Thailand’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years, with more than 35.54 million foreign visitors in 2024. This represents a 26.27% increase over the previous year, driven by relaxed entry restrictions and visa exemptions. With a goal of attracting 40 million tourists in 2025, Thailand is now preparing for even more visitors by introducing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) on May 1, 2025.
Why the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
In an effort to streamline the entry process and enhance border security, the TDAC will replace the outdated TM6 form, ushering in a fully digital immigration system for all non-Thai nationals. Whether arriving by air, land, or sea, travelers will be required to complete the TDAC before entering Thailand. This digital card applies to both visa-exempt and visa-required travelers—no exceptions.
The TDAC will help improve Thailand’s immigration processes, reduce wait times, and better control the flow of visitors. With similar systems already in place in countries like Singapore (SG Arrival Card) and the upcoming European Union’s ETIAS, Thailand is aligning itself with international travel trends.
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Key Features of the TDAC:
- Required for all foreign visitors arriving by air, land, or sea.
- No exceptions, including both visa-exempt and visa-required travelers.
- Must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to arrival.
- Travelers will receive a digital or printed confirmation to present at immigration checkpoints.
The TDAC will help cut down on paperwork, enhance border security, and speed up the entry process, making it more efficient for both travelers and officials.
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Benefits of the TDAC for Travelers
- Faster Entry: Say goodbye to long immigration lines. The digital process speeds up the time it takes to clear immigration.
- Increased Accuracy: By using a digital system, errors commonly associated with paper forms will be minimized.
- Ease of Use: Complete the TDAC before your trip, eliminating the need for last-minute paperwork.
- Free and Simple: No application fees are required, and the process is user-friendly for all travelers.
Why Thailand Is Moving to Digital Technology
Thailand’s goal is to become a tech-driven travel hub, and the TDAC is a major part of this vision. The new digital system offers several key advantages:
- E-Visa Integration: Simplifying visa applications and approval processes.
- Health Screening: Improved monitoring of travelers for safety and disease prevention.
- Tourism Fee Management: Streamlining the collection of tourist fees, which are reinvested into Thailand’s tourism initiatives.
By moving to a digital-first immigration system, Thailand aims to create a smoother, more modern travel experience for millions of visitors every year.
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Who Needs to Complete the TDAC?
- All foreign visitors arriving by air, land, or sea must complete the TDAC.
- Exceptions:
- Transit passengers who are not going through immigration control are exempt.
- Border pass holders with special travel authorizations are also exempt.
- Transit passengers who are not going through immigration control are exempt.
When Should You Submit the TDAC?
The TDAC must be submitted at least 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand. While the deadline is 72 hours, travel experts recommend submitting the form as soon as your travel plans are confirmed to avoid last-minute delays.
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How to Apply for the TDAC
Applying for the TDAC is quick and easy. Simply follow these steps:
- Visit the official TDAC website: tdac.immigration.go.th.
- Select “Arrival Card” and fill in your personal details (travel itinerary, passport information, and accommodation details).
- List any countries you’ve visited in the last two weeks for health screening.
- For families or groups, submit a group application.
- Review your information and make necessary corrections.
- Submit the form and enter your email address to receive the confirmation.
- Download or print your TDAC for your arrival in Thailand.
Can You Update Your TDAC?
Yes, if your travel plans change, you can easily update your TDAC. Here’s how:
- Visit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card website and select “Update Arrival Card”.
- Enter your nationality, birthdate, passport number, and TDAC number.
- Review and update the information.
- Download the updated Thailand Digital Arrival Card and keep it for your records.
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Things You will Need Before Submitting Your TDAC
Ensure you have the following information ready:
- Passport details.
- Travel and accommodation information.
- Health declarations (if applicable).
Thailand’s Multilingual Efforts to Facilitate the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
To ensure a smooth transition, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau is releasing multilingual brochures, videos, and guides in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese. These resources will help travelers understand the new system and avoid any confusion.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card Benefits for Thailand’s Tourism Industry
- Streamlined Border Control: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card will help Thailand handle a larger number of visitors more efficiently, especially as the country targets 40 million tourists in 2025.
- Tech-Friendly Image: Thailand will further cement its reputation as a modern, digital-forward destination for international travelers.
- Improved Tourism Experience: With quicker entry and fewer administrative hurdles, the travel experience will be more enjoyable for visitors.
Final Thoughts
The TDAC represents a major step forward in Thailand’s efforts to improve its immigration processes and become a global leader in tech-driven travel. It’s quick, simple, and designed to improve the experience for both travelers and Thai officials.
Planning to visit Thailand? Make sure to complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card at least 72 hours before your arrival to ensure a smooth and fast entry. Visit tdac.immigration.go.th to get started today!
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