The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online immigration form that travelers complete before entering Thailand. It replaces the old paper TM.6 arrival card and helps speed up immigration by collecting your personal, travel, and accommodation details in advance.
Completing TDAC is simple, free, and mandatory for most foreign visitors. This guide walks you through an easy step-by-step tutorial, explains what information you need, and answers frequently asked questions so you can arrive in Thailand smoothly and stress-free.
What Is TDAC?
TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is an online pre-arrival registration required by Thai immigration. Travelers submit their details electronically, then present the confirmation (QR code or reference) at immigration upon arrival.
Why TDAC matters?
- Faster immigration processing
- Less paperwork on arrival
- More accurate traveler records
Who Needs to Apply for TDAC?
You must complete TDAC if you:
- Are a foreign passport holder
- Enter Thailand by air, land, or sea
- Stay short-term or long-term (tourism, business, visa-exempt, or visa holders)
You generally do not need TDAC if you are:
- A Thai citizen
- In transit without passing immigration
What You Need Before You Start
Prepare the following:
- Passport (valid for your trip)
- Flight number and arrival date
- Address of your first accommodation in Thailand (hotel or residence)
- Contact details (email & phone)
Time required: 5 – 10 minutes
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for TDAC
Step 1: Access the Official TDAC System
Visit the official Thailand immigration TDAC website (usually available via the Immigration Bureau or airline pre-arrival links).
Tip: Avoid unofficial third-party sites that charge fees. TDAC is free.
Step 2: Enter Personal Information
Fill in exactly as shown on your passport:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of birth
Double-check spelling to avoid immigration delays.
Step 3: Enter Travel Details
Provide:
- Arrival date
- Flight number (or land/sea entry point)
- Country of departure
Step 4: Enter Accommodation Information
Input:
- Hotel name or residence address
- City / province
If staying with friends or family, enter their address.
Step 5: Review & Submit
- Review all details carefully
- Submit the form
- Receive confirmation via email or on-screen QR code
Screenshot or save the confirmation on your phone.
Step 6: Present TDAC at Immigration
Upon arrival in Thailand:
- Show your TDAC confirmation (QR code or reference)
- Present your passport to the immigration officer
That’s it — welcome to Thailand! 🇹🇭
Helpful Tips for a Smooth Arrival
- Complete TDAC 24 – 72 hours before arrival
- Keep a digital and printed copy (backup)
- Ensure your accommodation address matches your booking
- If plans change, resubmit a new TDAC with updated info
FAQs
Yes. TDAC is required for most foreign travelers entering Thailand and replaces the old paper arrival card.
No. TDAC is completely free when completed via the official immigration system.
Ideally 1 – 3 days before arrival, but it can usually be completed anytime before entering immigration.
You may be asked to complete it at the airport, which can cause delays. Pre-submission is strongly recommended.
Yes. Each traveler, including minors, must have their own TDAC submission.
Yes, you can on some details 24 hours before arrival. But for name, passport number and nationality cannot be change, if you want to change those details please re-submit a new TDAC with correct the information.
No. TDAC is not a visa. It is an arrival registration. You must still meet visa or visa-exemption requirements separately.
