TDAC Thailand Digital Arrival Card: step-by-step guide
Since 1 May 2025, every foreign national entering Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. The paper TM6 departure/arrival card that generations of travellers knew is gone for most entries, replaced by a free digital form at tdac.immigration.go.th.
At Thai Visa Centre, TDAC errors are one of the most common pre-travel issues our clients call about. A visa stamp does not replace TDAC, and TDAC does not replace a visa. This guide explains what TDAC is, who needs it, and how to complete it without delays at immigration.
Mandatory for all foreign nationals
Before arrival: can submit same day
Official site only: avoid paid scams
Previous confirmation does not carry over
What is the TDAC Thailand?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online immigration registration collecting passport and nationality details, flight or border crossing information, accommodation address in Thailand, and recent travel history (health declaration). It helps immigration pre-screen arrivals and replaces the old TM6 for most foreign visitors. TDAC is not a visa, you still need the correct visa, exemption, or VOA for your passport.
Who has to complete the TDAC?
All foreign citizens entering Thailand by air, land, or sea, including:
- Visa exemption holders
- Tourist visa holders
- DTV, Non-Immigrant, Elite, and LTR visa holders
- Visa on Arrival applicants
Thai nationals do not complete TDAC. You need a new TDAC for every entry into Thailand. A previous confirmation does not carry over after you depart.
Is the TDAC a visa?
No. TDAC is entry registration only.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Visa / exemption | Permission to enter and stay |
| TDAC | Registration of arrival details |
| TM30 | Landlord notification of your address (after entry) |
Browse visa options: tvc.co.th/visas. Long-stay holders should read our Thailand lifestyle guide for TDAC on every re-entry.
Before you start: key facts
- Submit up to 72 hours (3 days) before arrival, not earlier
- You can submit on the day of arrival if needed
- Free, no payment on the official site
- Available in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese
- Save the email confirmation: show it at immigration (digital copy is fine)
What you need for TDAC
Have these ready:
- Passport: number, expiry, nationality
- Flight number or vehicle/border crossing details
- Arrival date
- Accommodation address: hotel, condo, or host (province, district, sub-district)
- Contact phone and email
- Recent travel history: countries visited in the past weeks (health declaration)
Hotel name alone may not suffice: the form asks for structured Thai address fields. Booking confirmations help.
Step-by-step: register online for TDAC
Open the official site
Go to tdac.immigration.go.th only. Avoid third-party sites charging fees for the free form. Select "Arrival Card" to begin.
Personal details
Enter full name (as in passport), nationality, date of birth, passport number and expiry, phone and email. Fields marked with a red asterisk are mandatory. Double-check passport number, typos cause mismatches at the counter.
Trip and accommodation
Enter arrival date and flight/vehicle number, port of entry (e.g. BKK, DMK, Phuket), and accommodation province, district, sub-district, and address. The system narrows district options after you select province.
Health declaration
Answer questions about recent travel to countries with disease warnings. Thailand maintains alerts for yellow fever regions, travellers from affected countries in Africa and South America may need vaccination proof at arrival.
Additional travellers (optional)
Travelling with family? Use "Add Other Travelers" to submit linked TDACs in one session.
Submit and save confirmation
Review all fields. Submit. You receive email confirmation, save to phone and cloud storage. Show the QR or reference at immigration. Do not delete after entry, you may need it at departure.
At immigration in Thailand
The officer may scan your TDAC reference alongside your passport and visa. Printed paper is not required, phone display works.
TDAC vs TM6: what changed?
The paper TM6 arrival/departure card was discontinued for most foreign arrivals in favour of TDAC. Long-term residents may still encounter other TM forms (TM30, TM47, TM7) for address reporting, extensions, and re-entry. TDAC does not replace those.
Frequently asked questions
Q:Do you need TDAC for each entry?
A:Yes, every time you enter Thailand.
Q:When was TDAC enforced?
A:Mandatory from 1 May 2025 for foreign nationals.
Q:Can someone else complete TDAC for me?
A:Yes, but data must match your passport exactly. Our TDAC service handles this for groups and corporate travellers.
Q:What if I forget TDAC?
A:Complete it on your phone before reaching immigration if possible. Airlines may ask at check-in. Delays or denial of boarding/entry are possible.
Q:Does TDAC guarantee entry?
A:No, immigration still checks visa validity, onward travel, funds, and admissibility.
Q:Is the TDAC a visa?
A:No. TDAC is entry registration only. Arriving with TDAC but no valid visa leads to refused entry. Arriving with a valid visa but no TDAC leads to delays and possible refusal.