Starting May 1, 2025, Thailand officially implements the digital arrival card system, fully replacing the paper TM6 arrival card with the online TDAC. All non-Thai travelers, whether entering by air, land, or sea, must complete the online declaration and obtain a QR Code within 72 hours before entry. This article provides the most complete TDAC filling guide, including application steps, required documents, and frequently asked questions.
TDAC Basic Information and Eligibility
Implementation Date
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card has been officially implemented since May 1, 2025, fully replacing the paper TM6 arrival card. All foreigners entering Thailand by land, sea, or air must apply for TDAC online in advance to expedite immigration clearance and enhance travel safety. This includes all foreigners entering via air, land, or sea, covering tourism, business, visiting family, study, and returning Thai diaspora.
Few exceptions exempt from filling TDAC:
- Passengers transiting at the airport without entering Thailand
- Short-term cross-border travelers using a border pass
Application Platform and Fee
Official website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th — Completely free
Application Timing
Must be completed within 72 hours before entry. For example, if you plan to enter on May 1, you can start filling from April 28.
Preparation Before Filling TDAC
Before filling, please prepare the following documents:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | Full name in English, nationality, gender, date of birth, etc. |
| Passport Information | Passport number, validity (recommended at least 6 months remaining) |
| Flight Information | Arrival and departure flight numbers and dates |
| Accommodation Information | Accommodation name and full address in Thailand |
| Contact Information | Email and mobile phone (must be able to receive emails) |
Different visa types or travel purposes may have specific details when filling TDAC. If you are unsure what information to fill, wondering if your situation applies? Feel free to leave us a message.
TDAC Online Filling Steps
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
Step 2: Register + Fill Personal Information
- Full name in English (as per passport)
- Nationality / Gender / Date of birth
- Passport number / Contact phone / Email
Step 3: Fill Travel Information
- Arrival flight number / Date
- Departure city / Expected length of stay
- Departure flight (if any)
Step 4: Accommodation Information
- Accommodation type / Name
- Full address (restaurant names cannot be abbreviated)
Step 5: Submit Application + Receive Confirmation Email
- After submission, the system will send a confirmation email containing a QR Code
- It is recommended to save a screenshot or print it out for scanning by immigration officers at the airport
Entry Process After Arriving in Thailand
1. Prepare your passport and QR Code (recommend saving a screenshot in advance)
2. At immigration control, choose one of the following channels:
- Regular manned counters: Present your passport and TDAC QR Code for the immigration officer to scan and verify
- ABC Automated e-Gates (already available at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai): Scan passport → Facial recognition → Scan QR Code when prompted → Pass through gate. Applicable to most travelers with biometric passports.
3. Complete immigration clearance and enter Thailand
Even if you successfully obtain a QR Code, some people still encounter data mismatches or delays during entry. Everyone’s situation is different. If you have similar concerns, click here to let us know, and we will help answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What if I make a mistake in the TDAC?
It depends on the field:
- Personal identification data (name, passport number, date of birth): Cannot be modified after submission. If an error is found, you must completely resubmit a new TDAC, and the new application will take precedence.
- Travel information (flight number, entry date, accommodation address): You can log into the official system and use the “Update Arrival Card” function to make changes without reapplying.
2. Do children need to fill it out too?
Yes. All foreign travelers must fill it out. Children can be applied for by a parent or guardian.
3. Can I apply using a mobile phone?
Yes. The TDAC official website is responsive and supports mobile phones, tablets, and computers.
4. How long is the TDAC valid?
It is only valid for the specific entry date filled in during the application. If your plans change, you need to fill out a new one.
5. Do long-term foreign residents in Thailand also need to fill it out?
Yes. It must be filled out for every entry, regardless of the type of long-term visa held.
For long-term foreign residents in Thailand, in the “Accommodation Information” field, you can directly fill in your own residence address (apartment or house address), no need to fill in a hotel.
6. Do holders of DTV, LTR, Elite, or Student Visas also need to fill out the TDAC?
Yes. Regardless of which type of long-term visa you hold, as long as you are not a Thai citizen, you must fill out the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) every time you enter Thailand. TDAC is an entry data registration system and is unrelated to your visa type. Below is a list of common visa types and whether they need to fill it out:
| Visa Type | Need to Fill TDAC? | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) | ✔ Yes | Work or remote residence visa; must report upon entry |
| LTR (Long-Term Resident Visa) | ✔ Yes | Although eligible for fast track, still need to complete entry data registration |
| Thailand Elite Visa | ✔ Yes | Usually assisted by staff during entry, but still need to submit TDAC |
| Student Visa (ED Visa) | ✔ Yes | Must refill TDAC for each entry and exit during studies |
| Dependent Visa (Non-ED-O / Dependent) | ✔ Yes | Family members accompanying students or workers also need to declare arrival |
| OA Visa (Retirement Visa) | ✔ Yes | Non-Thai retirees must declare for every entry |
Only exceptions from TDAC:
- Passengers transiting without entering Thailand (staying within immigration control area)
- Short-term cross-border travelers using a border pass
Reminder: Even if you live long-term in Thailand, such as holding an LTR or OA visa, if you leave and return, you still need to fill out the TDAC and present the QR Code to complete the entry process.
Conclusion: Fill in Early for a Smooth Entry
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is part of the new era of smart travel, not only simplifying procedures but also helping to protect traveler safety. Be sure to complete the application within 72 hours before your flight to ensure a smooth journey and fast entry! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a message in the form below.
