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Did you know that you now need to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card when entering Thailand? Here’s how to do it.
When you come to Thailand, you now need to complete an immigration form online. It’s known as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC for short. It replaces the old paper arrival card, known as the TM6 form.
This means you no longer need to ask for an arrival card and fill it out by hand. Instead, you can submit it online before coming to Thailand and show it to an immigration officer when you arrive.
The TDAC should make immigration faster and smoother.
In this article, we’re going to show you everything you need to know about the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, including what to do, how to file it, and what to expect.
Disclaimer: Information in this guide is based on official sources and updates available as of May 2026. We’ll keep updating this article as more details become available or if the process changes after the rollout.
Key Takeaways
- Starting May 1, 2025, you’ll need to file the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entering Thailand.
- You can complete it online within 72 hours before your arrival.
- You can also submit it at TDAC kiosks at international airports (though it’s not recommended).
- Or, you can even do it on your smartphone while waiting in line at immigration.
- Once it’s done, just screenshot the confirmation and show it to the immigration officer.
Contents
Who Needs to Submit the TDAC?
Every foreigner traveling to Thailand needs to file the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online, whether arriving by air, land, or sea, and regardless of visa type.
There are two main exceptions:
- You are a Thai national.
- You are in transit and don’t need to pass through immigration.
This includes children and infants. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own TDAC.
How to Fill Out the TDAC
There are two ways you can file the TDAC: online or at the international airport when you arrive.
Let’s take a closer look at each option.
Online
This is our recommended way. It can be done in just a few minutes and saves you hassle at the airport. This means that after you arrive in Thailand, you can go straight to immigration.
The required information is pretty much the same as the paper form.
Tip: Have your passport details and travel information ready before you start. The system doesn’t allow you to save progress, so you’ll need to complete it in one session (about 3 to 5 minutes).
Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Go to tdac.immigration.go.th
- Click “Arrival Card”
- Enter your passport information such as name, passport number, occupation, and so on
- Enter travel details including arrival date, airport, flight number, and accommodation address in Thailand
- If you’re coming from a country that requires health control (such as certain African countries), you need to complete the health declaration form and upload a vaccine certificate*
- Add your email address
- Click “Add Other Traveler” if you want to submit the TDAC for other people in your group.
- Review the information to make sure it’s correct
- Submit the form
- Save the confirmation (either as a screenshot or printed copy)
Important: The official TDAC is completely free. Thai authorities have issued official warnings about fake websites that charge fees between US$10 and US$100 for TDAC processing. Only use the official site at tdac.immigration.go.th. Any site asking for payment is a scam.
Tip: After submitting, check your spam or junk folder if you don’t receive the confirmation email. The TDAC email sometimes gets filtered automatically.
*You can find more details on the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
Once at immigration, just show the screenshot or printed copy to the officer. In many cases, the immigration officer just glances through it.
You can watch the below video for step-by-step instructions:
International Airports
Another way to submit the TDAC is at international airports. There are kiosks at five international airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai, set up before the passport control area. The process is the same as doing it online. However, this time, there are airport staff members available to help you complete it.
Important: It’s reported that the queues at TDAC kiosks are long and disorganized due to the high number of people arriving in Thailand. So, it’s better to complete it before your arrival, allowing you to breeze through immigration. Another option is to install an eSIM on your phone before your arrival, so you’ll have internet access and can submit the TDAC on your phone while waiting in line at passport control.
When to Submit the TDAC
You can submit your TDAC online anytime within three days (72 hours) before your arrival in Thailand. For example, if you’re landing on May 5, you can submit it as early as May 2.
If you haven’t submitted it beforehand, you can still do it on the day of your arrival at the airport kiosks before passport control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can One Person Submit for the Whole Family?
Yes, you can. After entering your personal information, just click “Add Traveler” to include family members or people traveling with you. However, as of now, up to 10 travelers can be added in one submission.
Is it possible to update the TDAC after it’s submitted?
Yes, you can do it at tdac.immigration.go.th. Click “Update Arrival Card” and you’ll be able to change your travel information. Please note that you can’t change your name, passport number, nationality/citizenship, or date of birth.
Do I still need to file a paper arrival card (TM6)?
No. Starting May 1, 2025, the TDAC completely replaces the TM6 form.
What happens if you forget to submit the TDAC before arrival?
You can still submit it at one of the TDAC kiosks available at the airport or do it on your phone.
Is the TDAC a Visa?
No, it’s not a visa. It’s just an arrival card and doesn’t replace a visa.
Important Tips for a Smooth Arrival
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an important step when entering Thailand. It’s meant to help you get through immigration faster. Just remember these three key things:
- Submit your TDAC 2–3 days before your flight, or at the very least, while waiting at the airport for your flight to Thailand
- Double-check your passport number and travel details
- Print or screenshot your confirmation and keep it with you on your phone
Safe travels!
*If you don’t have travel insurance yet, check out Genki Traveler. It’s an affordable travel insurance plan suitable for Thailand travelers. The plan comes with solid medical coverage, including for activities like Muay Thai, diving, and more. Read my review.
Related article: Thailand Visa and Immigration Updates
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