Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card Mandatory?

Understanding the TM6 Form Requirement for Entering Thailand

How to Fill TDAC View Requirements

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory electronic form that all foreign nationals must complete before entering Thailand. This digital system replaced the traditional paper TM6 form and became mandatory on May 1, 2025.

The TDAC is designed to streamline the immigration process by allowing travelers to submit their information online prior to arrival. This digital approach enhances efficiency at immigration checkpoints and improves border security while reducing wait times for visitors.

Key features of the TDAC include:

  • Digital submission: Complete the form online before travel
  • QR code generation: Receive a unique code for immigration
  • Health declarations: Include required health information
  • Pre-arrival processing: Faster immigration clearance
Thailand Digital Arrival Card Overview

Who Must Complete the TDAC?

Understanding mandatory requirements for different types of travelers

All Foreign Nationals

Mandatory for all non-Thai citizens entering Thailand by air, land, or sea

Transit Passengers

Exempt if not passing through immigration control

Border Pass Holders

Exempt for specific border crossing arrangements

Submission Timeline

Within 72 hours before arrival in Thailand

When Did the TDAC Become Mandatory?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card became mandatory on May 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in Thailand's immigration procedures. This implementation date represents the culmination of Thailand's efforts to modernize its border control systems.

Timeline of changes:

  1. June 2022:
    Paper TM6 form temporarily suspended for air arrivals to reduce airport congestion
  2. April 2024:
    TM6 suspension extended to land and sea checkpoints
  3. May 1, 2025:
    TDAC becomes mandatory for all foreign visitors

This transition aligns Thailand with global trends in digital travel documentation, similar to systems implemented in neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

Thailand Immigration Timeline

What Information is Required on the TDAC?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card collects essential information to facilitate immigration processing and ensure compliance with health regulations. All information must be entered in English and match your travel documents exactly.

  • Full name (as shown on passport)
  • Nationality and citizenship
  • Date of birth
  • Passport number and details
  • Contact information (phone, email)

  • Arrival date and flight details
  • Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
  • Mode of transportation
  • Country of boarding
  • Accommodation address in Thailand

  • Countries visited in the past 14 days
  • Health symptoms declaration
  • Yellow fever vaccination (if applicable)
  • Recent travel history
TDAC Information Requirements

Consequences of Not Completing the TDAC

Understanding what happens if you don't submit your Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Entry Delays

Significant delays at immigration checkpoints while completing the form on arrival

Potential Entry Denial

Risk of being denied entry until the TDAC is properly completed

Additional Screening

Extended questioning and verification processes at the border

Complete Your TDAC Now

TDAC vs. Thai Visa: Understanding the Difference

It's important to understand that the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is not a visa. The TDAC is a mandatory entry form required for immigration tracking, separate from visa requirements.

Key differences:

TDAC

  • Entry form
  • Free of charge
  • Required for all
  • 72-hour window

Thai Visa

  • Entry authorization
  • May require fees
  • Depends on nationality
  • Advance application

You must still have the appropriate visa according to your nationality, even when completing the TDAC. The digital arrival card complements but does not replace visa requirements.

TDAC vs Visa Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about TDAC mandatory requirements

Yes, the TDAC is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea since May 1, 2025. The only exceptions are:

  • Transit passengers who don't pass through immigration
  • Travelers entering with a Border Pass

All other foreign visitors must complete the TDAC before arrival.

While possible, it's strongly discouraged. The TDAC must be completed online before arrival. Some airports have kiosks for emergency situations, but this can cause significant delays.

To avoid complications, always complete your TDAC within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in Thailand.

No, the TDAC is completely free. The Thai government provides this service at no cost to facilitate easier entry for travelers.

Warning: Be cautious of unofficial websites that may charge fees for TDAC submission. Always use the official portal at tdac.immigration.go.th.

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Don't let mandatory requirements delay your Thailand adventure

Step-by-Step Guide

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