The traditional Thailand immigration card (TM6 paper form) is being replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This guide explains, in clear English, what TDAC is, who needs it, how to fill it step‑by‑step, where to complete it officially for free, and how to avoid scams.
1. What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the new online version of the TM6 immigration arrival card that foreign travelers used to fill out on paper when entering Thailand.
Instead of completing a blue/white paper form on the plane or at the airport, travelers submit their arrival information online before they reach Thai immigration.
1.1. Main Goals of TDAC
- Replace or reduce the paper TM6 card
- Speed up immigration queues at airports and land borders
- Improve data accuracy and security for Thai Immigration
- Make it easier for travelers to provide their details in advance
1.2. Key Points to Remember
- TDAC is not a visa
- TDAC is not the same as a Thailand e‑Visa or visa exemption
- TDAC is simply the digital arrival / immigration form, usually required for everyone who must register entry in Thailand
Always remember: You still need a valid visa or visa‑exempt status plus a valid passport – TDAC does not replace immigration requirements; it only replaces the paper form process.
2. Who Needs the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
In general, TDAC is intended for:
- Foreign tourists entering Thailand (visa‑exempt, visa‑on‑arrival, or with a pre‑approved visa)
- Business travelers, students, medical tourists, and other short‑stay visitors
- Returning foreign residents or expats re‑entering Thailand
Thai citizens usually have separate procedures (e.g., Thai passport + Thai ID, possibly different digital systems).
2.1. Why Requirements Can Vary
Because TDAC is being rolled out in phases, the exact rules can vary by:
- Port of entry (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, land borders, etc.)
- Airline or carrier (some may promote it more actively)
- Implementation date and updates from Thai Immigration
2.2. Practical Approach for Travelers
For now, treat TDAC as:
- Required or strongly recommended for foreign visitors when the system is officially active for your point of entry
- A practical way to avoid filling paper forms on arrival, if the digital system is fully in use
Always follow the latest notice from:
- The Royal Thai Government / Immigration Bureau
- The Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country
- Official Thai Tourism channels
3. Timeline and Launch: When Does TDAC Apply?
Official announcements state that the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system is scheduled to start in 2025, with some communications mentioning 1 May 2025 as a key launch date for replacing paper arrival cards at many entry points.
3.1. Why Dates May Differ in Practice
However:
- Major national systems often have test phases and gradual rollouts
- Some airports or land borders may keep paper TM6 cards for a transitional period
- Embassies and consulates might publish local notices with slightly different emphasis or timing
3.2. What Travelers Should Do Before Flying
Check 2–4 weeks before your trip:
- Your local Thai embassy/consulate website
- The Thai Immigration Bureau site
- The Tourism Authority of Thailand site or official social pages
Always follow the most recent official guidance for your planned arrival date and airport.
4. Official TDAC Website and Access: Where to Fill It In?
Because there are many fake TDAC websites, this section is critical for both SEO and user safety.
4.1. What Is the Official TDAC Website?
The official TDAC platform will always be:
- Linked from official Thai government domains, such as:
- The Immigration Bureau
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Thai Embassies
- The Tourism Authority of Thailand
- Typically using a .go.th domain (Thai government) or being clearly linked from such domains
4.1.1. Examples of Official Sources
(Do not rely on search engine ads alone.)
- Immigration Bureau official site
- Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate websites (e.g., in your country)
- Thailand tourism official portal
4.1.2. Best Practice for Accessing TDAC
- Start from your local Thai embassy website
- Find their TDAC / arrival card section
- Follow their link to the official TDAC form
- Avoid clicking sponsored ads or unknown domains claiming to be “TDAC official” and asking for payment
4.2. How to Recognize the Real TDAC Site
Check that:
- The site is secure (https)
- The domain is clearly related to Thai government or embassies (e.g., .go.th or linked from an embassy site)
- The form mentions that TDAC is free
- There is no requirement to pay to submit the basic TDAC arrival card
If a site:
- Charges money for “TDAC processing”, “service fees”, or “express TDAC” for standard tourists, or
- Shows no connection to official Thai government / embassy / tourism domains
then do not use it.
5. TDAC vs Old Paper Thailand Immigration Card (TM6)
5.1. Comparison Table
| Feature | Old TM6 Paper Card | TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper form handed out on planes / at border | Online form (web/app) |
| When completed | During flight or in airport line | Before travel or before reaching immigration |
| Data entry | Handwritten, often unclear | Typed, more accurate and readable |
| Queue time | Slower (fill at counter) | Potentially faster (pre‑filled, just show passport/QR, etc.) |
| Corrections | Need new card if mistakes | Edit digitally before final submission |
| Environment | Uses paper | Paperless |
| Risk of losing | Can be lost or damaged | Stored digitally in system |
6. Step‑by‑Step: How to Fill the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
This is the main CRO/SEO section with clear, actionable steps.
6.1. Before You Start
Prepare:
- Passport details (number, expiry date, nationality)
- Flight information:
- Airline
- Flight number
- Date of arrival
- Accommodation information:
- Hotel name, address, phone number
- Or private address (condo, apartment, friend/family)
- Contact details:
- Email and phone, preferably one you can access during travel
- Visa information, if applicable:
- Visa type, validity, reference number (for e‑Visa or pre‑approved visa)
6.2. Access the Official TDAC Form
- Go to the official website:
- Start from your Thai Embassy / Consulate website or Thai Immigration / Tourism site
- Click the link for TDAC / Digital Arrival Card
- Confirm:
- The page uses https
- There is no fee mentioned for standard TDAC submission
- Select language:
- Choose English (or another language, if offered)
6.3. Create an Account or Proceed as Guest
Depending on system design:
- Some platforms may allow guest submission
- Others may require simple registration (email + password, or email + verification code)
If registration is required:
- Enter your email address
- Create a strong password (if applicable)
- Confirm via email verification link or code
6.4. Fill in Personal Details
Typical fields (mirror of the old TM6 card):
- Full name (as in passport)
- Sex
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
- Country of residence
Tips:
- Make sure spelling matches your passport exactly
- Avoid nicknames or shortened versions of your name
6.5. Travel and Flight Information
You will usually be asked for:
- Type of arrival:
- Air, land, or sea
- Port of entry:
- For example: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK), Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), or a specific land border
- Flight number:
- As shown on your booking/boarding pass (e.g., TG921, QR830)
- Date and approximate time of arrival
Make sure to:
- Double‑check the flight number format
- Use the correct arrival date in Thailand (time zones can confuse late‑night flights)
6.6. Accommodation Information in Thailand
Typical fields:
- Type of stay:
- Hotel/Resort
- Airbnb / short‑term rental
- Friend / family’s place
- Condo / own property
- Address details:
- Hotel name and full address
- Phone number of accommodation (hotel reception or host)
- Province / City:
- For example: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, etc.
If you are visiting multiple places:
- Provide your first night’s accommodation details, or the main contact address in Thailand
6.7. Purpose and Duration of Stay
You may be asked:
- Purpose of visit:
- Tourism
- Business
- Education
- Medical treatment
- Visiting family/friends
- Other (with description)
- Estimated length of stay:
- Number of days or dates of entry/exit
Answer honestly and consistently with your visa type and travel plans.
6.8. Additional Questions (Security / Customs / Public Health)
Some digital forms include:
- Questions about carrying restricted goods, cash amounts, or prohibited items
- Optional public health declarations (depending on current regulations)
Answer truthfully. Giving false information can cause issues with immigration or customs.
6.9. Review and Confirm
Before submitting:
- Review all data:
- Names and numbers
- Flight details
- Accommodation
- Correct any mistakes
- Confirm that the information is true and accurate
Then click Submit.
6.10. Save Confirmation or QR Code
After submission, the system may:
- Display a confirmation page
- Generate a QR code or reference number
- Send a confirmation email
Do all of the following:
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation / QR code
- Save the PDF or image (if provided) on your phone
- Keep the email from the TDAC system easily accessible
At immigration, you may be asked to:
- Show your passport and the TDAC confirmation / QR
- The officer will see your digital arrival information in their system
7. How to Submit the TDAC / ETA Arrival Card for Thailand
Travelers often ask “How do I submit the ETA arrival card?” or “How to submit the TDAC arrival form?” Here is the simple process:
- Find the official TDAC link:
- From your Thai Embassy / Consulate / Immigration / Tourism site
- Fill out the digital form:
- Personal data, passport, flight, accommodation, purpose of visit
- Submit online:
- Ideally 24–72 hours before arrival
- Receive confirmation:
- Email, QR code, or reference number
- Show passport + TDAC confirmation at immigration:
- Printed or on your phone
There is no need to send it by email, print and mail it, or upload to third‑party agents.
8. Cost of Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Is It Free?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) itself is free.
- Thai Immigration does not charge a fee just to submit the standard TDAC arrival form.
Any website or agent asking you to pay for the “TDAC form” is either:
- Selling a paid service (e.g., filling the form on your behalf), or
- Running a misleading or scam website
You may still have to pay for:
- Your visa fee (if you need a visa)
- Visa on arrival fee, if applicable
- Airline tickets and other travel costs
But no official fee should be required just for completing TDAC.
9. Should You Pay Agents for TDAC?
In almost all normal cases: No, there is no reason to pay an agent just to complete TDAC.
9.1. Why Paying Agents Is Usually Unnecessary
- The official TDAC platform is designed to be simple and user‑friendly
- The process is similar to filling a basic online form
- Agents cannot give you special priority at immigration just for TDAC
- You still have to appear in person at immigration, even if someone else filled the form
9.2. When Agents Might Make Sense
Using an agent may only make sense if:
- You have serious difficulty using online forms (e.g., certain disabilities and no assistance)
- You are part of a large group and a tour company handles all documentation as part of a package
Even then, the agent fee is purely for convenience, not for any official immigration benefit.
10. How to Avoid Fake TDAC Websites and Scams
Because TDAC is new, scammers exploit travelers searching for “Thailand digital arrival card” or “TDAC form”. Protect yourself using these guidelines.
10.1. Typical Fake TDAC Website Warning Signs
Be suspicious if a website:
- Does not use a .go.th domain or is not linked from an official Thai government / embassy site
- Only displays .com or other domains with no clear official affiliation
- Asks for high fees just for TDAC (e.g., 20–100 USD per person)
- Heavily promotes “urgent processing” or “guaranteed approval” for TDAC
- Has poor English, vague contact details, or no clear company information
- Shows aggressive countdown timers, “only X spots left”, or similar pressure tactics
10.2. How to Check If a TDAC Site Is Safe
Start from official sources:
- Thai Embassy website in your country
- Thai Immigration or Tourism Authority
Confirm:
- The link to TDAC is directly on that official page
Check browser indicators:
- https lock icon
- Correct domain spelling
Search the domain name with terms like “scam” or “review” on travel forums (Reddit, TripAdvisor, etc.).
If there is any doubt, do not enter passport or payment details.
10.3. Never Share These on Unverified TDAC Sites
- Full passport scans or photos
- Credit card details
- Bank details
- Personal copies of other IDs (driver’s license, etc.)
Only share such sensitive data on verified government platforms or well‑established legitimate services.
11. TDAC and ETA: Are They the Same?
Terminology sometimes causes confusion:
- ETA often means Electronic Travel Authorization in other countries (e.g., Canada, Sri Lanka)
- Thailand does not use “ETA” in the same way for all nationalities
- In many traveler discussions, “ETA arrival card” is casually used to mean a digital arrival form
11.1. Key Takeaway
For Thailand, the TDAC is the relevant term for the digital arrival card / immigration card.
Your visa (e‑Visa, visa exemption, visa on arrival, etc.) is always separate from TDAC.
12. Common TDAC Problems and How to Fix Them
12.1. TDAC Website Not Working / Error
Try:
- Using a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)
- Switching from mobile to desktop, or vice versa
- Trying again later, as systems may be under maintenance
If the system is down and you are close to travel, prepare to:
- Fill the paper TM6 arrival card at the airport or border, if immigration still provides them
- Confirm with your airline or Thai embassy what to do
12.2. Submitted Wrong Information
If you notice a mistake:
- Log back into the TDAC system (if account‑based) and see if you can edit or resubmit
- If you cannot edit:
- Print your confirmation or have it on your phone
- Explain the situation to the immigration officer on arrival
Officers usually can correct data when they see that you acted in good faith.
12.3. No Confirmation Email Received
Check:
- Spam / junk folder
- Whether your email was spelled correctly in the form
If there is a reference or QR code on the screen:
- Screenshot it immediately and save it
If you still have doubts:
- Contact the official support address listed on the TDAC platform, or
- Ask your Thai embassy for advice
13. TDAC and Privacy: Is the Digital Arrival Card Safe?
Most countries already collect similar data via:
- Paper arrival/departure cards
- Visa application forms
- Online e‑Visa portals
TDAC does not fundamentally change the type of data collected, but it changes the method (digital, not paper).
13.1. Advantages of Digital Over Paper
- Data is not lying around on loose paper forms
- Information is stored directly in immigration systems
- Less risk of illegible handwriting causing errors
However, always:
- Ensure that you use only the official site
- Avoid public Wi‑Fi without protection when submitting sensitive information
14. TDAC for Different Traveler Types
14.1. Tourists on Visa Exemption
Most tourists who previously filled a TM6 paper card will now:
- Submit TDAC online before arrival (when the system is active), or
- Fill both TDAC and/or any remaining local forms if requested during the transition
14.2. Visa on Arrival Travelers
If your nationality uses Visa on Arrival, you may:
- Still apply for your Visa on Arrival (or e‑Visa on Arrival if available) separately
- Also need to complete TDAC, depending on how the system is integrated at your entry point
Always check:
- Thai Immigration
- The Visa on Arrival instructions on your embassy or official visa portal
14.3. Long‑Term Residents / Expats
Returning expats may also be asked to:
- Use TDAC instead of the paper card, or
- Follow special rules published by Thai Immigration
Since expats are often targeted by online scams, it is especially important to bookmark only the official government and embassy links.
15. Detailed FAQ: Thailand Immigration Card & TDAC
This FAQ section is designed to match and exceed the most common search questions and forum topics.
Q1. What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
TDAC is the online, digital replacement for the traditional TM6 paper immigration arrival card. Travelers submit their arrival information through an official government platform before entering Thailand.
Q2. Do I still need a visa if I submit TDAC?
Yes. TDAC does not replace a visa.
You still need:
- A valid visa, visa exemption, or Visa on Arrival (depending on your nationality), and
- A valid passport that meets Thai entry requirements
TDAC is only the arrival/immigration information form, not a permission of stay.
Q3. Is TDAC mandatory for all travelers?
TDAC is being rolled out gradually. For many foreign travelers, it will replace the paper TM6 card.
Whether it is strictly mandatory at your entry point depends on:
- The date of your trip
- The airport or border you use
- The latest Thai Immigration regulations
Always check recent guidance from Thai Immigration or your local Thai embassy before traveling.
Q4. How do I submit the Thailand TDAC arrival form?
- Go to the official TDAC website via an official Thai government / embassy link
- Fill in your personal, passport, flight, accommodation, and visit details
- Review and submit the form
- Save the confirmation / QR code / reference number
- Show it together with your passport at Thai immigration
Q5. What is the official website for Thailand TDAC arrival forms?
The official TDAC platform will always be linked from:
- Thai Immigration Bureau
- Royal Thai Embassy / Consulate websites
- Tourism Authority of Thailand or other official Thai government portals
To be safe:
- Start from your local Thai embassy website
- Find the section for Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
- Click their provided link to the TDAC system
Avoid relying only on generic search results or sponsored ads.
Q6. What is the price (cost) of Thailand TDAC forms?
The TDAC form itself is free.
Thai Immigration does not charge any official fee just to submit a TDAC arrival card.
If a website asks you to pay for TDAC:
- It is either a private service provider (charging for convenience), or
- A fake / scam website
Q7. Is there any reason to pay agents for Thailand TDAC?
Normally, no. There is no immigration advantage in paying an agent just to fill the TDAC form. The official process is designed to be simple enough for most travelers to handle themselves.
The only exceptions might be:
- Special cases where a traveler cannot use digital forms without assistance
- Group bookings where a reputable tour company handles all paperwork
Even in those cases, agents are paid for convenience, not for any official “faster TDAC”.
Q8. How to avoid Thailand TDAC arrival card scams?
Follow these rules:
- Only use links from official Thai government / embassy / immigration / tourism websites
- Avoid sites that:
- Charge high fees for TDAC
- Promise “priority processing” or “guaranteed approval”
- Have no clear contact information or legal notice
- Check travel forums (Reddit, TripAdvisor, etc.) for reports about suspicious TDAC websites
- Never share passport scans or card details on unverified websites
Q9. What is the correct website for Thailand TDAC?
There is no single generic “short easy name” that can be trusted in isolation.
The correct site is whichever the Thai Government officially designates and links from:
- Thai Immigration Bureau
- Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
Start with your embassy site, and follow their TDAC link. That is the safest approach.
Q10. How and where do I fill the Thailand arrival form online?
You fill the arrival form (TDAC) online on the official government platform. Steps:
- Go to the official Thai embassy / immigration / tourism website
- Find the TDAC / Digital Arrival Card section
- Click through to the online form
- Fill in your data and submit
The form is not submitted via email; it is usually an online portal with a confirmation page and sometimes a QR code.
Q11. When should I complete TDAC before traveling?
The best practice is to:
- Complete TDAC 24–72 hours before arrival in Thailand, unless instructions specify otherwise
- Not leave it to the last minute in case there are technical issues or system maintenance
If you forget, you may still be able to complete it at the airport (digital or paper) depending on current regulations.
Q12. What if I cannot access the TDAC website from my country?
If the TDAC system is unavailable or blocked:
- Try a different browser or device
- Try from a different network (e.g., mobile data instead of office Wi‑Fi)
If nothing works, contact your local Thai embassy for guidance.
In some cases, immigration may still provide paper TM6 cards during a transition period.
Q13. Do I need TDAC for each time I enter Thailand?
Yes. TDAC (like the old TM6 form) is a per‑entry requirement.
Each time you enter Thailand, you should submit a new TDAC with your current trip details, unless the regulations specify a multi‑entry process.
Q14. Is the TDAC form in English?
Yes, the TDAC platform is expected to offer English and possibly other languages, even if some Thai Immigration websites themselves are primarily in Thai.
If you see Thai‑only navigation:
- Look for an “English” button at the top
- Or change language in your browser translation settings
Q15. What if TDAC and my visa details do not match?
If you accidentally entered:
- The wrong flight number
- Wrong hotel name
- Minor typo in your address
Normally, this can be explained at immigration.
For serious mismatches (wrong passport number, different person, etc.):
- Correct and resubmit TDAC, or
- Ask the immigration officer or your Thai embassy for the correct solution
Q16. Why are some Thai Immigration websites not fully in English?
Many official Thai websites primarily serve domestic audiences, so Thai is often the default language. English translations may be:
- Partial
- Updated later than the Thai versions
This is why:
- Travelers should rely on Thai embassies abroad and official tourism sites, which usually provide better English‑language guidance
- Browser translation tools can also help navigate Thai‑only pages, but official English‑language pages are always preferable
Q17. What if I already filled the paper TM6 card – do I still need TDAC?
During the transition period, there may be:
- Locations where paper TM6 is still accepted
- Places where TDAC is already mandatory
If you have filled a paper TM6 but the officer asks for TDAC:
- Explain your situation politely
- Follow the instructions given at the immigration counter
In most cases, they will tell you exactly which form is currently accepted.
16. Final Practical Tips for Travelers
- Treat TDAC as part of your standard pre‑travel checklist
- Always keep:
- A photo of your passport (stored securely)
- A copy of your TDAC confirmation on your phone and preferably in the cloud
- Check official Thai sources 2–4 weeks before departure for any updates
- Do not pay for TDAC forms; they are free from Thai Immigration
- If in doubt, ask your local Thai embassy – that is the safest and most up‑to‑date reference
With the right preparation, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) should make your arrival faster, smoother, and more convenient than the old paper immigration card system, while keeping your personal data more secure and easier for immigration officers to process.
