Thailand Introduces Digital Arrival Card from May 2025—Complete Application Guide

Beginning May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers entering Thailand will need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online. This new digital system replaces the traditional TM6 paper form, making the immigration process faster and more efficient.

Thailand aims to modernize its entry procedures with the TDAC. This fully digital system must be completed within 72 hours before your arrival. It applies to travelers arriving by air, land, or sea, streamlining border control and entry formalities.

Overview: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

The TDAC is an online entry form that replaces the outdated TM6 paper-based arrival card. All international travelers must complete this form to ensure a quick and efficient immigration process.

Transitioning from Paper to Digital

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers filled out the TM6 paper form upon arrival. Thailand temporarily suspended this requirement during the pandemic. Now, the TDAC makes digital registration mandatory for all foreign arrivals.

Key Highlights of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

• Mandatory for all foreign travelers, except transit and border pass holders.
• Completely online—no more paper forms.
• Must be completed within 72 hours before arrival.
• Applies to travelers with and without a visa.
• Accessible via the official platform: tdac.immigration.go.th.
• Present a digital or printed TDAC at immigration.

Who Needs to Fill Out the TDAC?

The TDAC is required for all travelers, regardless of visa status. However, two categories of passengers are exempt:

• Transit passengers who do not pass through Thai immigration.
• Border pass holders using designated land crossings.

How to Apply for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Follow these steps to complete your TDAC for a smooth entry:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the official TDAC website at tdac.immigration.go.th and select the “Arrival Card” option.
• Enter Personal Information: Fill in your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and visa number (if applicable). Click “Continue” to proceed.
• Provide Travel Details: Enter your expected date of arrival, mode of transport, purpose of visit, and accommodation address in Thailand. Click “Continue” after completing this section.
• Complete Health Declaration: List any countries you visited in the past 14 days. This requirement helps monitor health risks for incoming travelers.
• Review & Confirm Information: Check all your entries carefully. Make corrections if necessary before moving forward.
• Provide an Email Address: Enter a valid email address to receive your TDAC as a PDF. Ensure you can access this email while traveling.
• Submit & Download Your TDAC: Accept the terms and submit your application. The digital arrival card will generate immediately. Download and save a copy or print it out for presentation at immigration.

Why Transition to a Digital System?

Thailand’s introduction of the TDAC aims to improve efficiency and enhance security. Key benefits include:

• Quicker immigration processing, reducing wait times.
• Better visitor data management for efficient tracking.
• Enhanced health monitoring, especially post-pandemic.
• Eco-friendly initiative, reducing paper use.

Upcoming Changes: Shorter Visa-Free Stays Under Consideration

Alongside the TDAC rollout, Thailand is considering reducing visa-free stays for travelers from 93 visa-exempt countries. This proposal could shorten the current 60-day visa-free stay to 30 days. While still under review, this idea has generated debate:

Supporters argue it will help manage tourist flows and prevent overstays.
Critics worry it may deter long-term tourism as the country recovers from the pandemic.

Conclusion

Thailand is joining the trend of digital immigration, following in the footsteps of countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, and South Korea. The TDAC represents a significant step toward a seamless, paperless entry process for international travelers. With this user-friendly online system, Thailand is enhancing the immigration experience, making it faster, safer, and more convenient.

For the latest updates, travelers should check the official TDAC website before their trip.