Visiting Thailand? Get To Know About Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Travelling to Thailand soon? There is one important new step you cannot ignore before boarding your flight. Thailand now requires all foreign visitors to complete a compulsory online entry form called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering the country.

The move is part of Thailand’s larger push toward digital immigration processing, aimed at reducing paperwork, speeding up airport clearance and improving border security checks. The digital system officially replaces the old paper-based TM6 arrival card that travellers previously filled out during flights or at immigration counters.

What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online pre-arrival registration system introduced by Thai immigration authorities. Travellers must submit their details electronically before arriving in the country.

The system is designed to reduce waiting times at immigration, improve data accuracy, enhance border security, support health screening measures and eliminate paper arrival forms.

Authorities say the new digital process will help make entry into Thailand smoother and faster for international visitors.

Every foreign traveller entering Thailand must complete the form, including tourists, business travellers, students, long-term visa holders and visitors arriving through visa exemption schemes. The rule applies regardless of whether travellers arrive by flight, cruise, bus, train and private vehicle.

Thai citizens are exempt from the requirement.

When Should You Submit the Form?

Travellers are required to complete the TDAC at least three days before arrival in Thailand. Failing to submit the form before travel could lead to delays during check-in or immigration clearance.

Before starting the online application, keep the following details ready:

• Passport Information - Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth and Passport expiry date
• Personal Details - Full name, Gender and Contact information
• Travel Information - Flight details or mode of transport, Date of arrival and Purpose of visit
• Accommodation Details - Hotel name or address in Thailand and Province/city of stay
• Health Declaration - Depending on your nationality or recent travel history, additional health-related information may also be required.

Step-by-Step Guide to Complete the TDAC

Step 1: Visit the Official TDAC Portal

Travellers must access the official Thailand Immigration Bureau website to begin the process.

Step 2: Choose Individual or Group Submission

The system allows:

• Individual applications
• Group submissions for up to 10 travellers

This feature is especially useful for families and tour groups.

Step 3: Enter Passport Details

Users can manually enter passport information or use the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) scan feature to auto-fill details. However, travellers should carefully verify all information before submission.

Step 4: Fill in Travel and Accommodation Information

Enter:

• Arrival date
• Transport details
• Hotel or accommodation address
• Length of stay

Step 5: Complete Health Declaration

Provide any required health or travel history details based on current regulations.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Before final submission, double-check all entries carefully. Authorities have clarified that some details cannot be changed later, including:

• Full name
• Nationality
• Date of birth

Step 7: Download the TDAC Confirmation

After submission, travellers will receive the digital arrival card via email. You should:

• Download it on your phone
• Keep a printed copy as backup

Immigration officers may ask to see the document upon arrival.

Can You Edit the TDAC Later?

Yes, travellers can update certain details before departure using:

• TDAC number
• Date of birth
• Nationality

However, key identity information cannot be modified once submitted.

Important Rules Travellers Must Follow

Thai immigration authorities have issued several important instructions:

• All information must be entered in English
• Use dropdown suggestions where available
• Double-check passport details carefully
• Submit the form within the required timeframe

Officials also stressed that the TDAC is not a visa.

Travellers must still comply with Thailand’s visa rules, visa exemption policies or e-visa requirements separately.

Why Thailand Introduced the Digital System

Thailand has been modernising its immigration infrastructure to better handle growing tourist arrivals and improve efficiency at border checkpoints.

The government believes the digital arrival system will:

• Reduce paperwork
• Improve traveller screening
• Speed up airport processing
• Strengthen public health coordination

The move aligns Thailand with several other countries that have already adopted digital pre-arrival systems for international travellers.

Final Thoughts

If Thailand is on your travel list this year, completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is now an essential part of your pre-travel checklist.

The process is relatively simple, but travellers should avoid waiting until the last minute. Having all documents prepared in advance can help ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival in Thailand.

Before heading to the airport, make sure your passport is valid, visa requirements are checked, your TDAC confirmation is downloaded and all information is accurate.

A few minutes of preparation before departure could save you hours at immigration after landing in Thailand.