From May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This new digital system is designed to make immigration processing faster, easier, and more secure, eliminating the need for traditional paper forms.
Key Steps:
- Register 3 days before your arrival.
- Apply via the official portal at https://tdac.immigration.go.th.
- Remember, the TDAC is mandatory starting May 1, 2025.
What is the TDAC System?
The TDAC is part of Thailand’s ongoing digital transformation of its immigration processes. Managed by the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, the system aims to simplify border procedures, minimize paperwork, and enhance convenience for travelers. The online form requires essential travel and personal details and must be completed prior to arrival.
Who Must Complete the TDAC?
Submission of the TDAC will be mandatory for all foreign passport holders, including:
- Tourists
- Business travelers
- Long-term residents
Exemptions apply only to:
- Travelers transiting or transferring through Thailand without passing immigration control.
- Individuals entering with a Border Pass.
Submission Timeline and Process
Travelers can submit the TDAC up to three days before their scheduled arrival. For instance:
- If arriving on May 5, submission can begin as early as May 2.
- For those arriving on the launch date (May 1), submissions will open on April 28.
To complete the form, visit the official Immigration Bureau website:
https://tdac.immigration.go.th
The TDAC can be submitted individually or as part of a group. Travelers can update their information at any time before departure. Required details include:
- Passport information
- Personal and travel details
- Accommodation in Thailand
- Basic health declaration
Note for Long-Term Residents: Foreign residents in Thailand should select “Thailand” under “Country of Residence” once the system becomes operational.
Assistance for Travelers Unable to Submit in Advance
For those unable to complete the TDAC before arrival due to lack of internet access or other exceptional circumstances, assistance will be available at designated help points at immigration checkpoints. However, travelers are strongly encouraged to complete the form online in advance to avoid delays and reduce congestion at entry points.
This innovative digital system accelerates immigration processing, simplifies procedures, and enhances security by eliminating traditional paper forms, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience for travelers.
IN BRIEF –
Starting 1 May 2025, Thailand will introduce a major change to its entry process, requiring all foreign travellers to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. This new digital system will replace the previous TM6 form and strictly applies to all non-Thai nationals entering by air, land, or sea—including both visa-exempt and visa-required visitors. The initiative is designed to streamline immigration checks, reduce processing times, and enhance border security.
Travellers will receive a confirmation upon submission, which they must present at immigration checkpoints either digitally or in print. There are no fees associated with the application, making it a straightforward and hassle-free step for travellers. The TDAC must be submitted online through the official portal within 72 hours before travel. “This upgrade will make entry smoother for tourists while improving our ability to manage visitor flows securely,” said a spokesperson from the Immigration Bureau. The change is crucial as Thailand anticipates a surge in tourism, aiming for 40 million foreign visitors in 2025, up from 35.5 million in 2024. The tourism industry has welcomed this move, with airlines and hotels already informing guests about the new requirement.
Travel experts recommend completing the TDAC as soon as travel plans are finalised to avoid last-minute complications. While the digital system is intended to enhance efficiency, authorities caution that failure to comply could lead to delays and travellers without approval may face additional screening.
