#returningtothailand

Thailand has officially retired its paper-based arrival card system, ushering in a new era of digital immigration with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) . Since May 1, 2025, this online system has been mandatory for all foreign nationals entering the Kingdom, replacing the traditional TM6 form . Designed to streamline entry procedures, enhance security, and integrate with Thailand's broader digital infrastructure, the TDAC represents a significant shift for travelers . This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth examination of the TDAC for 2026, covering its purpose, the step-by-step application process, critical requirements, common pitfalls, and what this digital transformation means for the future of travel to Thailand.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online registration system that collects essential information from foreign travelers before they arrive in the country . It captures personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation in Thailand, and a brief health declaration . The system processes this data and issues a confirmation with a unique QR code, which travelers must present upon arrival .

It is crucial to understand that the TDAC is not a visa . It does not grant permission to enter or replace the need for a valid visa for those nationalities that require one. Rather, it is a mandatory pre-arrival immigration form for all foreign passport holders, regardless of their visa status . Its primary purposes are to:

Speed up immigration: By digitizing data collection, the system reduces processing time at border checkpoints .

Enhance security: It allows authorities to verify traveler information in advance .

Integrate with other systems: The TDAC is designed to work alongside Thailand's E-Visa system, disease screening protocols, and future tourist fee collection mechanisms .

Who Needs to Complete the TDAC?

The requirement is straightforward: all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand must complete a TDAC . This applies to every mode of entry—by air, land, or sea—and includes tourists, business visitors, long-term visa holders, and returning expatriates . There is no exemption based on the length of stay or purpose of visit . Even infants and children must have their own TDAC, which a parent or guardian can complete on their behalf .

There are only two notable exceptions to this rule :

Transit passengers: Travelers who remain in the international transit area of an airport and do not clear Thai immigration do not need a TDAC .

Border Pass holders: Individuals entering under official Thai land border crossing schemes with a border pass are also exempt .

The Golden Rule: The 72-Hour Submission Window

One of the most critical aspects of the TDAC is the strict timing for submission. Travelers can only submit the form within 72 hours (3 days) prior to their arrival in Thailand . The system is designed to lock access to dates outside this window to ensure the information provided, especially travel and health details, is current .

For example, if your flight lands in Bangkok on March 20th, you can submit your TDAC from March 17th onwards. While you can technically submit it up until the moment you go through immigration, it is highly recommended to complete it 1-2 days in advance to avoid any last-minute issues with internet access or form errors .

A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your TDAC

The application process is designed to be quick, typically taking 5-10 minutes if you have all your information ready .

Step 1: Access the Official Website Go to the official Thai Immigration TDAC portal at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/ . This is the ONLY official and legitimate channel. Beware of fake websites that may charge a fee or attempt to steal personal information . The site offers multiple language options, including English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, but all information must be entered in English, using capital letters .

Step 2: Begin Your Submission On the homepage, click the "Arrival Card" button . You can choose to make an individual submission or a group submission for up to 10 people traveling together, which can be a significant time-saver for families or groups .

Step 3: Enter Personal and Passport Information You will need to input details exactly as they appear on your passport . This includes:

Full name (as in passport)

Passport number

Nationality

Date of birth

Occupation

Gender

International contact number

The system allows you to upload a photo of your passport's MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) to auto-fill some of this information, reducing the chance of manual entry errors .

Step 4: Provide Travel and Accommodation Details Next, enter your travel itinerary :

Arrival date and flight/vehicle number: Select the country you are embarking from and your mode of transport (air, land, sea).

Departure information: While your departure date is optional, having it ready is helpful .

Accommodation in Thailand: Provide the full address of where you will be staying. If you are staying at a hotel, the name and city are usually sufficient. For other types of lodging, a more detailed address may be required . If you have multiple accommodations, enter the address of your first place of stay .

Step 5: Complete the Health Declaration You will be asked about your travel history in the 14 days prior to your arrival in Thailand . If you have been in any countries that the Thai Ministry of Health has designated as high-risk, the system will prompt you to complete a more detailed health declaration .

Step 6: Review, Submit, and Save Carefully review every field for accuracy. Once submitted, core details like your name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality cannot be edited online . If you find a mistake in these critical fields after submission, you will need to submit a new application . Minor details like flight time can sometimes be updated through the portal . After confirming everything is correct, enter a valid email address to receive your confirmation, agree to the terms and conditions, and click "Submit" .

Step 7: Receive and Store Your QR Code Immediately after submission, you will receive a confirmation email containing a PDF with your unique TDAC QR code . It is best practice to both save a digital copy on your phone (for quick access) and print a physical backup to carry with your passport .

Crucial Requirements for a Smooth Entry

Having your TDAC confirmation is just one part of the entry process. Be prepared to present the following to immigration officers:RequirementDetailsTDAC QR Code/ConfirmationDigital or printed copy, mandatory for clearance .Valid PassportMinimum 6 months' validity from your arrival date .Visa (if applicable)Ensure your visa (e.g., Tourist Visa, DTV) is valid if your nationality is not visa-exempt .Proof of Onward TravelA confirmed return ticket or proof of travel to your next destination within the permitted stay .Proof of FundsImmigration may randomly ask for proof of sufficient funds, typically 20,000 THB per person or 40,000 THB per family, in cash or its equivalent .Accommodation ProofHotel booking confirmation or address of your stay .Travel InsuranceStrongly recommended to cover medical emergencies and unexpected disruptions .

The Cost: It's Free

Completing the TDAC via the official government portal is completely free of charge . Any website, agency, or service that asks for a payment to process the TDAC is a scam and should be avoided .

Important Rules and Practical Tips

Single-Entry Validity: Your TDAC is valid for a single entry only . You must submit a new card for every single time you enter Thailand, even if you are a frequent visitor.

Airport Kiosks: If you experience technical difficulties or lack internet access, self-service kiosks are available at major international airports, including Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), and Hat Yai (HDY) . However, it's always less stressful to complete it in advance.

Use e-Gates: Travelers aged 16 and over with an e-passport (chip-enabled) who have previously provided biometrics to Thai Immigration can use the automated e-Gates for faster clearance .

Data Security: Your information is secured in accordance with Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and is only accessible by immigration and border security authorities .

The Broader Picture: Thailand's Digital Border Shift

The TDAC is more than just a new form; it is a cornerstone of Thailand's ambitious plan to modernize its entire immigration infrastructure as part of its Thailand 4.0 initiative . This "digital border shift" aims to eventually create a stamp-free experience, with all entry and exit records stored digitally . While this promises greater efficiency and reduced waiting times, it has also raised questions for expatriates and frequent travelers who have traditionally relied on physical passport stamps as proof of their time in Thailand for purposes like visa renewals and tax declarations in their home countries . As the system matures, the international recognition of these digital records will be a key area to watch .

Conclusion

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is now an integral part of the travel process to the Land of Smiles. While it introduces a new step, its purpose is to facilitate a faster, more secure, and modern entry experience. By understanding the requirement, adhering to the 72-hour submission window, and carefully completing the free online form on the official website, travelers can ensure a smooth and efficient arrival. As Thailand continues its digital transformation, staying informed about these changes is the key to a stress-free journey.