Thailand has taken a major step forward in modernising its immigration process by launching the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)—a mandatory online form that all international visitors must complete before entering the country. Set to take effect on May 1, 2025, this digital initiative replaces the long-standing paper-based TM6 immigration form and aims to offer a faster, more secure, and environmentally conscious way to process incoming tourists.
With tourism playing a pivotal role in Thailand’s economy, this digital rollout is designed to improve efficiency at immigration checkpoints while enhancing the overall experience for travellers.
A Timely Move Amid Tourism Growth
In 2024, Thailand recorded over 35.5 million international arrivals, a 26.27% increase from the previous year. With an ambitious goal to welcome 40 million visitors in 2025, the government is actively investing in digital infrastructure to manage rising footfall at airports and border crossings.
The introduction of the TDAC aligns with this growth strategy, allowing immigration authorities to process tourist information more efficiently while maintaining high security standards.
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is a pre-arrival online form that must be filled out by all foreign nationals, whether arriving by air, land, or sea. It is mandatory for both visa-exempt travellers and those with a visa requirement.
Here’s how it works:
- Tourists must visit the official TDAC website and complete the form within 72 hours before their arrival in Thailand.
- After submission, travellers receive a digital confirmation which can be saved on a mobile device or printed out.
- This confirmation must be presented to immigration officers upon arrival, replacing the traditional TM6 card.
The form captures essential traveller details such as passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation address, and purpose of visit.
Key Benefits of the TDAC System
Thailand’s switch to a digital arrival system brings multiple advantages—for the government, the tourism industry, and travellers.
1. Faster Immigration Processing
Digital pre-screening of traveller data helps immigration officers clear tourists more quickly at border checkpoints, reducing long queues and wait times at busy airports like Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi.
2. Enhanced Security and Border Management
By gathering information in advance, Thai authorities can better manage entry points and flag potential security concerns before travellers arrive.
3. Eco-Friendly Travel Solution
Eliminating paper forms not only simplifies the process but also aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental waste, particularly in high-volume sectors like travel and tourism.
4. Global Standardisation
The TDAC mirrors similar systems already adopted by countries like Singapore (SG Arrival Card) and the European Union (ETIAS), keeping Thailand aligned with international best practices in border control.
Who Needs to Fill Out the TDAC?
Every non-Thai traveller, regardless of nationality or visa status, must submit the TDAC form before entering Thailand. This includes:
- Tourists from visa-exempt countries
- Visitors holding tourist or business visas
- Travellers arriving by flight, road, or sea
- Individuals transiting through Thailand
Failure to submit the digital arrival card could lead to delays or additional screening at immigration checkpoints.
What Information Is Required?
To fill out the TDAC, travellers will need:
- Passport details
- Flight or travel information
- Accommodation address in Thailand
- Purpose of visit
- Contact details while in Thailand
The process is designed to be user-friendly, and most travellers should be able to complete the form in under 10 minutes.
Preparing for the May 2025 Rollout
With the system set to go live from May 1, 2025, the Thai government, in coordination with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and international airlines, is launching a global awareness campaign. Airlines, travel agents, and embassies will inform tourists about the new requirement, helping them prepare before departure.
Travellers are advised to:
- Complete the TDAC as soon as their travel details are confirmed
- Carry a printed or digital copy of the confirmation
- Ensure all information matches passport and travel documents
The Thai immigration authority has also confirmed that a mobile-friendly version of the TDAC platform will be launched to improve accessibility for tourists using smartphones.
Industry Response
Tour operators, airlines, and hospitality providers have largely welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed upgrade to a system that has relied on paper forms for decades.
Travel industry experts believe that the TDAC will significantly reduce friction at the point of entry, especially during peak tourism seasons and major holidays. Hotels are also being encouraged to assist guests with completing the digital form ahead of their journey.
Thailand’s Vision for Smart Travel
The launch of the TDAC is part of a broader strategy by the Thai government to position the country as a smart tourism destination. In recent years, Thailand has introduced e-visa systems, biometric passport checks, and expanded digital payment infrastructure to improve the travel experience.
As Southeast Asia continues to attract millions of international visitors, initiatives like the TDAC will be key to ensuring sustainable growth, traveller safety, and operational efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card is more than just a new travel form—it’s a forward-thinking approach to modern tourism management. As one of Asia’s most visited destinations, Thailand is leading by example in adopting technology to enhance the traveller experience and meet the demands of a fast-evolving global tourism landscape.
For visitors planning to explore the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the serene beaches of Phuket, or the cultural wonders of Chiang Mai, submitting the TDAC will now be a simple, essential part of their journey. With clear benefits for both visitors and the nation, this digital innovation is poised to make travel to Thailand more convenient, efficient, and secure than ever before.
