Thailand is set to officially replace its long-standing TM6 arrival form with the new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a move expected to modernize and streamline the country’s immigration process. Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign nationals entering the Kingdom will be required to complete the TDAC online within 72 hours prior to arrival.
The digital arrival card aims to reduce paperwork, improve data accuracy, and enhance border security by integrating biometric information into the country’s centralized immigration system. The initiative is part of Thailand’s broader digital transformation strategy for tourism, national security, and public administration.
Who Needs to Complete the TDAC?
The TDAC is mandatory for all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea, including tourists, business travelers, and expats. The only exceptions are:
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Travelers transiting without entering immigration control.
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Border pass holders from neighboring countries.
Thai citizens are not required to fill out the form.
How the TDAC Works
Foreign travelers must visit the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card portal and submit their information, including:
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Personal and passport details
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Travel itinerary (flight number, date, point of entry)
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Address of stay in Thailand
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Health declaration
Once submitted, travelers will receive a QR code via email, which must be presented upon arrival at immigration checkpoints.
The TDAC replaces the blue-and-white TM6 paper form that travelers were previously required to complete mid-flight or upon arrival at Thai airports. Officials have stated that the new system will significantly reduce processing times and support more efficient passenger screening.
Why This Matters
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau says the new digital system will enhance traveler experience while providing better tools for identifying transnational crime and managing border security. By integrating immigration data with existing digital and biometric databases, authorities will be better equipped to identify high-risk individuals while allowing smoother entry for legitimate travelers.
The TDAC is free of charge and does not replace the visa process — travelers must still obtain the appropriate visa or visa exemption prior to entry if required.
Travel Industry Response
Tourism operators, hotel groups, and airlines have broadly welcomed the move, citing improved clarity and a more modern image for Thailand’s border procedures. The update aligns with international trends, as countries across Asia and Europe increasingly adopt digital border control systems.
As Thailand continues to position itself as a leading destination for international travel and business, the introduction of the TDAC is a major step toward digital efficiency and global standards.
