Last updated on April 12, 2026
If you are planning to visit Thailand in 2026, you need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before you travel. The TDAC replaced the old paper TM6 arrival and departure card. It is now required for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. Failing to complete it can result in boarding denials or delays at immigration.
This guide explains exactly what the TDAC is, who needs one, what documents you will need, and how to fill it out step by step. As a Thai law firm, we have over 30 years of experience helping expats and foreign visitors. We want you to arrive in Thailand without any complications.
Table of Contents
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online form. It collects your personal, travel, and health information before you enter Thailand. It replaced the paper TM6 form, which was officially discontinued in May 2025.
The TDAC is managed by the Thailand Immigration Bureau and is submitted through an official government portal. It is entirely free — there is no charge to submit your arrival card. Any website or service asking you to pay a fee for TDAC processing is not legitimate.
Key facts about the TDAC:
- Replaced the paper TM6 form in May 2025
- Required for all foreign nationals entering Thailand
- Must be submitted online within 72 hours (3 days) of your arrival
- Completely free through the official portal
- Covers air, land, and sea entry points
Who Needs to Complete the TDAC?
Every foreign national entering Thailand must complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card. This includes:
- Tourists on visa-exempt entry (including 30-day and 60-day stays)
- Business visitors entering on any visa category
- Long-term visa holders including retirement, marriage, and education visas
- Returning expats who have left and are re-entering Thailand
- Transit passengers who pass through Thai immigration
- Children and infants — every traveler needs their own TDAC, regardless of age
Thai nationals do not need to complete the TDAC. If you travel as a family or group, the portal lets you submit up to 10 arrival cards at once. This saves time.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these documents before you begin the application:
Required:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your arrival date
- Your flight details (airline name, flight number, arrival date)
- Accommodation address in Thailand (hotel name and address, or private residence address)
- A working email address to receive your confirmation
Good to have ready:
- Return or onward flight details (airline, flight number, departure date)
- Travel history for the past 14 days (countries visited)
Important note about funds: Thai Immigration may do random border checks. They may ask travelers to prove they have enough funds for their stay. The current requirement is 10,000 THB per person (approximately $280 USD) or 20,000 THB per family. While this is not part of the TDAC application itself, it is worth being prepared.
How to Fill Out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card: Step by Step
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official Thailand Immigration TDAC website at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/ and click on “Arrival Card” to begin.
Do not use any third-party websites to submit your TDAC. The only legitimate portal is operated by the Thai Immigration Bureau. There is no app — it is a web-based form accessible from any device.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information
Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport:
- Full name (first and last name as shown on your passport information page)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number and expiry date
- Gender
Tip: Scan the MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) at the bottom of your passport photo page.Or upload a photo of it. This will auto-fill your personal details. This reduces errors significantly.
Step 3: Provide Your Travel Details
Enter your flight and travel information:
- Port of entry (airport or border crossing)
- Airline and flight number
- Date and time of arrival
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.)
- Accommodation details — the name and address of your first place of stay in Thailand
You only need to enter your first accommodation. If you are traveling to multiple cities or hotels within Thailand, you do not need to list every address.
Step 4: Complete the Health Declaration
The Ministry of Public Health requires a brief health declaration as part of the TDAC. You will be asked about:
- Your current health status
- Countries you have visited in the past 14 days
- Whether you have experienced specific symptoms
If you visited a country the Ministry of Public Health flagged within the last two weeks, the system may ask for more health information. This is a standard screening measure.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Carefully review all information before submitting. Once submitted, you cannot change core details like your name, passport number, date of birth, or nationality. Minor details such as flight times can still be updated before arrival.
Enter your email address, agree to the Terms and Conditions, and click Submit.
Step 6: Save Your Confirmation
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email with your completed TDAC. Download or print a copy to keep with you during your trip. Immigration officers may ask to see it when you arrive. In most cases, your information is already linked to your passport electronically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on our experience helping clients with issues at Thai immigration, these are the most common TDAC mistakes:
Name mismatch: Your name on the TDAC must exactly match your passport. If your passport says “ROBERT JAMES SMITH,” do not enter “Bob Smith” or “Robert J. Smith.”
Submitting too early: The TDAC must be submitted within 72 hours of your arrival. If you submit it a week before your flight, it may fall outside the valid window and you will need to resubmit.
Using unofficial websites: Several commercial websites charge fees ranging from $10 to $50 to “process” your TDAC. The official portal is free. If a website asks for payment, close it and go directly to tdac.immigration.go.th.
Forgetting children: Every traveler needs their own TDAC, including infants. Use the group submission feature to complete cards for your entire family in one session.
All information must be entered in English. The TDAC portal does not accept Thai script in the main form fields.
What If You Cannot Complete the TDAC Online?
If you cannot complete the digital form before your flight, kiosks are available at major Thai airports. These include Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. You can complete the TDAC at a kiosk before you reach the immigration counter. However, completing it in advance is strongly recommended to avoid queues.
TDAC vs. Thailand Visa: Understanding the Difference
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is not a visa. It does not grant you permission to enter Thailand or extend your permitted length of stay. It is a separate immigration requirement that exists alongside whatever visa or visa exemption you are traveling under.
If you need assistance with a Thai visa application, work permit, or any other immigration matter, contact ThaiLawOnline for a consultation. Our immigration team handles all visa categories including retirement visas, marriage visas, business visas, and work permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card free?
Yes. Submitting the TDAC through the official Thai Immigration portal (tdac.immigration.go.th) is completely free. Any website or service charging a fee is not authorized by the Thai government.
How far in advance can I fill out the TDAC?
You must submit the TDAC within 72 hours (3 days) of your scheduled arrival in Thailand. Submitting earlier may result in your application falling outside the valid timeframe.
Do Thai citizens need to complete the TDAC?
No. The TDAC is only required for foreign nationals entering Thailand. Thai passport holders are exempt.
Can I edit my TDAC after submitting it?
You can make minor fixes, like flight time updates.But you cannot change key details after you submit.These include your name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality. If you made an error in these fields, you will need to submit a new application.
Do children need their own TDAC?
Yes. Every traveler entering Thailand needs their own TDAC, including infants and children. The group submission feature allows you to complete up to 10 cards in a single session.
What happens if I arrive without a TDAC?
You may face delays at immigration. Kiosks are available at major airports to complete the form on arrival, but this adds time to your processing. Some airlines may also check for TDAC completion before boarding.
Is the TDAC the same as the old TM6 form?
The TDAC replaced the paper TM6 departure/arrival card. It collects similar information but is submitted digitally before you arrive, rather than on paper during your flight.
Do I need the TDAC for land border crossings?
Yes. The TDAC is required for all entry points into Thailand, including land borders and seaports, not just airports.
With over 20 years of experience, we help expats in Thailand with trusted legal services. We also use modern technology to work faster and more efficiently. Whether you just arrived in Thailand or have lived here for decades, our team is here to help. We support you when legal questions go beyond what a Google search can answer.
Contact ThaiLawOnline for a consultation
Have questions about Thai immigration law? Email us or call our Bangkok office to speak with a member of our legal team.
This article was last updated in February 2026. Immigration requirements can change without notice. While we try to keep this guide accurate, it is for information only. It is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, contact ThaiLawOnline.