Starting May 1, 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has become a mandatory requirement for all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. Replacing the paper-based TM6 form, this digital system aims to streamline immigration processes, enhance security, and improve the travel experience. However, its rollout has sparked confusion, questions, and concerns among expats, tourists, and long-term residents. This article addresses every possible question about the TDAC, providing clear, detailed answers to ensure a hassle-free entry into Thailand.
Table of Contents:
1. General Questions About the TDAC
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The TDAC is an online form that all non-Thai nationals must complete before entering Thailand, replacing the paper-based TM6 arrival card. It collects personal, travel, and health information to streamline immigration processing, enhance security, and support public health measures. The system is accessible via the official Thailand Immigration Bureau website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
Why was the TDAC introduced?
The TDAC modernizes Thailand’s immigration system by:
- Reducing paperwork and wait times at immigration checkpoints
- Enhancing security through pre-arrival screening
- Integrating with health and tourism systems for better data management
- Aligning with global trends in digital travel documentation, similar to systems in Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.
Is the TDAC a visa?
No, the TDAC is not a visa. It is a mandatory entry form for immigration tracking, separate from visa requirements. You must still have a valid visa, visa exemption, or visa on arrival to enter Thailand.
Is there a fee for the TDAC?
The official TDAC submission is completely free. Beware of third-party websites or services charging fees, as these may be scams. Always use the official portal: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
How does the TDAC benefit travelers?
The TDAC offers several benefits for travelers:
- Speeds up immigration clearance with a QR code system
- Reduces the need for paper forms on flights or at borders
- Allows pre-submission for a smoother entry process
- Enhances security and health screening, ensuring a safer travel environment
2. Who Needs to Submit the TDAC
Who is required to complete the TDAC?
All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must submit a TDAC, including:
- Tourists, business travelers, and long-term residents
- Visa-exempt travelers, visa-on-arrival holders, and those with valid visas
- Children and infants (parents can submit for children under 12)
Are Thai citizens or permanent residents required to submit a TDAC?
No, Thai passport holders and permanent residents are exempt from the TDAC requirement.
Do children need their own TDAC?
Yes, every traveler, including children and infants, requires a TDAC. Parents or guardians can include children under 12 in a group submission, but those 12 and older need a separate submission.
What about expats living in Thailand?
Expats, including retirees, digital nomads, and workers on long-term visas, must submit a TDAC for every entry into Thailand, even if returning from a short trip abroad.
3. When and How to Submit the TDAC
When should I submit the TDAC?
You must submit the TDAC within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Thailand. Submissions earlier than this may be rejected, and late submissions could cause delays at immigration.
Can I submit the TDAC upon arrival?
While some airports and border checkpoints offer computer terminals or assistance to complete the TDAC on arrival, this is for exceptional cases only. Submitting in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays.
How do I submit the TDAC?
Follow these steps:
- Visit https://tdac.immigration.go.th and click Arrival Card
- Enter personal details including name, nationality, and passport number
- Provide travel details such as flight or vehicle number, arrival date, and purpose of visit
- Input accommodation details including your first night’s address in Thailand
- Complete the health declaration if prompted, based on your travel history
- Review and submit the form
- Receive a QR code via email and save or print it to present at immigration.
What devices can I use to submit the TDAC?
You can use a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access. The TDAC website is mobile-friendly and supports multiple languages including English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese.
Can I submit a TDAC for a group or family?
Yes, the TDAC system allows group submissions. One person can submit for multiple travelers, such as family members or tour groups, by adding each traveler’s details. For shared travel or accommodation details, you can select Same as Previous Traveler to save time.
How long does it take to complete the TDAC?
The process typically takes five to ten minutes, depending on the number of travelers and the complexity of your details.
4. Required Information and Documentation
What information do I need to submit the TDAC?
You will need the following:
- Personal information: Full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, and contact details such as phone number and email address
- Travel details: Arrival date, flight or vehicle number, and purpose of visit
- Accommodation: Address of your first night’s stay whether it is a hotel, Airbnb, or private residence
- Health Declaration: Details of symptoms or vaccinations (e.g., Yellow Fever certificate if from affected countries).
Do I need to provide details for my entire itinerary?
No, you only need to provide the address of your first night’s accommodation. If your travel plans change, you can update the TDAC before arrival, except within three hours of entry.
What if I don’t have my flight or accommodation details yet?
You must have both your flight or vehicle number and your first night’s accommodation details in order to complete the TDAC. It is important to plan these in advance to avoid any submission issues.
Do I need to upload documents?
In most cases, no document uploads are required. However, you may be prompted to upload health-related certificates such as a Yellow Fever vaccination if arriving from an affected region. Uploading a passport MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) is optional and helps auto-fill your details.
What languages must the information be entered in?
All information must be entered in English. The form provides dropdown fields that allow you to type three characters to bring up auto-suggestions.
5. Technical and Practical Concerns
What if I don’t have a smartphone or internet access?
Thailand’s international airports and major border checkpoints provide computer terminals and assistance for TDAC submission upon arrival. However, completing it in advance is recommended to save time.
Is the TDAC website secure?
The official TDAC platform complies with OWASP Open Web Application Security Project standards for data protection. Always use https://tdac.immigration.go.th to ensure your information is secure.
What if the website crashes or is overloaded?
During peak travel seasons, the TDAC system may experience high traffic. Submit your TDAC early within the 72-hour window to avoid issues. If the site is down, contact the Thai Immigration Bureau helpline or try again later.
Can I edit my TDAC after submission?
Yes, you can update most details such as accommodation and flight number anytime before arrival, except within three hours of entry. Name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth cannot be changed after submission. Use the Update Arrival Card option on the TDAC website.
What if I don’t receive the confirmation email or QR code?
Check your spam or junk folder. If it is missing, retrieve your TDAC by logging into https://tdac.immigration.go.th with your passport number and date of birth. Save digital and printed copies as backups.
Do I need to print the TDAC confirmation?
A digital QR code on your smartphone is generally accepted, but a printed copy is recommended as a backup in case of phone battery issues or connectivity problems.
6. Health Declaration and Special Cases
What does the health declaration involve?
The TDAC requires you to declare any symptoms such as fever or cough and provide vaccination details if you are traveling from countries with health risks, such as Yellow Fever-affected regions. If prompted, you may need to visit the Department of Disease Control counter before immigration clearance.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate?
Travelers from or transiting through Yellow Fever-affected countries as listed by the Ministry of Public Health must provide a vaccination certificate. Uploading it is optional, but you may be required to present it at immigration.
What if I have a medical condition or symptoms?
You should declare any symptoms honestly. You may be directed to a health screening upon arrival, but this does not automatically result in denial of entry. Failure to declare could result in penalties or quarantine.
Are there COVID-19 or other disease-related requirements?
As of June 2025, there are no specific COVID-19 requirements mentioned. However, the TDAC is integrated with the Department of Disease Control to monitor communicable diseases. You should check the Thai Immigration Bureau website for the latest health policy updates.
7. Exemptions and Exceptions
Are there any exemptions from the TDAC?
The following travelers are exempt from submitting the TDAC:
- Travelers transiting through Thailand without passing through immigration control, such as those staying in the airside area of an airport
- Foreigners entering Thailand with a Border Pass for designated border crossings
- Diplomatic and consular workers, although verification may be required.
Do transit passengers need a TDAC?
If you are transiting without clearing immigration and staying in the airport’s transit area, you do not need a TDAC. However, if you enter Thailand even briefly, you must submit one.
What about cruise ship passengers?
Cruise passengers entering Thailand by sea are required to submit a TDAC, as it applies to all modes of entry. Be sure to have internet access or complete the submission before boarding.
8. Long-Term Residents and Expats
Why do expats need a TDAC for every entry?
The TDAC is used to track all foreign entries into Thailand for immigration and security purposes, regardless of visa status. Expats on long-term visas, including retirement, work, or Digital Work Visa DTV, must submit a TDAC each time they re-enter the country.
Can I list Thailand as my country of residence?
The TDAC system is in the process of being updated to allow expats to select Thailand as their country of residence. If that option is not yet available, you should select your home country and provide your Thai address in the accommodation section.
Does the TDAC affect my 90-day reporting or visa extensions?
No, the TDAC is completely separate from your 90-day reporting or visa extension process. However, it is recommended to keep your TDAC confirmation in case it is requested during immigration-related procedures.
What if I’m a retiree with a permanent address in Thailand?
You should enter your Thai residential address in the accommodation section of the TDAC. The requirement to submit the TDAC applies to entry into Thailand and is not connected to your residency status.
9. Troubleshooting and Common Issues
What if I get an “INVALID DATA” error?
This error commonly occurs due to the following reasons:
- Incorrect passport number or format
- Mismatched travel dates outside the 72-hour submission window
- Incomplete fields, such as missing accommodation details
Double-check your information, make sure all required fields are filled in correctly, and try again. If the issue continues, contact the Thai Immigration Bureau helpline.
What happens if I forget to submit the TDAC before arrival?
You may experience delays at immigration. While assistance desks and terminals are available at major entry points, processing will take longer. It is best to submit your TDAC in advance.
What if my travel plans change after submitting the TDAC?
You can update your TDAC using the Update Arrival Card option on the official website, except within three hours of your scheduled arrival. If your arrival date changes significantly, you should submit a new TDAC.
Can I be denied entry for TDAC issues?
If you fail to submit the TDAC, you may face delays or, in rare situations, be denied entry until the form is completed. To avoid problems, make sure you comply with the TDAC requirement.
What if I lose my TDAC QR code?
You can retrieve it by logging into https://tdac.immigration.go.th using your passport number and date of birth. It is highly recommended to save both digital and printed copies as a backup.
10. Scams and Safety Concerns
Are there scams related to the TDAC?
Yes, some third-party websites charge fees, such as 20 US dollars, for processing the TDAC. This form is completely free when submitted through the official website. To avoid scams, use only the official TDAC portal and report any suspicious websites to the Thai Immigration Bureau.
How can I ensure I’m using the official TDAC website?
Make sure the URL you are using is https://tdac.immigration.go.th. Look for the Thai Immigration Bureau logo and avoid websites that ask for payments or request unnecessary personal details.
Is my personal data safe on the TDAC platform?
Yes, the official TDAC platform is built with OWASP-compliant security protocols to safeguard user information. To protect your personal data, avoid using unofficial platforms or third-party services.
11. Future Changes and Related Policies
Will the TDAC system change in the future?
The TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader digital transformation efforts, and future updates such as new features or system integrations are possible. Travelers should check the official TDAC website regularly for announcements and changes.
What about the 300-baht tourism tax or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
Both the 300-baht tourism tax and the Electronic Travel Authorization system were initially scheduled to launch in 2025, but their rollout has been delayed to allow full focus on the TDAC implementation. As of June 2025, no confirmed launch timeline has been announced.
Will the TDAC integrate with other systems?
Yes, the TDAC is already integrated with several key Thai government platforms including the e-Visa system, the Department of Disease Control, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Additional integrations are likely in the future to further improve its functionality and data management.
12. Tips for a Smooth TDAC Experience
How can I avoid TDAC-related issues?
Follow these helpful tips to ensure a smooth experience:
- Submit your TDAC 48 to 72 hours before your arrival to avoid last-minute stress
- Double-check all information, especially your passport number and travel dates
- Save both digital and printed copies of your TDAC QR code
- Use only the official website at https://tdac.immigration.go.th
- Have your flight and accommodation details ready before you begin the form
- Check for the latest updates on health or immigration policies before traveling.
Where can I get help if I’m confused?
You can get assistance from the following sources:
- Thai Immigration Bureau through https://tdac.immigration.go.th or their helpline.
- Your country’s embassy or consulate for region-specific guidance.
- Airport or border assistance desks and kiosks at major entry points.
- Visa Agent in Hua Hin like Thai Nexus.
What’s the best way to prepare for the TDAC?
Plan ahead by taking the following steps:
- Book your first night’s accommodation and confirm all travel details
- Set a reminder to submit the TDAC within the 72-hour arrival window
- Watch the official instructional video on the TDAC website for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Conclusion:
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a significant step toward modernizing Thailand’s immigration system, offering convenience and efficiency for travelers. While its rollout has caused some confusion, this comprehensive FAQ addresses every possible questions and concerns. By preparing in advance, using the official website, and following the tips provided, expats, tourists, and long-term residents can ensure a smooth entry into the Land of Smiles.
For the latest updates, always refer to the official TDAC portal: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
