Starting May 1, 2025, Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has become a mandatory requirement for all foreign travelers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. The digital form replaces the previously used paper TM6 and is a key step in the Thai government’s “Smart Border” initiative to modernize and streamline immigration procedures.
TDAC must be completed by all non-Thai nationals, including tourists, business travelers, and holders of long-stay visas. Only transit passengers who do not pass through immigration, as well as those entering under border pass agreements, are exempt from the requirement.
The digital arrival card is free to complete and available exclusively through the official Immigration Bureau website: tdac.immigration.go.th. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid third-party or fraudulent sites that may request payment.
Visitors must complete the TDAC within the three days prior to entering Thailand. It can be filled out just before traveling or even upon arrival at the airport, but authorities recommend completing it in advance, as some airlines may check for it before boarding. The form requires travelers to provide passport and personal details (in English), flight or transport information, contact number, accommodation address in Thailand, an email address, and their estimated departure date. There are also questions related to health that must be answered before submission.
Once submitted, the system generates a confirmation PDF with a QR code that travelers must show to immigration officers upon arrival. This receipt should be saved either digitally or printed to avoid delays at the border.
Thailand’s “Smart Border” strategy, of which TDAC is a core element, aims to enhance national security, improve public health monitoring, and speed up border crossing times. The system allows immigration authorities to quickly verify incoming traveler data and integrate it with other official services, including the e-visa platform and the upcoming e-Travel Authorisation system.
Travelers should note that once the TDAC form is submitted, certain personal data such as full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth cannot be edited. Other details, however, can be updated if needed.
