New Digital Arrival Card Entry Rules for Thailand from 1st May 2025

The new online process replaces the paper arrival card

The Immigration Bureau of Thailand is introducing a new online arrival form called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) from 1st May 2025. The system opens on 28 April to accommodate those arriving on 1 May.

This replaces the previous paper arrival cards (TM6 form) that had to be filled out on the plane before entering Thailand. The introduction of the digital arrival card aligns with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) ‘Smart Tourism’ initiative.

Commenting on TDAC, Ms. Worapa Ankhasirisap Director of TAT London said:

“The introduction of Thailand’s new Digital Arrival Card is a huge step forward in enhancing the travel experience for international visitors. This streamlined, paperless system makes the arrival process more efficient allowing travellers to start their journey in Thailand with ease. By embracing digital innovation, we are not only improving border procedures but also gathering valuable insights to better understand travel trends and enhance our tourism offerings.” 

From 1 May 2025, all international travellers, who do not hold a Thai passport, entering Thailand by air, land, or sea for leisure or business must apply online for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before they enter Thailand.

The TDAC is mandatory and free to complete.

The only exceptions for non-Thai passport holders are those transiting or transferring in Thailand without going through immigration control.

You can apply for the digital arrival card up to three days before your arrival date to Thailand. For example, if arriving on 5 May the online submission can begin on 2 May. If you have a smartphone/tablet/computer and can access wifi, you can also apply on arrival in Thailand before you queue to go through immigration. TAT recommends completing the application before travelling for peace of mind.

You can submit a TDAC as an individual or as part of a group if travelling as a party. Once travellers complete their details online, they will receive a QR code. Along with their passport, this QR code must be shown (on a device or printed out)  to the immigration officer on arrival to Thailand.

To apply for a TDAC visit the official website https://tdac.immigration.go.th  and follow the step by step guide for ‘Arrival Card’. You will need to hand: passport details, flight and accommodation details, names of countries visited within two weeks of arrival to Thailand for health declaration purposes, an email address. For a group, additional passengers can be added to an application, following the same steps. On accepting the terms and conditions the QR code will be displayed and sent to the given email address.

A TDAC is not a visa. Currently British and Irish citizens can travel to Thailand for 60 days visa free.

The complete user guide can be found here: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/manual/en/index.html

For a useful list of FAQs visit https://fanclubthailand.co.uk/thailand-digital-arrival-card-tdac/