This month you’re going to be traveling to Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai and you’re heading for the tropics? If that’s the case, then your travel list is a little different. The paper TM6 immigration forms, which were traditionally blue and white, have been phased out.
The Thai government has implemented the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, which is a mandatory procedure for all arrivals from non-Thai countries that must be completed online before arrival, to ease border control and welcome smart tourists to Thailand. For those travelling with the popular 60-day visa exemption, as well as premium long-term visas, this digital component cannot be ignored, with the risk of huge delays or even being denied boarding.
Here is your ultimate, up-to-date guide to navigating the mandatory TDAC arrival card online smoothly.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an immigration document that was a mandatory electronic entry declaration and has completely replaced the former TM6 paper entry form. Designed to work with Thailand’s biometric border checkpoints, TDAC will be integrated into your travel, health, and accommodation information, which will be directly linked to your passport.
The TDAC is NOT a visa – IMPORTANT RULE. It’s an essential border security clearance. Regardless of nationality, visa-free countries are still required to submit the digital arrival card before crossing the border.
Who Needs to Submit the TDAC?
Virtually every foreign national entering the Kingdom by air, land, or sea must complete a submission. This includes:
- Visa-Exempt Tourists: Travelers from 93+ countries enjoying short-term stays.
- Visa Holders: Anyone traveling on a Tourist Visa (TR) or the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- Long-Term Residents & Expats: Returning residents and retirement visa holders.
The 72-Hour Window: When to Fill Out Your TDAC
When it comes to digital paperwork, there’s a time to do it and a time not to do it. The Thai Immigration Bureau only takes applications within the last 72 hours before your arrival.
The online portal will prevent any registrations made more than 3 days before arrival. This way, you can be certain that your health declarations, contact information and flight details will be completely accurate when you pass the automated border control gates.
Step-by-Step Guide: Completing Your Thailand Digital Arrival Card Online
Completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online is straightforward and completely free of charge. Follow these steps to secure your official entry QR code:
1. Access the Official Portal: Requires an internet connection.
Open your web browser and navigate exclusively to the official Thai Government portal at tdac.immigration.go.th. Beware of copycat third-party agencies; the official service never charges a fee.
2. Provide Passport and Personal Data: Match your passport MRZ exactly.
Choose an individual or group submission (up to 10 persons). Enter your name, date of birth, and passport number in standard English capital letters. Copy the information as it is written in your MRZ at the bottom of your passport’s page to ensure there are no system errors.
3. Input Flight and Accommodation Details: Have bookings ready.
Check the complete date of arrival, flight number (or vehicle plate for land crossing), and port of entry (e.g., Suvarnabhumi Airport). A complete verified address or the registered name of the hotel where you are staying for your first night in Thailand needs to be included as well.
4. Complete the Health Declaration: Authorized by the Ministry of Public Health.
Provide short answers to questions about your recent 14 day travel history, and your health status. In addition, passengers from the high-risk areas must also check their Yellow Fever vaccination history.
5. Review, Submit, and Save Your QR Code: Instant processing.
Carefully check each data field for typing errors. Once submitted, core personal data cannot be edited. Look in your email right away for the confirmation message with your official TDAC QR code. Take a screenshot or print a hard copy.
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Clearing Immigration on Arrival
On arrival in Thailand, there are signs to walk to the immigration counters. Please ensure that the passport is valid for 6 months after the date of arrival.
Do not close your TDAC QR code as the application. Don’t close your TDAC QR code from the app. Immigration officials will read your digital code or use the automated biometrics lanes to shorten the amount of time it takes you to transit to less than two minutes.
FAQs
Is there any fee to submit the TDAC online?
No. The official Thailand Digital Arrival Card online application is completely free of charge. Any third-party website requesting credit card details or processing fees is an unauthorized agency.
What happens if I make a mistake on my digital arrival card?
Critical data like your passport number, name, and date of birth cannot be modified after submission. If you notice a typo, you must log back into tdac.immigration.go.th and submit an entirely new form to generate a valid, updated QR code.
Can I fill out one TDAC form for my entire family?
The portal allows “Group Submissions” for up to 10 travelers to speed up data entry. However, the system still generates an individual, unique mandatory TDAC arrival card online QR code for every single person, including infants.
Do I need a new TDAC if I take a quick weekend trip to a neighboring country?
Yes. The TDAC is tied strictly to a single entry. If you leave Thailand for a brief side trip to Cambodia or Laos, you must complete a brand-new registration within 72 hours of your planned return.
