The End of an Era: Goodbye, Paper TM6 Form
For years, regulars to Thailand were familiar with the blue TM6 arrival and departure card, usually handed out on the flight to be filled out before landing. In a move to streamline immigration and enhance security, Thai authorities have completely phased
out this paper form. As of 2024, the TM6 has been officially replaced by a mandatory digital equivalent for all foreign nationals, including Indian passport holders, entering the country by air, land, or sea. This new system is called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC. It's crucial to understand that the TDAC is not a visa; it is a required entry declaration that must be completed by everyone, regardless of their visa status.
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The TDAC is an online form that collects your personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, and accommodation details in Thailand. Its purpose is to digitise the entry process, making it faster and more efficient for both travellers and immigration officials. All non-Thai citizens, including those with visa exemption, a visa-on-arrival, or a pre-arranged visa, must complete the TDAC before passing through immigration. The only exceptions are for passengers transiting without clearing immigration or those entering with a specific Border Pass. Successfully submitting the form generates a QR code, which you will need to present at the immigration counter upon arrival.
How to Fill the TDAC: A Step-by-Step Guide
Completing the TDAC is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail. The form is free of charge and can only be submitted through the official government portal. You can submit the form within 72 hours (3 days) of your scheduled arrival time.
1. Gather Your Documents: Before you start, have your passport, flight details (arrival flight number), and the full address of your accommodation in Thailand ready.
2. Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the official TDAC immigration website. Be wary of unofficial third-party sites that may charge a fee. The official service is free.
3. Enter Your Information: Fill out the form with your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. This includes your full name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality. You will also need to provide your occupation and contact information.
4. Provide Travel Details: Input your flight number, date of arrival, and your first night's accommodation details.
5. Review and Submit: Double-check all the information for accuracy before submitting. After submission, you should receive a confirmation with a QR code. Save this QR code to your phone and consider keeping a printed copy as a backup.
Crucial Tips for Indian Passport Holders
A common issue for Indian travellers is name transliteration. The TDAC system cross-references your details with the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) on your passport (the two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page). To avoid rejection, ensure the name you enter on the form matches the MRZ character-for-character. In terms of visa rules, as of mid-2026, Indian citizens benefit from a 60-day visa-exempt entry scheme for tourism. However, policies can change, so always verify the current visa status before your trip. The visa exemption does not remove the requirement to fill out the TDAC. Additionally, be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds (around 10,000 THB per person) and a confirmed onward or return ticket if requested by an immigration officer.
What to Expect on Arrival
With your TDAC's QR code saved on your phone, the process at the airport should be smoother. Instead of handing over a paper form, you will present your passport and the QR code to the immigration officer. The officer will scan the code to retrieve your digital declaration and process your entry. This digital-first approach is designed to reduce queues and paperwork at the airport, allowing you to start your Thai adventure with less hassle. By completing the form accurately and in advance, you ensure a smoother experience at the immigration checkpoint.
