Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Complete Guide
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory electronic entry registration that all foreign nationals must complete before entering Thailand. Implemented by Thai Immigration authorities, the TDAC replaced the traditional paper TM6 departure card as of May 1, 2025. The system collects essential arrival details, accommodation information, and a brief health declaration to streamline border processing and enhance security screening.
The TDAC serves as an entry registration document, not a visa or travel authorization. Even travelers eligible for visa-exempt entry must complete the TDAC registration. The process is entirely digital, available through the official TDAC portal, and generates an electronic confirmation with a QR code that travelers present upon arrival. Unlike the old paper form, no physical copy is required; a digital display on your mobile device suffices.
Most visitors to Thailand must complete a TDAC for each entry, regardless of their visa status or nationality. The requirement applies uniformly to all non-Thai nationals entering via air, land, or sea routes. This includes tourists on visa-exempt stays, travelers holding visas (tourist visas, long-term resident visas like the DTV, Thai Privilege Visa, or other categories), and even those just passing through Thailand.
There is one primary exemption: travelers who transit through Thailand without passing through immigration control do not need to complete the TDAC. Beyond that narrow exception, everyone else must register. Each individual traveler, including children, requires their own separate TDAC submission. Joint applications are available for family groups, but each person still has an individual record in the system.
What You Need Before Starting
Before starting your TDAC registration, gather these essentials: your valid passport with expiry date, your travel itinerary including flight or transport numbers, and your accommodation details for your first Thailand stay (address, district, and postal code). The form also asks for basic personal information and recent travel history.
The personal section requires your passport number, date of birth, gender, nationality, and current country of residence. The travel section captures your arrival date, mode of transport, and flight or vehicle number. Accommodation details need your address in Thailand broken down by province, district, sub-district, and postal code. A health declaration asks about countries visited in the preceding two weeks and any symptoms experienced during that period. Travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk must have vaccination documentation ready.
Registration Timeline
You can submit your TDAC between 72 hours before arrival and the day of your arrival itself. The form takes roughly 10 minutes to complete and requires no payment. After submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation containing your QR code, which you should preserve until you leave Thailand.
Action Checklist
Follow these steps to complete your TDAC registration:
- Gather required documents: valid passport, travel itinerary, and accommodation details with address, district, and postal code.
- Access the official TDAC portal and select your preferred language before beginning.
- Enter your passport information exactly as shown on your travel document.
- Provide accurate arrival details including flight number and arrival time.
- Fill in your Thailand accommodation address completely, including province, district, sub-district, and postal code.
- Complete the health declaration listing countries visited in the past two weeks.
- Review all entered information carefully before final submission and save your confirmation code.
Presenting Your Confirmation
Bring your QR code confirmation to the immigration checkpoint upon arrival. Border officers may request to scan it during entry and potentially again at exit. Immigration staff can also reference your TDAC for visa extensions and 90-day reporting. The confirmation can display on your phone; a printed copy is unnecessary.
If you lose your TDAC confirmation, access the TDAC portal again and use your passport details to retrieve your submission. The system should allow you to view or resend your confirmation. For more details on TDAC, you can refer to the Ireland winter forecast snow.
Troubleshooting
| Sign/Situation | Risk Level | Recommended Action | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport name does not match TDAC entry | High | Re-submit form with correct passport details | Immediate |
| Arrival date discrepancy between booking and TDAC | High | Update TDAC to match actual travel plans | Immediate |
| Accommodation address is incomplete or invalid | Medium | Add precise address including district and postal code | Before departure |
| Submission attempted outside valid window | Medium | Contact immigration support or resubmit within guidelines | Before departure |
| Confirmation email not received | Medium | Check spam folder, verify email address, request resend | Within 24 hours |
| Technical error during submission | Low | Clear browser cache, retry with different browser or device | As time allows |
If you encounter technical problems, clear your browser cache and retry with a different browser or device. For missing confirmation emails, check your spam folder, verify your email address, and request a resend if needed. When facing persistent issues or uncertainties, contact Thai Immigration through official channels or your local embassy for guidance.
Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card the same as a visa?
No. The TDAC is an entry registration and health declaration form, not a travel authorization. It replaces the paper TM6 form and serves a completely different purpose than a visa. Even travelers who enter Thailand visa-exempt must still complete the TDAC. A valid visa does not eliminate the need for TDAC registration.
Can I complete the TDAC at the airport?
Technically, you can submit the TDAC on the day of your arrival, including potentially at the airport. However, completing it beforehand is strongly recommended to avoid delays and ensure smooth immigration processing. The registration window opens 72 hours before your arrival.
What should I do if I lose my TDAC confirmation?
Access the TDAC portal again and use your passport details to retrieve your submission. The system should allow you to view or resend your confirmation. If you cannot retrieve it through the portal, contact Thai Immigration support or your airline for guidance on how to proceed.
How long does it take to fill out the TDAC?
Most travelers complete the TDAC in approximately 10 minutes. The process involves filling in personal details, travel information, accommodation address, and a brief health declaration. Having your documents ready before starting helps speed up the process.
Can I use the same TDAC for multiple entries?
No. Each entry into Thailand requires a separate TDAC submission. Even if you hold a multiple-entry visa, you must complete a new TDAC every time you re-enter Thailand. The registration is tied to a specific arrival date and trip.
Is the TDAC free to submit?
Yes. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is completely free to complete. There is no fee or payment required at any stage of the registration process.
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