The End of the Paper Form
For years, travellers filled out a small paper form, the TM6, upon arrival in Thailand. That system has now been replaced. The government has introduced the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), an online registration that all foreign nationals must complete
before entering the country. This change applies whether you arrive by air, land, or sea. The goal is to modernize and speed up immigration procedures, reduce paperwork, and enhance security. Importantly, the TDAC is not a visa; it is a mandatory registration for all visitors, including those who are visa-exempt.
Before You Start: What You'll Need
To ensure a quick and error-free submission, gather all your information before visiting the official website. You will need a valid passport, your personal details (full name, date of birth, nationality), and your travel itinerary. This includes your flight number for arrival, the date you plan to enter Thailand, and the address of your accommodation for at least the first night. It is also wise to have an email address handy, as a confirmation will be sent there.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the TDAC Portal
Completing the form is free and should only be done on the official government website: tdac.immigration.go.th. Any site asking for payment is a scam. The process is straightforward: first, navigate to the site and select “Arrival Card.” You will be prompted to enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. Following that, input your travel details, including your flight number and the country where you boarded your flight. The next section will ask for your accommodation details in Thailand and the purpose of your visit, such as tourism or business. Finally, you may need to complete a short health declaration. You can only submit the form within three days of your arrival date.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most critical step is to double-check all your information before submitting. A simple typo in your passport number, name, or date of birth can cause issues. Ensure the arrival date is correct, especially if you are on an overnight flight that lands the next day. Only fill in the fields marked with a red asterisk, as these are mandatory; other fields like "Visa No." can often be skipped unless a visa is required for your entry. If you are travelling with family or in a group, you can add other travellers to the same submission, which can save time.
After Submission: The QR Code is Key
Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation with a unique QR code. It is essential to save this code to your phone. Taking a screenshot is a reliable way to ensure you have offline access to it at the airport. Airlines may ask to see this QR code before you board your flight, and Thai immigration officers will require it upon your arrival at the checkpoint. Presenting this code will complete the process, allowing you to proceed with your entry into Thailand smoothly. Remember, each entry into Thailand requires a new TDAC submission.
