TDAC Thailand: Complete Guide to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the new mandatory electronic entry form that replaced the old paper TM6 arrival card. Since May 1, 2025, every non-Thai national entering Thailand – whether by air, land, or sea – must complete the TDAC online before arriving. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the TDAC Thailand, from registration steps to common questions and tips for a smooth entry.

What Is the TDAC Thailand?

The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is an online registration system managed by the Thai Immigration Bureau. It collects traveler information including personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation address, and a health declaration. The system was introduced to modernize Thailand’s border control, improve security tracking, and streamline the arrival process for millions of visitors each year.

Unlike a visa, the TDAC does not authorize your entry into Thailand. It is a pre-arrival registration requirement that applies to all foreign passport holders, regardless of nationality, visa type, or length of stay. Even travelers eligible for visa exemption must complete the TDAC before entering the Kingdom.

Key Facts About the TDAC

Who Needs to Complete the TDAC?

Every non-Thai national must submit a TDAC before entering Thailand. This includes:

• Tourists on short holidays
• Business travelers attending meetings or conferences
• Long-term residents with work permits or retirement visas
• Digital nomad visa (DTV) holders
• Thailand Privilege Visa members
• Transit passengers passing through Thailand
• Children and infants (parents or guardians submit on their behalf)

The only exceptions are foreign nationals holding a valid Thai re-entry permit and certain diplomatic passport holders under specific bilateral agreements.

What Information Does the TDAC Require?

Before starting your TDAC registration, gather the following documents and details:

Personal Information

• Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
• Passport number and nationality
• Date of birth and gender
• Visa number (if applicable)
• Occupation
• Country of residence
• Phone number and email address

Travel Details

• Arrival and departure dates
• Mode of travel (air, land, or sea)
• Flight or vehicle number
• Country of embarkation

Accommodation Details

• Type of accommodation (hotel, hostel, private residence)
• Full address including province, district, sub-district, postal code, and street address

Health Declaration

• Countries visited in the past 14 days
• Any symptoms experienced in the past 14 days
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from an endemic country)

How to Register for the TDAC – Overview

The registration process is straightforward and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Here is a quick overview of the steps:

1. Visit tdac.immigration.go.th and click “Arrival Card”
2. Select individual or group registration
3. Enter your personal and passport information
4. Provide travel and accommodation details
5. Complete the health declaration
6. Review all information for accuracy
7. Submit the form and save the QR code confirmation

For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our step-by-step TDAC form guide.

When Should You Submit the TDAC?

You can submit your TDAC up to 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date, including the arrival date itself. For example, if you plan to arrive in Thailand on July 15, you can submit your TDAC starting from July 12.

We recommend completing the TDAC at least 24 hours before your flight to allow time for any corrections if needed. However, many travelers successfully complete the form at the airport while waiting to board, as long as they have internet access and their travel documents.

What Happens After Submission?

After successfully submitting your TDAC, you will receive:

• A confirmation page with a QR code
• An email confirmation (if you provided an email address)

You do not need to print the confirmation. Simply save the QR code on your phone and present it to the immigration officer upon arrival. However, carrying a printed copy as a backup is a good idea, especially if you are concerned about battery life or internet connectivity.

TDAC vs. the Old TM6 Form

The TDAC replaced the traditional TM6 paper arrival card that travelers had to fill out on the plane or at the border. Here is how the two compare:

For a more detailed comparison, read our article on TDAC vs TM6: What Changed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong passport details: Double-check your passport number, nationality, and date of birth. These fields cannot be updated after submission – you must submit a new form.
• Inaccurate accommodation address: Have your hotel booking confirmation ready. Enter the full address including province and postal code.
• Submitting too early: The TDAC is only valid for entries within the 3-day window. Submitting weeks in advance will result in an expired form.
• Forgetting the health declaration: The health section is mandatory. List all countries you visited in the past 14 days.
• Not saving the QR code: Always save or screenshot your confirmation QR code before closing the browser.

Tips for a Smooth TDAC Experience

• Complete the TDAC as soon as the 3-day window opens to avoid last-minute stress
• Have your passport, flight booking, and hotel confirmation open before starting
• Use a stable internet connection to avoid losing your progress
• Save the QR code to your phone’s photo gallery for easy access
• If traveling with family, use the group registration feature to submit multiple forms at once
• Check for system updates on the official TDAC website, as the platform is regularly improved

What If You Need to Make Changes?

If you realize you made a mistake after submitting your TDAC, you have two options:

1. Update your existing form: Use the “Update Arrival Card” function on the TDAC website. You can change most fields, except your full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
2. Submit a new form: If you need to correct unchangeable fields, simply submit a brand new TDAC. The system will use the latest valid submission.

For more frequently asked questions, visit our TDAC Thailand FAQ page.

Special Considerations for Different Travelers

Tourists

Most tourists will find the TDAC process quick and simple. Have your hotel booking address ready, and make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. See our tourist requirements guide for more details.

Business Travelers

Business travelers holding non-immigrant visas must also complete the TDAC. The process is identical to that for tourists, but you may need to provide your company’s address as your accommodation if staying at a corporate residence. Read our business traveler TDAC guide for specific tips.

Families with Children

Every traveler, including children and infants, needs a TDAC. Parents or guardians can submit forms on behalf of their children using the group registration feature, which allows multiple submissions in a single session.

Long-Term Residents

If you hold a retirement visa, work permit, or Thailand Elite Visa, you must still complete a new TDAC every time you re-enter Thailand. The TDAC is valid for a single entry only.

Keeping Up with TDAC Updates

The Thai Immigration Bureau regularly updates the TDAC system to improve performance and add features. Recent updates have included improved PDF generation, better data stability, and additional language support. Always check the official TDAC website for the latest version before your trip.

For the complete picture of Thailand entry requirements including visas and other documentation, see our Thailand Entry Requirements 2025 guide.