Wave goodbye to the old-school TM6 form—Thailand is stepping boldly into the digital future of travel. Starting 1 May 2025, a new era begins with the launch of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), transforming how foreign visitors enter this vibrant Southeast Asian nation.
If you’ve ever fumbled with a pen mid-flight to scribble down your hotel address or tried to balance your passport on a tray table while filling out the blue-and-white TM6 form, this news will come as a relief. Thailand, known for its innovation in tourism and hospitality, is streamlining its immigration process with a paperless system designed to make arrivals faster, smoother, and smarter.
Here’s everything you need to know about this important travel update—plus pro tips to ensure your next Thai adventure starts off stress-free.
Farewell to TM6: The Paper Era Ends
For years, every visitor to Thailand had to complete the TM6 arrival/departure card—a staple of international flights into Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and beyond. This paper form, often crumpled or lost before even reaching passport control, has now been officially retired.
In its place? The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a sleek online platform that lets travelers submit their information before they even pack their bags. This digital leap is part of a broader government initiative to modernize Thailand’s border systems, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency for both travelers and officials.
So, What Is the TDAC?
The TDAC is a digital form required for all foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. It collects the same key details as the TM6 but through a secure online portal.
What You’ll Need to Provide:
- Personal Details: Full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number
- Travel Information: Flight number, arrival date/time, accommodation in Thailand, purpose of visit
- Health Declaration: Basic questions for public health screening
Once you’ve submitted the form (within 72 hours before your arrival), you’ll receive a QR code or confirmation email—which you’ll need to present at immigration along with your passport.
Why the Switch to Digital?
Thailand isn’t just trying to save trees. This move aligns with broader efforts to future-proof the country’s immigration and tourism systems. Here’s why the TDAC matters:
- Faster processing at immigration checkpoints
- Improved national security through better data collection
- Enhanced visitor tracking for tourism insights
- Streamlined public health monitoring
- Better experience for travelers—because nobody likes long lines
In a post-pandemic world, efficient and safe travel has become more important than ever. The TDAC is a tool that allows Thailand to welcome tourists without compromising on safety, organization, or convenience.
Top Benefits of the TDAC for Travelers
| Feature | Why It’s Awesome |
| Paperless Travel | No more last-minute scribbles on bumpy flights |
| Faster Immigration | Say goodbye to long queues and delays |
| Mobile Friendly | Fill it out on your phone, tablet, or laptop |
| Pre-arrival Organization | All travel info sorted before you land |
| Better Security | Digital storage = smarter, safer data handling |
Whether you’re backpacking through Chiang Mai or heading for luxury in Phuket, a pre-filled TDAC gets you through immigration faster and with far less stress.
How to Apply for the TDAC
Good news—it’s free, quick, and accessible from anywhere. Here’s how to do it right:
- Go to the official TDAC website
- (The platform will be shared by Thai embassies, airlines, and tourism sites as the launch date approaches.)
- Fill out the form using your passport, flight details, and accommodation info.
- Submit it within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival.
- Receive your confirmation email or QR code.
- Show the QR code and your passport at Thai immigration.
The site is designed to be user-friendly and will be available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian at launch—with plans to expand to more languages in the future.
Who Needs the TDAC?
If you’re a foreign visitor planning a vacation, business trip, or even a short family visit, you must complete the TDAC.
Who’s Exempt?
- Thai citizens
- Permanent residents
- Transit passengers (who don’t clear immigration)
- Visitors using Border Passes for local cross-border travel
What Happens If You Forget?
Let’s be real—immigration is not the place to wing it.
If you arrive in Thailand without filling out the TDAC, you may still be able to complete it at the airport. However, you’ll likely face longer wait times, possible manual processing, and even questioning from immigration officials.
Our tip? Fill it out early, triple-check your info, and avoid the hassle. Your beach hammock in Koh Samui awaits—you don’t want delays at the gate to ruin the vibe.
Common Challenges Travelers May Face
Even with the best intentions, no new system is perfect. As the TDAC rolls out, travelers have reported a few snags:
- Technical glitches: Occasionally, users face site errors or form submission issues.
- QR code confusion: Some travelers aren’t sure if they need to print it or save it digitally.
- Accessibility issues: Those without reliable internet access or mobile devices may struggle.
- Privacy concerns: Questions around how data is stored and who can access it.
- Language limitations: More regional and native language support is still needed.
Thai authorities are aware of these issues and are actively working to improve the system. But in the early months, give yourself extra time to complete the process and don’t wait until the last minute.
Final Thoughts: Welcome to the Future of Travel in Thailand
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card may seem like a small change, but it’s part of a massive step forward for global tourism. Countries like Singapore, Australia, and members of the EU are all embracing digital immigration systems—and now, Thailand is joining the ranks.
For travelers, this means:
- Shorter lines
- Faster processing
- A smoother, more organised arrival experience
While it might take a bit of adjusting (especially for non-tech-savvy visitors), the long-term benefits are clear. Less paper, less hassle, more time enjoying the sights, sounds, and street food of Thailand.
So, whether you’re planning to kayak around Krabi’s limestone cliffs, explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, or sip Thai iced tea at a market in Chiang Rai—don’t forget to fill out your TDAC before you fly.
