The End of an Era for Paper Forms
For decades, travellers to Thailand were greeted with the TM6 arrival and departure card, a paper form to be filled out before reaching the immigration counter. As of 2025, this paper-based system has been officially phased out for all foreign visitors.
The government has introduced a fully digital system called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC. The goal is to modernize and streamline the entry process, reduce queues at busy airports, enhance security, and improve the accuracy of visitor data. This change applies to all non-Thai nationals entering the country, whether by air, land, or sea.
Understanding the TDAC System
The TDAC is an online form that captures your personal, passport, and travel details before you arrive. It is not a visa; it is a mandatory immigration requirement for all foreign travellers, including those from visa-exempt countries. The system is completely free to use, and you should only complete it via the official government website. Be cautious of third-party sites that ask for payment, as they are not affiliated with Thai immigration authorities. The process involves pre-registering your details online, after which you'll receive a confirmation, often in the form of a QR code, to present at immigration.
What You'll Need Before You Begin
To ensure the registration process is quick and hassle-free, it’s best to gather all your information beforehand. You will need your passport, as you'll have to provide your full name, nationality, date of birth, and passport number exactly as they appear on your travel document. You will also need your travel itinerary, which includes your flight number and date of arrival in Thailand. Finally, have the full address of your accommodation in Thailand ready, whether it's a hotel, guesthouse, or private residence. Having these details on hand can turn the entire process into a simple five-minute task.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Form
The TDAC must be completed within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Thailand. You cannot submit it earlier. To start, visit the official website: tdac.immigration.go.th. Click on the 'Arrival Card' button to begin. You will be prompted to enter your personal information, travel details, and accommodation address. The form may also include a health declaration section. The website has an option to upload a photo of your passport to auto-fill some details, or you can enter them manually. After filling in all the required fields, you will be asked to review your information for accuracy before submitting.
Final Steps and Airport Arrival
After reviewing your details, you will need to provide an email address to receive your confirmation. Once you submit the form, a confirmation email containing your TDAC details, sometimes as a QR code, will be sent to you. It is crucial to save this confirmation on your phone—either as a screenshot, a downloaded file, or by starring the email for easy access. While you may not always be asked for it, you must be ready to present this digital confirmation to the immigration officer upon arrival. The officer will scan your passport, and your pre-submitted TDAC information should appear in their system, making for a much quicker interaction at the counter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a smooth process, double-check that all information, especially your name and passport number, matches your passport's machine-readable zone (MRZ) precisely. A common error is entering an incorrect arrival date, especially for overnight flights, so confirm your landing date and time. Only use the official government website (tdac.immigration.go.th) to avoid scams. Do not fill out the form more than three days before you arrive, as the system will not accept it. Finally, while some newer versions of the form have made providing return flight details optional, it's always wise to have that information handy just in case.
