Welcome, fellow travelers! As you gear up for your exciting journey to the Land of Smiles, Thailand, there’s a new essential you need to be aware of: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Starting May 1, 2025, this online form will replace the traditional paper-based TM.6 arrival card for all foreign nationals entering Thailand.

Don’t worry, it’s designed to streamline your arrival process, making it faster and more convenient. Think of it as your digital passport stamp! Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth entry into Thailand.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The TDAC is an online form that all non-Thai passport holders must complete before arriving in Thailand. Whether you’re traveling by air, land, or sea, this digital card is mandatory. It’s not a visa, but rather a way for the Thai Immigration Bureau to collect necessary travel and personal information to enhance efficiency and security.

Who Needs to Fill Out the TDAC?

All foreign nationals entering Thailand are required to complete the TDAC. This includes tourists, business travelers, and long-term residents.

Exemptions:

• Travelers transiting or transferring through Thailand without passing through immigration control.
• Those entering using a Border Pass.
• Consular and diplomatic personnel, members of some international organizations, along with their dependents and staff.
• Foreign officials on official assignments.
• Thai nationals returning to Thailand.

When Do You Need to Complete It?

You can submit your TDAC online within three days prior to your arrival date in Thailand. For example, if you are arriving on May 5th, you can start filling out the form on May 2nd. The system will be open for submissions starting April 28, 2025, for those arriving on the launch date.

What Information Do You Need?

To complete the TDAC, make sure you have the following information handy:

1. Passport Information:
   • Full name (as it appears on your passport)
   • Passport number
   • Nationality
   • Date of birth
2. Personal Information:
   • Gender
   • Occupation
   • Country of residence
   • City/State of residence
   • Phone number
   • Visa number (if applicable)
3. Travel Information:
   • Date of arrival
   • Country where you boarded
   • Purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, business)
   • Mode of travel (air, land, or sea)
   • Mode of transport (e.g., flight number, vehicle number)
   • Date of departure (if known)
   • Departure mode of travel (if known)
4. Accommodation Information in Thailand:
   • Type of accommodation ¹ (e.g., hotel, guesthouse)   1. tdac.in.th tdac.in.th
   • Province
   • District/Area
   • Sub-District/Sub-Area
   • Full address
   • Postcode (if known)
5. Health Declaration:
   • Countries visited within the two weeks before arrival.
   • Details of any symptoms experienced in the past two weeks (e.g., fever, cough, rash).
   • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate details (if applicable).

You can submit the TDAC individually or as a group if you are traveling together. The website supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese. However, the information you provide must be in English.

How to Submit Your TDAC:

1. Visit the official Thailand Immigration Bureau website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/
2. Click on the “Arrival Card” button.
3. Choose between individual or group submission.
4. Fill in all the required sections with accurate information. You can either manually enter your passport details or upload a clear photograph of your passport’s MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) to automatically retrieve data.
5. Provide your trip and accommodation details.
6. Complete the health declaration. If you have traveled to or from a country considered a high-risk area for infectious diseases, you might be asked for additional health information.
7. Review all the information you have entered for accuracy. You can edit any incorrect details before submitting.
8. Enter your email address to receive a confirmation of your TDAC submission.
9. Agree to the terms and conditions and click “Submit”.
10. Download the confirmation of your TDAC or check your email for it. Save it on your device or print a copy to present to immigration officers upon your arrival in Thailand, along with your passport and other travel documents.

Important Reminders:

• Submit on Time: Make sure to complete the TDAC within the three-day window before your arrival.
• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all the information you provide to avoid any issues upon arrival. Mistakes might require a completely new application.
• Keep the Confirmation Handy: Have your digital or printed confirmation easily accessible when you go through immigration.
• No Fees: Completing the TDAC is free of charge.
• Mobile App Coming Soon: While currently accessible via the website, a mobile application for Android and iOS is expected to be released in the future for added convenience.
• Assistance at Entry Points: While the online system is user-friendly, Thai immigration authorities are likely to have staff at major entry points to assist travelers who may face difficulties, especially elderly visitors who are not computer literate.

By preparing in advance and understanding the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card requirements, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable start to your Thai adventure. Safe travels, and Sawasdee Krub/Ka!

Disclaimer: Please note that this blog post is for informational purposes only. For the most up-to-date information and official guidelines, please refer to the official website of the Thailand Immigration Bureau (https://tdac.immigration.go.th/).