The Rise of the Digital Arrival Card
Gone are the days of scribbling on a paper form during your flight. As of May 2025, Thailand has fully transitioned to a mandatory digital system called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC. This free online form has replaced the old paper TM6 card
and is required for all foreign nationals entering the country, whether by air, land, or sea. The system is designed to streamline immigration, enhance security, and create a smoother arrival experience for everyone. Before you can clear immigration, you must have completed the TDAC online and have the resulting QR code ready to show officers. This applies to every single entry, even if you are just hopping over the border for a day. While the process itself is straightforward, its digital nature has unfortunately opened the door for opportunists.
The Danger of Unofficial Websites
When you search for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, the top results might not be the official one. A growing number of third-party websites have appeared, designed to look legitimate while charging significant fees for a service that is completely free. The Thai Immigration Bureau has issued repeated warnings about these fraudulent sites, which can charge anywhere from $20 to over $90. According to official reports, a surprising number of travellers—at least 10% of foreign arrivals—have mistakenly used these paid services. The problem goes beyond just losing money. Submitting your sensitive information, including your full name, passport number, and travel details, to these unregulated platforms puts you at serious risk of data misuse and identity theft. Officials warn that this data could be used in other scams or sold. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the form will be submitted correctly, potentially leading to delays or even denial of entry upon arrival.
How to Identify and Use the Official Portal
The only safe way to complete your entry form is through the official government channel. The Thai Immigration Bureau has stressed that the TDAC registration is, and always will be, free of charge. To find the correct website, you should directly type the official URL into your browser: tdac.immigration.go.th. If you use a search engine, carefully check the web address to ensure it ends in ".go.th," the official domain for Thai government entities. The official portal does not require you to create an account and the process should only take a few minutes to complete. You can submit your TDAC within 72 hours (three days) of your arrival time. Any site asking for payment or offering to expedite the process for a fee is not legitimate. Official sources like the Royal Thai Embassy and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will always link to the correct portal.
The Simple Steps for a Smooth Entry
Completing the official TDAC is a simple process. First, gather your documents: your passport, flight number, and the address of your accommodation in Thailand. Visit the official tdac.immigration.go.th website within the 72-hour window before you arrive. Fill in your personal and travel information accurately, making sure the details exactly match your passport. After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email containing a QR code. You can either save a digital copy of this QR code on your phone or print it out. When you reach the immigration counter in Thailand, simply present your passport and this QR code to the officer. By taking a few moments to ensure you're on the right website, you guarantee your information is secure, you avoid unnecessary fees, and you set yourself up for a hassle-free start to your Thai adventure.
