The New Era of Digital Travel
The days of filling out paper forms on the plane are fading fast. In a global shift towards streamlined and secure immigration, both Thailand and Malaysia have implemented mandatory digital arrival cards. This means all foreign visitors, including Indian
passport holders, must submit their travel and personal information online before they land. While this adds a new step to your pre-travel checklist, it is designed to speed up processing at the airport. Both the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) are free to submit through their official government websites. Be wary of third-party sites that charge a fee, as they are not official channels.
Thailand: The Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Thailand has made the TDAC a compulsory requirement for all foreign nationals entering the country, replacing the old paper TM6 form. This applies to all Indian travellers, regardless of their visa status. The form must be completed online within the 72-hour window before your arrival in Thailand. You will need your passport details, flight number, and the full address of your accommodation in Thailand. After submission on the official portal (tdac.immigration.go.th), you will receive a confirmation, often with a QR code, via email. It is essential to save this confirmation on your phone and perhaps carry a printout as a backup, as you will need to present it to immigration authorities upon arrival. Travellers arriving without a completed TDAC may be denied boarding by their airline.
Malaysia: The Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Similar to Thailand, Malaysia requires all foreign travellers to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before entry. This rule has been in effect since early 2024 and replaces the traditional paper landing card. The MDAC must be submitted online within three days of your scheduled arrival in Malaysia. For example, if you are arriving on August 12, you can submit the form anytime from August 9 onwards. The process involves visiting the official Immigration Department portal, where you'll enter your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and accommodation address. After successful registration, you'll receive a confirmation. It's highly recommended to download and save this confirmation, as you will need to present it to the immigration officer.
Key Differences and Requirements
While the process for both countries is similar, there are subtle points to note. Both the TDAC and MDAC must be filled out within a 72-hour or 3-day window before arrival. The information required is standard: passport data, travel itinerary, and where you're staying. For Thailand, recent updates to visa rules for Indians have been frequent. As of late July 2026, a 30-day visa-free stay is expected to be the standard, but travellers should always verify the latest visa status before booking. Regardless of the visa policy, the TDAC remains mandatory. For Malaysia, Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days, but the MDAC is a non-negotiable prerequisite. Both systems are free; do not pay any third-party service for submission.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival
To ensure a hassle-free start to your holiday, follow these simple tips. First, fill out the digital arrival card as soon as the submission window opens, typically two to three days before your flight. This avoids any last-minute rush or technical glitches. Double-check all information before submitting, especially your name as it appears on your passport and your passport number, as errors can cause delays. Once you receive the confirmation email with the QR code or PDF, take a screenshot and save it in an easily accessible folder on your phone. Keeping a printed copy in your hand luggage is also a wise backup. Finally, always use the official government websites for submission to protect your personal data and avoid unnecessary fees.
