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Starting May 1st, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival.
This shift marks a modernization of Thailand’s immigration system, replacing the traditional paper-based TM6 arrival and departure card with a digital process. Designed to enhance efficiency, security, and convenience, the TDAC aims to eliminate the hassle of paper forms while in theory improving the overall travel experience for millions of visitors.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new requirement as of press time, but we stress things are subject to change and questions remain about certain aspects.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The TDAC is an online form developed by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau to replace the long-standing TM6 paper card, which foreign travelers were previously required to fill out upon arrival and departure. The TM6, a small document collecting personal details, travel information, and accommodation specifics, was traditionally distributed by airlines during flights or available at immigration checkpoints. However, it often caused delays due to illegible handwriting, lost forms, or the sheer volume of passengers processing through busy entry points like Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The TDAC digitizes this process, allowing travelers to submit their details—such as full name, nationality, passport number, flight or vehicle details, purpose of visit, and accommodation address—via an online platform before arriving in Thailand. Once submitted, travelers receive a confirmation, likely in the form of a QR code or downloadable document (Still not crystal clear), to present at immigration checkpoints.
The system is accessible through the official Immigration Bureau website at tdac.immigration.go.th, which is currently live but not yet accepting submissions as of March 31, 2025.
Key Details of the TDAC Requirement
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Mandatory Date: The TDAC becomes compulsory for all non-Thai nationals starting May 1, 2025.
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Who Must Submit: All foreign passport holders entering Thailand by air, land, or sea are required to complete the TDAC, with exceptions for those transiting without passing through immigration or using a Border Pass (typically for neighboring countries like Laos or Cambodia).
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Submission Timing: Travelers must register within three days before their arrival date, including the day of arrival. For example, if you’re arriving on May 1, 2025, you can submit your TDAC as early as April 28, 2025.
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Cost: The TDAC submission is free of charge, though travelers should beware of fraudulent websites that might attempt to impose fees.
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Application Process: The form can be completed online via the official TDAC website. An alternative option for last-minute submissions will likely be available at self-service kiosks at immigration counters, though pre-submission is strongly recommended to avoid delays. This aspect is also still not clear.
Why the Change?
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Efficiency: Pre-submitting data online reduces wait times at immigration, particularly at busy hubs like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
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Security: Digital records allow Thai authorities to better track visitors, enhancing national security and tourist safety amid growing global concerns.
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Sustainability: Eliminating paper forms aligns with environmentally friendly practices, reducing waste.
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Modernization: The system positions Thailand as a forward-thinking destination, appealing to tech-savvy travelers and aligning with global trends toward digital immigration processes (e.g., the U.S., Singapore, or Australia).
Additional Context: The Tourism Tax and ETA Connection
The TDAC’s rollout has sparked speculation about its integration with other proposed immigration and tourism initiatives. One such measure is the 300-baht (around $9 USD) tourism tax, initially planned for 2025 but delayed multiple times. Recent reports suggest it may finally be implemented by year-end 2025, potentially linked to the TDAC system. This fee, aimed at funding tourism infrastructure and providing insurance coverage for visitors, would be collected digitally—possibly during the TDAC submission process—though details remain unconfirmed as of March 31, 2025.
Another related development is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a proposed pre-approval system for visa-exempt travelers. Originally slated for a December 2024 launch and full implementation by June 2025, the ETA has been postponed indefinitely to avoid overlapping with the TDAC rollout. While the TDAC applies to all foreign entrants regardless of visa status, the ETA would target visa-exempt nationalities for additional screening. For now, the Thai government is prioritizing the TDAC’s smooth operation, with the ETA’s fate still unclear.
What Travelers Need to Know
For anyone planning a trip to Thailand on or after May 1, 2025, the TDAC is non-negotiable. Here’s how to prepare:
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Gather Information: You’ll need your passport details, travel itinerary (e.g., flight number or vehicle info), and accommodation address in Thailand. Double-check your entries, as errors can be corrected online before travel, but key identifiers like your name and passport number may require a new submission.
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Submit Early: Complete the TDAC within the three-day window before arrival to ensure a hassle-free entry. The process should take just a few minutes.
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Keep Proof Handy: Save your confirmation (likely a QR code or PDF) on your phone or print it out, as you may need to present it at immigration.
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Plan for Contingencies: If you forget to submit in advance, immigration officers and kiosks will likely assist upon arrival, though this could slow your entry or cause potential problems, although some Immigration officials have stressed that an incorrect form or submission would be easy, in theory, to resolve and not lead to having to fly home or other fears seen online.
Challenges and Criticisms
While the TDAC promises a smoother experience, its rollout has not been without scrutiny. Some travelers worry about accessibility for those without smartphones or reliable internet, a concern echoed in online forums. Others question whether the system will truly reduce processing times or simply shift the burden to pre-arrival preparation. The lack of a functioning mobile app (as of now) and unclear instructions for submission have fueled early frustration, with some calling it a “digital disaster in the making.”
The Bigger Picture
The TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader vision to balance tourism growth with security and sustainability. With over 28 million visitors in 2023 and projections of even higher numbers in 2025, the country is under pressure to manage its borders efficiently while maintaining its reputation as a welcoming destination. The digital shift aligns with similar systems worldwide, such as Singapore’s SG Arrival Card or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS, signaling a global trend toward paperless travel.
Starting May 1, 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card will redefine how non-Thai nationals enter the country. By registering online at tdac.immigration.go.th within three days of arrival, travelers can bid farewell to paper forms and embrace a faster, more secure process—or so the Thai government hopes. As the launch date approaches, staying informed and prepared will be key to a seamless journey.
As the system is not yet live questions remain and TPN Media will keep our readers updated throughout the coming weeks.
