Frequent travellers to Thailand may remember the old TM6 arrival card, the paper form that had to be completed by hand before entering the country. That requirement was officially suspended in 2022. Now, a streamlined digital system has taken its place.
Since 1 May 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete an online registration for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This digital process is similar to the entry systems already in use in countries like Malaysia and Singapore. Importantly, there is no fee to apply for the TDAC.
Who needs to complete a TDAC?
Anyone who is not a Thai passport holder is required to complete the TDAC before entering Thailand. This includes:
- Tourists visiting for a short stay
- Expats working in Thailand
- Retirees living in Thailand on long-term visas
Exceptions include:
• Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration
• Foreign nationals using a Border Pass to enter the country
Note: The TDAC is not a visa. You must still ensure that you have the appropriate visa or are eligible for visa exemption before travelling to Thailand.
How to apply for the TDAC
Applications can be submitted online up to three days before your arrival. If needed, you can also complete the process on arrival (if you have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet connectivity) before proceeding to immigration.
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a QR code. Present this code — either digitally or as a printed copy — along with your passport to the immigration officer when you arrive in Thailand.
Application steps
1. Visit the official TDAC portal: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
2. Review the user guide: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/manual/en/index.html
3. Fill in basic personal information
4. Provide details of your first night’s accommodation in Thailand
5. Complete a short health declaration
6. Save or print the QR code confirmation
FAQs
Is there a fee to apply for the TDAC?
No, the TDAC is completely free of charge.
Do I need to list every place I’ll be staying in Thailand?
You only need to provide details of where you’ll be staying on your first night.
What if I make a mistake on the application or need to change something?
You can log in and update your application any time before you travel.
What happens if I forget to apply for the TDAC before my trip?
You will need to complete one on arrival. Support will be available at designated help desks at immigration checkpoints. However, travellers are strongly encouraged to complete the TDAC in advance to avoid delays and ease congestion.
THIM app
As part of its move towards digital immigration services, Thailand has launched the Thailand Immigration Management (THIM) mobile application. Developed by the Thailand Immigration Bureau, the app is designed to make arrival procedures quicker and provide travellers with a single platform for immigration services in the future.
