Bangkok, Thailand – Starting May 1, 2025, all international travelers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea will be required to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at least three days prior to their arrival. This new digital entry requirement, announced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, aims to streamline the immigration process by replacing the traditional paper-based TM6 immigration form, which was suspended in 2022 to reduce airport congestion.
The TDAC is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to digitize its immigration system, promising a faster, more secure, and efficient entry process for visitors. Travelers must submit the TDAC through the official Thailand Immigration Bureau website (https://tdac.immigration.go.th), providing personal details such as full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, travel details, purpose of stay, accommodation address in Thailand, and health information, including countries visited in the 14 days prior to arrival.
Upon successful submission, travelers will receive a confirmation email or QR code, which must be presented—either digitally or as a printed copy—alongside their passport at immigration checkpoints. The system opens for registration three days before the intended arrival date, using Thailand’s time zone (+7 hours), so travelers should plan accordingly to account for time zone differences.
The TDAC is mandatory for all non-Thai nationals, regardless of visa status, except for those in transit who do not pass through immigration control and travelers with a “Border Pass” for specific border crossings. The registration process is free of charge, and the confirmation QR code will allow access to automatic gates at various immigration checkpoints, further speeding up entry.
Travel Republic, an online holiday provider, emphasized that the TDAC does not replace existing entry requirements. British travelers, for example, still need a valid passport with at least six months of validity for visa-free entry, which allows a stay of up to 60 days, potentially extendable by 30 days. Those traveling for work or business purposes may require a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), valid for up to 180 days per entry over five years.
The introduction of the TDAC is expected to enhance the travel experience by reducing paperwork and border congestion, particularly for popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi. Thailand welcomed over 2.1 million Indian tourists in 2024, making India the third-largest source market, and the digital system is anticipated to benefit frequent visitors with its efficiency.
Travelers are advised to check the official TDAC website and Royal Thai Embassy for the latest updates, as details may change during the system’s initial implementation phase. Overstaying a visa or failing to comply with entry requirements could result in fines or a ban from re-entering Thailand for up to 10 years.
For more information, visit https://tdac.immigration.go.th or contact your local Thai embassy.