Here are 10 key points Thailand Digital Arrival Card For All Foreign Travelers:
- TDAC to Replace TM6 Form: Thailand will officially discontinue the TM6 paper arrival card and replace it with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) starting May 1, 2025.
- Mandatory for All Foreign Travelers: Every foreign national entering Thailand must complete the TDAC online within 72 hours prior to arrival, regardless of visa status or mode of entry.
- TDAC Must Be Completed Online: The digital form can only be filled out via the official website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
- Form Includes Personal, Travel & Health Information: Travelers need to provide personal details, travel and stay information, and a brief health declaration.
- Digital Card Sent via Email: Once submitted, the completed TDAC is sent to the traveler’s email as a PDF. This must be printed or saved on a mobile device and shown at immigration.
- Limited Exceptions Apply: Only transit passengers not going through immigration, and those with a Border Pass at designated crossings, are exempt from submitting the TDAC.
- Supports Health Monitoring Efforts: The TDAC includes a health section requiring travelers to declare countries visited in the 14 days before arrival, aiding public health controls.
- Part of Broader Immigration Reforms: TDAC is one of several digital initiatives by Thailand, alongside e-Visas and electronic entry-exit tracking systems.
- Visa-Free Stay Duration Under Review: Thailand may reduce the visa-free stay period from 60 to 30 days for 93 countries, though this is still under discussion.
- Thailand Aligns with Global Digital Trends: With the TDAC, Thailand joins countries like Cambodia, Malaysia, and South Korea in moving toward fully digital entry procedures for travelers.
Thailand is officially transitioning away from the traditional paper-based TM6 form. Beginning May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 72 hours before entering the country.
This move marks a significant step towards a fully digital entry process, aimed at improving efficiency and streamlining procedures for all travelers regardless of whether they hold a visa.
TDAC Replaces the TM6 Paper Form
The TDAC will completely replace the TM6 form and must be completed online via the official platform: tdac.immigration.go.th. The new system applies to all international arrivals, whether entering by air, land, or sea.
Exceptions are limited to:
- Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration, and
- Travelers using a Border Pass for certain designated border crossings.
How It Works
The TDAC process is straightforward and involves a few key steps:
- Visit the official website and select “Arrival Card.”
- Enter personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, and visa number (if applicable).
- Provide travel information, such as arrival date, mode of transport, accommodation address, and purpose of visit.
- Complete the health declaration, listing countries visited in the 14 days prior to arrival.
- Review and confirm all details, correct any errors, and provide an email address.
- Submit the form, accept the terms, and download the TDAC (sent via email as a PDF).
Travelers are advised to print or save a digital copy of the TDAC and keep it accessible throughout their stay in Thailand.
Enhancing Border Control and Efficiency
This paperless initiative is part of the Thai government’s broader effort to modernize immigration procedures, improve health monitoring, and reduce paper usage. The TDAC is aligned with ongoing digital reforms, including the expansion of electronic visas (e-Visa) and tighter entry/exit monitoring.
Potential Changes to Visa-Free Entry
In parallel with these digital advancements, Thailand is reviewing the duration of visa-free stays, which may be reduced from 60 days to 30 days for nationals of 93 visa-exempt countries. While still under consideration, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions some citing better regulation of tourist inflows, others concerned about the potential impact on tourism recovery post pandemic.
Following a Global Trend
Thailand joins a growing list of countries, including Cambodia, Malaysia, Cuba, and South Korea, that have adopted digital arrival cards to simplify border formalities and enhance traveler data management.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card represents a major step in the country’s journey toward digital transformation and modernized border control. By replacing the outdated paper TM6 form with a streamlined, online process, Thailand aims to enhance efficiency, strengthen health and security measures, and align with global best practices. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and complete their TDAC well in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free entry experience.
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