Thailand-
As of May 1st, 2025—just three days away—all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This includes all types of visas, even retirement, family, or business and not just tourists.
This new digital system replaces the paper TM6 immigration form, streamlining entry procedures, enhancing security, and reducing wait times at immigration checkpoints. If you’re traveling to Thailand in early May, now may be the time to fill out your TDAC form! Again, it is compulsory and not optional.
Key Details for Travelers
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Who Needs It? All foreign travelers, including tourists, business visitors, and long-term residents, must submit the TDAC. Exceptions apply only to transit passengers not passing through immigration and those using a Border Pass for specific border crossings.
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When to Submit? The TDAC must be completed within 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival. For example, if you’re arriving on May 1, you can apply as early as April 28 (today!). Early May travelers can start submitting their forms now to ensure a smooth entry.
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How to Apply?
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Visit the official website: tdac.immigration.go.th.
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Click “Arrival Card” and enter your personal details (full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth).
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Provide travel details (arrival date, flight/vehicle number, purpose of visit, accommodation address in Thailand).
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Complete a health declaration, including countries visited in the last 14 days, as required by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
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Review your information, submit the form, and enter a valid email address to receive your TDAC (a PDF with a QR code).
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Save or print the TDAC to present to immigration officers upon arrival. Keep a digital copy for departure and other immigration processes (e.g., 90-day reports or visa extensions).
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Tips:
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Apply early to avoid last-minute issues, as the system may experience glitches during its initial rollout.
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Ensure all entries are in English using capital letters and proper characters.
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If traveling in a group, you can submit multiple TDACs together by clicking “Add Other Travelers.”
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If plans change, update your TDAC via the “Update Arrival Card” option on the website (note: name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth cannot be changed after submission).
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What If You Forget? Self-service kiosks and immigration officers can assist at entry points, but this may cause delays. Completing the form in advance is strongly recommended. There could be significant wait times, lines, delays etc, that could disrupt other plans, so completing in advance is important.
Why It Matters
The TDAC is part of Thailand’s push to modernize immigration, integrating with e-Visa systems, health screening, and tourism initiatives. It ensures faster processing, better visitor tracking, and eco-friendly paperless entry. Unlike the postponed Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and proposed 300-baht tourism tax, the TDAC is free and mandatory starting May 1.
For Early May Travelers
If you’re arriving on or after May 1, 2025, act now! For example:
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May 1 arrivals: Submit your TDAC between April 28–30.
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May 4 arrivals: Submit between May 1–3.
The system is live, and multilingual guides (English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Japanese) are available at tdac.immigration.go.th to help you navigate the process.
Don’t let immigration delays dampen your Thai adventure. Complete your TDAC today and enjoy a seamless start to your trip to the Land of Smiles!
Source: Thailand Immigration Bureau, Tourism Authority of Thailand
