Arrival Card Thailand — TDAC in English
Fill out your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in English with our online form. Prepare your trip to Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai with peace of mind.
Welcome to Thailand
Since May 1, 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has been mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Thailand. It replaces the old paper TM6 form and is part of the modernization of immigration controls. It must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival. It collects essential identity, travel, accommodation, and health information. This formality is separate from any visa or visa-exemption process, which is handled independently.
May 2025 revolution
TM6 → TDAC: the end of Thailand's famous paper form
For 50 years, the TM6 form (Disembarkation Card) accompanied every arrival in Thailand. Handed out on board, yellowing in passports, it became a symbol. On 1 May 2025, the TDAC permanently replaced it.
The paper TM6: created in 1979, a blue or pink cardboard card to fill in by hand on the plane. The entry stamp was affixed on it, then kept in the passport until exit. This simple, robust system lasted five decades.
Why the change? Thailand hosted 40 million annual travellers pre-2020; paper processing was clogging immigration desks. Scanning a TDAC QR takes 4 seconds vs. 25-40 for a hand-filled TM6.
TDAC in practice: tdac.immigration.go.th portal, submission within 3 days before arrival, QR code to present at boarding and Thai immigration. No paper card is handed out on board anymore, even by low-cost airlines.
What about resident expats?
Long-stay residents (Non-Immigrant Visa, Elite Visa, Long-Term Resident) must also file a TDAC at each return to Thailand. The paper TM6 disappeared for everyone, expats and tourists alike.
Thailand TDAC Information
What does the Thailand TDAC application consist of?
The procedure must be completed within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand. The online form requires personal data, passport details, flight information, and your accommodation address in Thailand. Once submitted, the TDAC generates a document to present at immigration (printed or digital). Each traveler, including minors, must have their own form.
Which nationalities are concerned by the TDAC?
Since May 1, 2025, the TDAC is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Thailand, regardless of nationality or mode of transport (air, land, sea). Thai nationals are exempt. Holders of multi-entry visas must also complete it for each entry.
Which entry points are eligible for the TDAC?
The TDAC is required at all entry points. Main airports: Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, BKK), Don Mueang (Bangkok, DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Koh Samui (USM), Krabi (KBV), Chiang Rai (CEI), Hat Yai (HDY), and U-Tapao (Pattaya, UTP).
When to submit the TDAC
The submission window is strict. Anticipate without exceeding it to avoid any rejection.
Earliest
3 days before arrival
Optimal
24 to 48 hours before flight
Latest
Before flight check-in
Common TDAC mistakes
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), mandatory since May 2025, replaces the paper TM6. Here are the most frequent errors.
Submission outside the 3-day window
TDAC must be filed within 3 days before arrival. An earlier submission is rejected and must be redone.
Wrong arrival date
For flights arriving after midnight, check the local arrival date in Thailand, not your take-off date.
Vague accommodation address
Provide the full address (hotel, district, city). Thai authorities refuse overly generic entries.
Blurry passport scan
The passport scan must be sharp and legible. A blurry shot is rejected by the OCR system.
Visa vs TDAC confusion
The TDAC does not replace a visa if your nationality requires one. Check your visa status before departure.
TDAC validity and allowed stay in Thailand
The TDAC ties to your entry. Here is how it works with the allowed stay durations.
Duration
60 days for visa-exempt travellers
Entries
One entry per TDAC
Extension
+30 days possible at the Immigration Bureau
Exit
No separate exit card
Required Information Table
| INFORMATION TO PROVIDE | PERSONAL DATA |
|---|---|
| PERSONAL DATA | Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiration Date |
| TRAVEL DETAILS | Arrival Date, Departure Date, Purpose of Travel, Country of Residence |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION | Airline Name, Flight Number, Port of Embarkation |
| ACCOMMODATION | Name and Address of Accommodation in Thailand, City, Province, Contact Phone |
| ITINERARY | Countries visited in the last 14 days, Next destination after Thailand |
Long stays and borders
TDAC at land borders and visa runs: what changes
Thailand is also accessible by land from Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Expats historically used borders for visa runs. How does TDAC apply there?
Covered border posts: TDAC is now mandatory at 16 major border posts, including Padang Besar (Malaysia), Aranyaprathet (Cambodia), Nong Khai (Laos), and Mae Sot (Myanmar). Full rollout to all secondary posts is planned during 2026.
Traditional visa runs: the practice of leaving the country for one day to return on a fresh 60-day stamp remains possible, but each entry now requires a new TDAC. Expats therefore file several TDACs per year — not costlier (the portal is free) but an extra step.
Border kiosks: for travellers without smartphone or connection, TDAC kiosks are installed at the main land posts. Count 5-15 minutes depending on traffic.
Arrival procedure in Thailand
Whether you land at Bangkok (BKK or DMK), Phuket, or Chiang Mai, the process is similar.
- 1
Show your TDAC QR code
Display your TDAC QR code on your phone or in a printed copy at arrival.
- 2
Immigration check
An officer scans your QR code, verifies passport and any visa, then stamps your entry.
- 3
Baggage and customs
Collect baggage and pass customs. Checks are random but prohibited goods (especially e-cigarettes) are strictly controlled.
- 4
Official taxis and transfers
Use official counters (Public Taxi, AOT Limousine) rather than touts.
Places to visit in Thailand
Thailand
Bangkok, the bustling capital, blends ancient temples and modern urban energy. Visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho with its reclining Buddha, and explore the floating markets in the surrounding areas.
Chiang Mai, in the north, is the former capital of the Lanna kingdom. Discover the walled Old City, the mountain temple of Doi Suthep, and the iconic Sunday Walking Street night market.
Phuket, the country's largest island, offers famous beaches like Patong, plus access to the Phi Phi Islands and the spectacular Phang Nga Bay.
Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Its temple ruins, reclining Buddhas, and the famous Buddha head tangled in tree roots tell five centuries of history.
Krabi, on the Andaman coast, is renowned for its limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. Discover Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, a paradise for climbing and swimming.
Document Timeline
History and evolution of the document.
2014
Thailand strengthens its TM6 immigration card requirements for all air travelers.
2014
Thailand strengthens its TM6 immigration card requirements for all air travelers.
2020
Launch of the Thailand Pass: digital health pre-registration during the pandemic.
2020
Launch of the Thailand Pass: digital health pre-registration during the pandemic.
2023
The government tests digital alternatives to TM6 in several airports.
2023
The government tests digital alternatives to TM6 in several airports.
May 1, 2025
The TDAC becomes mandatory and replaces the paper TM6 for all foreign travelers.
May 1, 2025
The TDAC becomes mandatory and replaces the paper TM6 for all foreign travelers.
2026
The TDAC is stabilized and extended to all entry points (air, land, sea).
2026
The TDAC is stabilized and extended to all entry points (air, land, sea).
Penalties for TDAC breaches or overstay
Thailand applies clear penalties for irregular stay or missing TDAC.
Daily overstay fine
Daily overstay fine
Overstaying triggers a fine of THB 500/day, capped at THB 20,000 (≈ €530).
Blacklist
Blacklist
An overstay above 90 days can trigger an entry ban from 1 to 10 years.
Denied boarding
Denied boarding
Airlines check the TDAC before departure. Without it, boarding is refused.
Detention for fraud
Detention for fraud
Any document fraud may lead to administrative detention before expulsion.
Frequently Asked Questions — Thailand
What is the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)?
The TDAC is the mandatory digital arrival card introduced by the Thai Immigration Bureau. It replaces the old paper TM6 form and must be completed online before arrival for all foreign travelers.
Is the Thailand TDAC mandatory?
Yes, since May 1, 2025, the TDAC is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Thailand, regardless of mode of transport (air, land, sea). Without it, you may be denied boarding or delayed at immigration.
How to fill out the Thailand TDAC online?
You can fill out your TDAC through ArrivalCards. The form asks for your personal details, passport information, flight details, and accommodation address in Thailand. The process takes just a few minutes.
How far in advance should I fill out the TDAC?
The TDAC must be submitted within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand. We recommend completing it as soon as you are within the filing window to avoid last-minute stress.
Do I need a visa in addition to the TDAC?
The TDAC does not replace the visa. Many countries benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays (up to 30 or 60 days depending on nationality). Other travelers must obtain a Thai visa before their trip. The TDAC is mandatory in all cases.
Which entry points accept the TDAC?
The TDAC is required at all entry points. Main airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Koh Samui (USM), Krabi (KBV), Chiang Rai (CEI), Hat Yai (HDY), and U-Tapao Pattaya (UTP). It is also required at land and sea borders.
How much does the TDAC cost?
The TDAC is free on the official Thai Immigration Bureau portal. On ArrivalCards, the service fee is €29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers form translation, data verification, and customer support.
Is the form available in my language?
The official site is available only in English and Thai. ArrivalCards offers a translated and simplified form in 9 languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian). We verify your information and submit your application to the authorities.
What documents are needed for the TDAC?
To complete the TDAC, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, your flight details (number, airline), and your accommodation address in Thailand (hotel, rental, etc.).
Is the TDAC required for children?
Yes, every traveler, including children and babies, must have their own TDAC to enter Thailand. Parents or legal guardians must complete the form on behalf of each minor child using the child's passport information.
How It Works
Simple, fast, and stress-free.
Fill in the online form
Complete our secure form with your personal information and travel details
Receive your arrival card by email
We process your application and send your electronic arrival card directly to your inbox
Present your card upon arrival
Upon arrival, simply present your electronic card to immigration authorities