Wave goodbye to the old paper forms and say hello to Thailand’s newest leap into the digital age of travel. Starting 1 May 2025, all foreign visitors to the Land of Smiles will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before stepping foot into this tropical paradise. But what does that mean for your next getaway? Let’s unpack everything you need to know about this exciting transformation—and how to make your arrival in Thailand as smooth as a mango smoothie on a hot Bangkok day.
The End of the TM6 Era
For decades, travellers entering Thailand were handed the familiar blue-and-white TM6 form—fiddly, easily misplaced, and usually filled out hurriedly mid-flight. But now, in a major step toward modernisation, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau is retiring this paper relic in favour of a streamlined, all-digital process.
Enter the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—a new online platform that promises faster immigration clearance, less paperwork, and an overall smarter entry system. It’s mandatory for all foreign nationals arriving by air, land, or sea, with exceptions made for transit passengers and those entering with Border Passes.
So, What Exactly Is the TDAC?
The TDAC is essentially a digital form that replaces the traditional TM6. It allows travellers to fill out and submit all necessary entry information before they even leave home.
The form is quick to complete (once you know what you need), and it includes:
- Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number.
- Travel Info: Flight number, arrival date, accommodation address, purpose of visit.
- Health Declaration: A few basic questions to support ongoing health and safety screening protocols.
You’ll need to complete the form within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival in Thailand. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email or QR code, which must be shown—alongside your passport—when you land.
Why Is Thailand Making This Change?
Good question. The TDAC is part of a larger effort by Thailand’s government to digitise and future-proof its immigration and border control systems.
The goals?
- Improved national security
- More efficient processing at immigration checkpoints
- Better visitor data tracking
- Enhanced public health monitoring (especially important in a post-COVID world)
- And let’s be honest—fewer forms mean happier travellers!
In essence, Thailand wants to make the arrival experience quicker and more pleasant, especially for the nearly 40 million tourists it welcomes annually.
Top Benefits of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
| Feature | Benefit to You |
| No Paperwork | Say goodbye to those last-minute scribbles on planes |
| Faster Immigration | Shorter queues, quicker entry |
| Mobile Friendly | Fill it in on your phone, tablet, or laptop |
| Better Organisation | All your info submitted ahead of time |
| Enhanced Security | Safer, smarter data handling for authorities |
How to Apply for the TDAC
You’ll be glad to hear the process is completely free and surprisingly user-friendly (although there’s always room for improvement—more on that later).
Here’s what to do:
- Go online to the official TDAC platform (a link will likely be made available via airlines, Thai embassies, or tourism websites closer to launch).
- Fill out the form using your travel documents—passport, travel itinerary, accommodation address in Thailand, etc.
- Submit the form within 72 hours before your arrival.
- Receive your QR code or confirmation email, and keep it handy for when you go through immigration.
The platform will be multilingual, supporting English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese, with plans to expand further based on demand.
Who Needs to Apply?
If you’re holding a foreign passport and planning a holiday, business trip, or family visit to Thailand—this applies to you.
Exemptions:
- Thai citizens
- Permanent residents
- Transit passengers (who don’t clear immigration)
- Border Pass users (short cross-border visits from neighbouring countries)
So, unless you fall under one of those categories, the TDAC is now an essential part of your travel checklist.
What If You Forget to Fill It Out?
While Thai authorities won’t slam the door on your holiday dreams, not filling out the TDAC beforehand will definitely cause delays. There may be options to complete the form upon arrival, but expect longer wait times and possibly more scrutiny from immigration officers.
Pro tip? Don’t risk it. Complete it before you fly and enjoy a stress-free start to your trip.
Challenges and Concerns to Keep in Mind
As with any major tech shift, there’s bound to be a few hiccups—especially in the early days.
Here’s what some travellers are already raising concerns about:
- Technical Glitches: Users report occasional bugs or unclear error messages when submitting forms.
- Lack of Clarity: Some confusion exists around whether QR codes are emailed, app-based, or downloadable.
- Limited Accessibility: Travellers without smartphones or internet access may struggle with the digital-only format.
- Data Privacy Worries: Some users have voiced concerns about how their information will be stored and protected.
- Language Barriers: While the portal is multilingual, some regional languages are still missing.
Thailand’s authorities have promised ongoing updates and improvements. But if you’re travelling soon after the rollout, leave yourself extra time and patience, just in case.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Travel to Thailand
For some, the TDAC might feel like just another hoop to jump through. But in the grand scheme, this is a smart, forward-thinking move that aligns with global trends. More countries are shifting toward paperless immigration—Singapore, Australia, and even parts of the EU are heading the same way.
Thailand’s embrace of digital technology for its arrival process is not just a bureaucratic change; it’s a sign of things to come. So, while it might take a little getting used to, the long-term benefits—quicker entry, improved organisation, and safer data handling—are well worth it.
As always, preparation is key. Make sure your travel documents are in order, fill out the TDAC in advance, and double-check the confirmation before you leave.
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