The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is now a requirement for all travelers entering Thailand. This new method, which takes the place of the old paper TM6 form, makes the entry process faster, easier, and fully digital. Still, a lot of visitors aren’t sure when and how to send it in. Some people even fall for the scam and pay unnecessary fees to fake websites.
According to The Nation Thailand, “On the first day of the rollout (1 May 2025) of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), the Immigration Bureau of Thailand reported that 90% of arriving foreigners submitted the form online”. To sum up, if you want to go to Thailand, you need to know about TDAC. This makes it easier to get through immigration and avoids delays when you get there.
In this blog, you’ll learn everything about TDAC Thailand. It includes what it is, how to fill it out correctly, and the common mistakes you should avoid. You can also get useful travel tips from us that will help you have a stress-free landing in Bangkok or any other Thai city. Keep reading.
What is TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)?
TDAC is the new online form that all non-Thai visitors must fill out before entering the country. The old paper TM6 card, which was given out on planes and at border checkpoints, has been officially replaced.
Thailand wants to speed up and improve the efficiency of immigration, and this digital change is part of that. Travelers no longer have to fill out the arrival card for Thailand by hand. Within 72 hours of their trip, they can now send their information online. The information goes straight to Thai Immigration for faster screening and smoother entry.
TDAC Thailand asks for general travel information. For example, your passport number, flight information, arrival date, and the address of where you will be staying. It also helps immigration officers check your health declaration and travel reason more correctly.
Furthermore, think of it as your digital travel card. It lets the system quickly know who is coming, where they are coming from, and why. When you get to Thailand, customs officials will already have your information. This will make the process simpler and faster.
Why Thailand Introduced TDAC?
Thailand introduced the TDAC to simplify entry, enhance security, and keep up with the country’s growing number of travelers. The government welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2024 alone. This was a huge rise that pushed immigration to modernize its system.
Before TDAC, everyone who came to Thailand had to fill out a paper arrival card on the plane or at the border. This often led to delays, incorrect data, and long lines at checkpoints. With this arrival card, customs officers now get digital information about travelers before they even get to Thailand.
This change helps the government handle entries more quickly, find high-risk or missing records, and make the border safer. Also, reduces paper waste and manual work, which makes the entire process safer and better for the environment. A small change like this makes a big difference for both tourists and officials.
Travel Card Thailand: Required Information, When to Submit, and Basic Rules.
Make sure you have all of your travel information ready before you start to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Gathering everything early, knowing when to submit, and following the basic rules save time and help to avoid mistakes.
The Required Arrival Card Information:
- Passport number, expiry date, and country of issue
- Full name as written in your passport
- Nationality, date of birth, and gender
- Visa number, if you already hold one
- Flight or vehicle number and expected arrival date
- Port of entry, such as Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai
- Address of your first accommodation in Thailand
- Purpose of visit, for example: tourism, business, or family visit
- Contact information, including phone number and email
- Travel history from the last 14 days
- Simple health declaration if requested
When to Submit
You have 72 hours before coming to Thailand to fill out your Thailand Digital Arrival Card. For example, if you arrive on the 10th, you can submit it from the 7th onward. If you submit early in that time frame, you’ll have time to fix any mistakes or adjust your plans.
Don’t wait until the last minute. The system can get busy during peak travel days. Also, finishing it early makes sure that check-in goes smoothly and faster clearance at immigration.
Basic Rules
Follow the simple rules below to make your entry easy and trouble-free:
- Fill out the TDAC yourself through the official system; it’s free of charge.
- The arrival card for Thailand is mandatory for all non-Thai travelers entering by air, land, or sea.
- The TDAC Thailand does not replace a visa. You still need a valid visa or entry permit.
- Enter all details correctly. Once submitted, you can’t change your passport number or personal information.
- Save the confirmation as a screenshot or print it before your flight.
- Show your confirmation to immigration officers upon arrival.
- Transit passengers who don’t clear immigration usually don’t need a TDAC. But always confirm with your airline before departure.
Overall, complete the travel card Thailand correctly and on time. It helps you avoid delays and ensures a smooth arrival experience in the country.
Step-by-Step Thailand Digital Arrival Card Guide
Thailand’s immigration is gradually improving the TDAC system to make registration easier across different platforms. They are trying to make the program easier by using various digital tools, including an app.
For now, the official TDAC Thailand form is the safest and most effective way to finish your registration. First, double-check the facts of your travels. Moreover, remember to submit your TDAC within 72 hours of your arrival.
Follow the simple steps below to learn how to fill out your Thailand Digital Arrival Card:
Step 01: Gather documents and open the TDAC form
- Get your passport, flight info, and hotel address.
- Note your contact number and email.
- Also, list the countries you visited in the last 14 days.
- Open the TDAC Thailand form on the official site.
- Then, choose the language if available.
Step 02: Enter personal details
- Type your full name exactly as on your passport.
- Add your passport number, nationality, and birth date.
- Also, enter your gender and document type.
- Double-check spelling and number digits.
Step 03: Fill travel and accommodation data.
- Add your flight or vehicle number.
- Select your arrival date and port of entry.
- Also include your first night’s accommodation address.
Step 04: Fill in the health information.
- Complete the short health questions if shown.
- Also, declare the recent countries visited.
Step 05: Review, Submit, and Save Confirmation
- Now, read each field slowly.
- Correct any typos immediately.
- You can add other travelers or preview and submit the form.
- Save the confirmation number and page.
- Take a screenshot and print a copy as backup.
- Also, email the confirmation to yourself for offline access.
Step 06: Show your TDAC at check-in and immigration.
- Show your TDAC confirmation to the airline before you board the plane (if they ask).
- Show the confirmation and visa to the immigration officers.
- Save the receipt until you get through immigration.
Common Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Them
Even though the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is easy to use. But many travelers still make small errors. It causes big delays at immigration.
Here are the most common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
Submitting too early or too late
Many visitors forget when they need to submit their TDAC. Make sure to submit it at least 3 days before your trip. It’s not valid if you send it in too early. If you wait too long, the system might not process it in time. Always stay within the time frame.
Typing errors in passport details
If you type in one wrong letter or number, your TDAC Thailand won’t work. Check your name, passport number, and expiration date twice before you send them in. Carefully read over everything; it only takes a minute to make sure.
Wrong or missing accommodation address
Some travelers skip the part about hotels and other places to stay. They need this information from immigration, even if it’s just for your first night’s stay. If your plan changes later, you can update it before travel.
Using unofficial websites
A lot of fake websites charge money to file an arrival card in Thailand. It’s free to use. Never pay anyone or share personal information. Always use the official TDAC portal only.
Forgetting to save the confirmation
Many travelers close the page without saving it. Always print or take a screenshot of your proof as soon as you submit it. Save a copy on your phone.
Submitting incomplete health or travel data
Skipping health or recent travel questions can delay approval. Always answer every field completely, even if it seems optional.
Failing to recheck details before travel
Plans sometimes change. For example, flight time, accommodation, or contact info. Before you leave, check your TDAC to make sure that everything is still correct.
Checklist for the Day of Travel to Thailand
Make sure everything for your Arrival Card is ready before you fly. A quick check can save time and avoid stress on arrival.
- Keep your TDAC confirmation saved or screenshot on your phone.
- Make sure your passport details match the TDAC form.
- Recheck your flight number and arrival date for accuracy.
- Carry your hotel booking or accommodation address.
- Save backup copies of all documents in your phone or cloud.
- Keep a copy of your arrival card for Thailand for quick access.
- Make sure you have internet access on arrival, just in case.
A few quick checks can make your Thailand entry smooth and worry-free.
How TDAC Affects Travelers from Different Regions
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card makes it easy for everyone to enter Thailand, but it has different effects on different regions.
Travelers from Australia
For Australians, TDAC makes it easier to enter Thailand from Australia. Since most visits are visa-free, travelers can now complete the arrival card for Thailand online before departure. This helps avoid long queues and reduces mistakes at immigration.
Travelers from the UK
There is no longer a white paper card for people traveling to Thailand from the UK. Instead, there is a quick online form (TDAC). It cuts down on time spent in airports and records travel information safely for future reference.
Asian Travelers
For countries nearby, like Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan, TDAC Thailand speeds up frequent short trips. When you submit the digital form before you arrive at the border, screenings go more quickly and easily.
Long-Term Visitors
Digital nomads, retirees, Elite Visa holders, and business travelers benefit from faster re-entry. Their details stay in the system with the Thailand digital arrival card. It makes their future arrivals quicker and easier.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, the arrival card is a big step toward making it easier to fly to Thailand. If you fill out the form within time, you’ll be able to get there faster and more efficiently. No matter if you’re flying into Bangkok, arriving by land or sea, or just stopping by for a brief visit.
Furthermore, the form is free and officially required. So, making sure you fill it out properly helps you avoid delays or problems at immigration.
FAQs
Q: Who must fill in the TDAC?
Ans: Any non-Thai people must fill out the form before they get there. No matter if they come to Thailand by land, air, or sea. Common exceptions only apply to people who are in transit and never make it through customs.
Q: How many days in advance must I submit the TDAC?
Ans: You must submit the form within 72 hours before your arrival date in Thailand. Submission too early or too late risks rejection.
Q: Is there a cost to applying for the TDAC?
Ans: No. If you use the government site to send the official TDAC form, it’s free. Watch out for websites that charge you money.
Q: Can I edit my TDAC after submission?
Ans: You can update certain details before your arrival if your travel plans change. However, you can’t change important areas like your passport number, full name, nationality, or date of birth. Submit a new form if they are wrong.
Q: What happens if I submit my TDAC with incorrect information?
Ans: Entering incorrect information can delay your arrival or lead to extra checks at immigration. Always double-check all details, especially passport number, arrival date, and accommodation address, before submitting.
