queue times at airports and border crossings while simultaneously improving the accuracy and security of traveler screening processes.

For individual travelers, the TDAC offers practical advantages beyond governmental efficiency goals. The pre-submission process allows visitors to complete potentially time-consuming paperwork from the comfort of their home or office before their departure. The QR code confirmation provides a clear, organized record of submission that simplifies interactions with immigration officers upon arrival.

The system also benefits longer-term visitors who must navigate Thailand’s reporting requirements. Travelers extending their stays or transitioning between visa categories can reference their TDAC confirmation when completing subsequent immigration paperwork. This digital paper trail creates a consistent documentation standard across the entire Thai immigration system.

Travelers should preserve their TDAC QR code throughout their entire stay in Thailand. Immigration procedures during departure or when crossing land borders to neighboring countries may require presentation of this confirmation. Failing to retain the QR code can result in fines or processing delays when leaving Thailand.

Official Sources and References

The information provided here draws from official Thai immigration sources and government-affiliated tourism portals. Primary documentation comes from the Thai Immigration Bureau, which oversees the TDAC system, and official Thai government tourism channels that communicate requirements to international visitors. Travelers should bookmark the official TDAC portal for the most authoritative submission guidance.

Thai immigration authorities have confirmed that the TDAC system reduces border processing time significantly compared to the previous paper-based system. The digital verification process enables faster security clearance while maintaining rigorous screening standards.

Travelers are encouraged to verify current requirements through official government channels before their trip, as immigration policies may be updated to reflect changing circumstances. The official TDAC portal remains the authoritative source for submission procedures and timing requirements.

Summary

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card represents a significant modernization of the country’s immigration procedures. All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete this free online form within 72 hours before their arrival, starting from May 1, 2025. The process requires personal details from your passport, travel itinerary information, accommodation address, and a brief health declaration covering recent international travel.

Submission occurs through the official immigration portal at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home, after which you receive a QR code via email for presentation at immigration checkpoints. Families can apply jointly, and the service remains completely free for all travelers regardless of visa type or intended length of stay. For those planning travel to Thailand, familiarizing yourself with these requirements before departure ensures a smooth arrival experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions