Who Needs a Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

Essential guide to understanding TDAC requirements for all travelers entering Thailand

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All Foreign Nationals Must Complete the TDAC

Starting May 1, 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) became mandatory for all foreign nationals entering Thailand. This digital system replaces the traditional paper TM6 form and applies to travelers arriving by air, land, or sea.

The TDAC requirement is universal for non-Thai passport holders

  • Tourists and vacationers - All leisure travelers must complete the TDAC
  • Business travelers - Including those attending meetings or conferences
  • Long-term residents - Expats and foreign residents returning to Thailand
  • Transit passengers - Only if passing through immigration control
  • All visa types - Regardless of visa-exempt, visa-on-arrival, or pre-approved visas
Learn About Mandatory Requirements
Foreign travelers at Thailand immigration checkpoint

Who is Exempt from the TDAC Requirement?

Very few travelers are exempt from completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Transit Passengers

Travelers who remain airside and do not pass through Thai immigration control

Learn More

Border Pass Holders

Specific border pass holders for designated crossing points (very limited cases)

Check Requirements

Thai Nationals

Thai passport holders and permanent residents are not required to complete the TDAC

View FAQ

Specific Traveler Categories

Understanding TDAC requirements for different types of travelers

  • Visa-exempt travelers from 93 eligible countries
  • Visa-on-arrival holders from 31 designated countries
  • Tourist visa holders with pre-approved visas
  • All must complete TDAC within 72 hours before arrival

  • Business meeting attendees and conference participants
  • Corporate travelers on business visas
  • Investors and entrepreneurs visiting Thailand
  • TDAC required regardless of visa type or duration

  • Expats with long-term visas (LTR, SMART visa)
  • Foreign residents returning from overseas travel
  • Multiple-entry visa holders must complete TDAC for each entry
  • Select "Thailand" as country of residence when available
Avoid Common Mistakes
Different types of travelers completing Thailand Digital Arrival Card

TDAC Required for All Entry Methods

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card applies to all modes of transportation entering Thailand

Air Travel

All international flights arriving at Thai airports require TDAC completion. This includes major airports like Bangkok (BKK, DMK), Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Land Borders

Foreign nationals entering Thailand via land borders from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, or Myanmar must complete the TDAC before crossing.

Sea Ports

Cruise passengers and those arriving by ferry or private boat must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before entry.

Person completing Thailand Digital Arrival Card on smartphone

Key Points to Remember

The TDAC is not a visa - it's a mandatory entry form that must be completed in addition to having the appropriate visa or visa exemption. Here are the essential facts:

  • Timing: Submit within 72 hours before arrival in Thailand
  • Frequency: Required for each entry, even with multiple-entry visas
  • Cost: Completely free through the official website
  • Languages: Available in multiple languages
  • Updates: Most information can be updated before travel
  • Confirmation: Save QR code confirmation for immigration
Important: Failure to complete the TDAC may result in delays or denial of entry into Thailand.
Find Your QR Code

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about who needs the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Yes, every traveler including children and infants requires their own TDAC. However:

  • Parents can include children under 12 in a group submission
  • Children 12 and older need separate individual submissions
  • Each child must have their own passport and TDAC confirmation

Yes, the TDAC is required for all foreign nationals regardless of visa type:

  • Long-term resident visas (LTR, SMART visa holders)
  • Multiple-entry visas - TDAC needed for each entry
  • Work permits and business visas
  • Select "Thailand" as country of residence when completing the form

Transit passengers have specific exemptions:

  • Airside transit: No TDAC required if you remain in the international transit area
  • Immigration transit: TDAC required if you pass through Thai immigration
  • Overnight stays: TDAC required for hotel transfers outside the airport
  • Check with your airline about transit requirements

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