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Thailand Introduces Mandatory Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) from May 1, 2025

Updated: Jun 30


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Heads up, travelers! Beginning May 1, 2025, a new digital entry requirement, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), becomes mandatory for all foreign nationals entering the Kingdom, regardless of visa status or mode of entry.


This significant update from the Thai Immigration Bureau aims to streamline the immigration process, enhance efficiency, and replace the traditional paper-based TM6 arrival card.





The TDAC is Now a Must for Everyone:

From the effective date, every non-Thai passport holder arriving in Thailand will be required to complete the TDAC. This includes tourists, business travelers, and residents, whether you enter by air, land, or sea.


Out with the Paper, In with the Digital:

The familiar paper TM6 form will be phased out and entirely replaced by the digital TDAC. This transition to a digital platform is set to modernize the arrival procedure and reduce administrative.


Complete the TDAC Online Before You Travel:

To ensure a smooth entry into Thailand, you must complete the TDAC online before your arrival. The official platform for submission is tdac.immigration.go.th. You can typically complete the TDAC up to 3 days prior to your scheduled arrival date. While it may be possible to complete it upon arrival or at check-in, it is strongly recommended to do so in advance to avoid potential delays.


TDAC and Visas: Separate Requirements:

It's crucial to understand that the TDAC is a separate requirement from your visa.

  • Visa Exemptions: Even if you are from a country eligible for a visa exemption for short stays, you still need to complete the TDAC before your arrival. Your visa exemption status remains valid, but the TDAC is an additional mandatory step for entry.

  • travelers: If your nationality requires a visa to enter Thailand (e.g., a tourist visa), you must first apply for and obtain the appropriate Thai visa (including the e-visa if applicable) and then complete the mandatory TDAC before your journey. The TDAC does not replace the visa application process.

Key Details to Prepare:

When completing the TDAC, you will typically need to provide:

  • Personal information (as per your passport)

  • Passport details

  • Travel information (flight/vehicle details, date of arrival)

  • Accommodation address in Thailand

  • Health declaration information



Exceptions:

Currently, exceptions to the mandatory TDAC requirement apply only to travelers who are transiting or transferring through Thailand without passing through immigration control and those entering using a Border Pass.


Prepare for a Smoother Arrival:

The introduction of the TDAC is a step towards a more efficient and secure immigration process in Thailand. By completing the digital card in advance, travelers can contribute to shorter processing times upon arrival.


Don't let this new requirement catch you off guard! If you are planning to travel to Thailand on or after May 1, 2025, make sure to visit the official TDAC website and complete your digital arrival card before your trip. Failure to comply could lead to delays or even affect your entry into the country. Stay informed and ensure a hassle-free start to your Thailand adventure!


Here are the key links related to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC):

  • Official TDAC Website: tdac.immigration.go.th - This is the official portal where you will need to complete and submit your Digital Arrival Card before traveling to Thailand.   

  • Guide on How to Use the TDAC System: You can find a guide on the official website, often linked from the main page or in a 'Manual' or 'FAQ' section. (Based on search results, a potential direct link could be https://tdac.immigration.go.th/manual/en/index.html, but it's always best to navigate from the official homepage).   

  • Official Announcements: Look for announcements on the websites of the Thai Immigration Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, or Thai embassies/consulates in your home country. These official sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.


Always ensure you are using official government websites when providing personal and travel information.


FAQ: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)


Here are some frequently asked questions about the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) to help you prepare for your trip:

General Information

  1. What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)? The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a digital form that replaces the traditional TM6 arrival/departure card. It is mandatory for all travelers entering Thailand starting May 1, 2025.

  2. Who needs to complete the TDAC? All travelers entering Thailand, regardless of nationality or mode of transportation (air, land, or sea), are required to complete the TDAC before arrival. This includes those arriving by land or sea, and those entering with visa-on-arrival.

  3. Do children need to submit a separate TDAC? Yes, each traveler, including children, must have their own TDAC submission. Parents or guardians can fill out the form on behalf of minors.

  4. Do diplomatic passport holders need to fill out the TDAC? Yes, diplomatic passport holders are also required to submit a TDAC.

  5. Do crew members need to submit a TDAC? Yes, crew members are also required to submit a TDAC.

  6. I'm transiting through Thailand. Do I need TDAC? Yes, if your transit involves passing through immigration, you will need to submit a TDAC. Flights that are technical landings or direct transit flights without passing through immigration may not require TDAC, but it's always safest to complete one if unsure.

  7. Is TDAC available in multiple languages? Yes, the official TDAC website is available in multiple languages for your convenience.

  8. Is TDAC an optional or mandatory information to submit? The TDAC is mandatory for all travelers entering Thailand.

Submission Process

  1. When should I submit the TDAC? You must submit the TDAC before your arrival in Thailand. It is recommended to complete the form at least 24 hours prior to your travel to avoid delays at immigration checkpoints, but not more than 72 hours before your expected arrival time.

  2. How do I access and fill out the TDAC? You can access the TDAC form online at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home. The process involves:

    • Filling in your personal details (e.g., passport information, flight details).

    • Providing your accommodation details in Thailand.

    • Declaring health and customs-related information.

  3. What information is required to complete TDAC? Typically, you will need your passport details, flight information (flight number, arrival date), and your accommodation address in Thailand.

  4. Is there a fee for submitting the TDAC? No, the TDAC is free of charge. However, ensure you use the official website (https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home) to avoid scams or unofficial platforms requesting payment.

  5. How long does it take to fill out TDAC? Filling out the TDAC form usually takes only a few minutes if you have all your information ready.

  6. What should a foreigner do if they did not receive the QR Code via email after submission? First, check your spam or junk mail folder. If it's still not there, you can try logging back into the TDAC portal using your passport information to retrieve your QR code or submission details. If issues persist, contact TDAC support.

  7. When submitting the TDAC at a Kiosk, can the QR Code be printed from the machine as proof? Yes, if you use a TDAC Kiosk at an airport, the QR Code can typically be printed directly from the machine for your convenience.

  8. How many airports have Kiosk installation points? Kiosks are progressively being installed at major international airports in Thailand to facilitate TDAC submission for those who haven't completed it in advance. Specific numbers may vary, so it's always best to complete it online beforehand if possible.

  9. What happens at immigration after I complete TDAC? Upon arrival, you will present your QR code (either on your mobile device or a printout) to the immigration officer. They will scan it to quickly retrieve your information, streamlining the entry process.

Troubleshooting and Validity

  1. After submitting the TDAC, I received the error: "Http failure response for submitId=...: 429 OK" - What should I do? This error often indicates too many requests from your IP address in a short period. Please wait a few minutes and try submitting again.

  2. If you receive the error: "Http failure response for submitId=...; 0 Unknown Error" after submitting, please follow these steps: This error can be generic. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or try using a different web browser or device. If the issue persists, contact TDAC support.

  3. Can I make changes to my TDAC after submission? Yes, you can update your TDAC details (e.g., accommodation or travel dates) before your arrival. Simply log in to the TDAC portal using your reference number and make the necessary updates.

  4. How long is my TDAC valid? The TDAC is valid for the duration of your current stay in Thailand.

  5. Can I use the same TDAC for multiple entries? No, the TDAC must be submitted anew for each trip to Thailand. Each entry requires a new submission.

  6. Can TDAC be submitted multiple times? While you should aim for one accurate submission per trip, if you need to make changes, you will effectively submit updated information. The system will link it to your passport.

  7. What if I don't have a smartphone or internet access? While online submission is strongly recommended, some airports may have kiosks available upon arrival. However, relying on this can cause delays. If possible, complete it online before travel.

  8. What if the website is unavailable? If the official website is temporarily unavailable, please try again later. It's advisable to submit the TDAC well in advance of your travel date to account for such possibilities.

  9. Is my data secure? The official TDAC platform uses secure protocols to protect your personal data.

  10. Is my data shared with other countries? No, your data is not shared externally and is used only for Thai government border control purposes.

  11. Will I get a reminder before my flight? The system does not automatically send reminders. It is the traveler's responsibility to complete the TDAC before travel.

  12. Will the traveler receive any notification alert regarding TDAC prior to their travel? Currently, there are no automatic notification alerts sent to travelers regarding TDAC prior to their travel. It is important to stay informed about entry requirements yourself.

  13. Is there any penalty for airlines if passengers submit incorrect information? While the primary responsibility for correct information lies with the traveler, airlines may face operational challenges or directives from immigration if a significant number of their passengers have issues with their TDAC submissions.

  14. Where can I get help with TDAC? For official support, refer to the contact information or help section on the official TDAC website (https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home). You may also find assistance from your airline or at the airport if needed, but it's best to address issues before departure.


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