Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): The 2026 Entry Guide

From May 2026, every foreign national arriving in Thailand is required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before boarding their flight. The paper TM6 arrival form — the card that was once handed out on planes and at land borders — is no longer used. Thailand Immigration now requires all non-Thai travellers to submit their arrival information online through the official TDAC system before they reach the border.

If you are travelling to Thailand as a tourist, business visitor, retiree, or on any long-stay visa, the TDAC applies to you. Missing it can cause delays at immigration, so it is worth completing well before your departure.

What is the TDAC?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online pre-registration system operated by the Thai Immigration Bureau. It replaces the paper TM6 form that was previously completed by hand on the flight or at the border. Instead of filling in a card in the arrivals hall queue, you now submit the same information electronically through the official website before you depart for Thailand.

The TDAC collects basic information about who you are, where you are staying, and the purpose of your visit. Once you submit, you receive a QR code confirmation that you present to the immigration officer when you arrive. The system is tied to each individual entry — every time you enter Thailand, you need a new TDAC submission.

Who needs to complete the TDAC

All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand are required to complete the TDAC. There are no exceptions based on nationality, visa type, or purpose of visit. The requirement applies equally to:

• Tourists arriving under visa exemption, visa on arrival, or a tourist visa (TR / METV)
• Non-immigrant visa holders: Non-B, Non-O, Non-O-A, Non-OX, Non-ED, LTR, and DTV
• Business visitors and work permit holders
• Retirees on extension of stay
• Children and infants travelling on non-Thai passports

If you enter Thailand on a foreign passport, the TDAC is required — regardless of how many times you have entered before.

How to register online

The official registration site is tdac.immigration.go.th — this is the only legitimate portal for the TDAC, and it is completely free of charge. A number of third-party websites offer to complete the TDAC for a fee; these are unnecessary. The genuine TDAC system costs nothing.

You must complete the registration within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand — that is, up to three days ahead of your entry date. You cannot submit many weeks in advance. Complete your TDAC before boarding, not after you land.

To fill in the form, you will need:

• Your passport (photo page, passport number, expiry date, nationality)
• Your travel details (flight or transport information, expected entry date)
• Your accommodation address in Thailand (hotel name and address, or the address where you will be staying)
• A health declaration as required by the Ministry of Public Health

The form takes roughly 10 minutes if you have your documents ready. After you submit, you receive a confirmation email containing a QR code. Save or screenshot this QR code — you will need to present it to the immigration officer when you arrive.

Practical tip: Complete your TDAC a day or two before your flight. The official portal can be busy during peak travel periods, and having your confirmation ready before you board avoids any last-minute stress.

Airport kiosks if you miss the online window

If you arrive in Thailand without having completed your TDAC online — for example, you were in transit without internet access — self-service kiosks are available at five major airports:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
• Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)
• Phuket International Airport
• Chiang Mai International Airport
• Hat Yai International Airport

These kiosks allow you to complete the TDAC on arrival, but they are intended as a fallback rather than the primary method. Immigration queues can be long at busy airports, and using a kiosk adds time to your arrival process. The online pre-registration is strongly preferred.

If you are entering Thailand through a land border crossing, the kiosk option may not be available. In that situation, completing the TDAC online before you cross is essential.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Entering incorrect passport details. The TDAC is matched to your passport and entry. If the information does not match your actual document, you may face delays at immigration. Check the passport number and expiry date carefully before submitting.
• Using unofficial websites that charge a fee. The real TDAC system at tdac.immigration.go.th is free. If a website charges you for a TDAC submission, it is not the official system.
• Not saving the QR code confirmation. This is what the immigration officer checks. Save it to your phone or print a copy — do not rely on loading an email over slow airport Wi-Fi.
• Waiting until the departure lounge. The window opens 72 hours before arrival, but that is not a reason to leave it until the last moment. Complete the TDAC the day before your flight at the latest.
• Confusing the TDAC with a visa. The TDAC is an arrival pre-registration, not a visa application or extension. It does not grant permission to stay, change your visa status, or substitute for a visa where one is required.

A note on policy: Thailand’s immigration procedures and digital systems are updated regularly. The information here reflects the requirements in place for 2026, but always check the official Thai Immigration Bureau website for the most current instructions before you travel.

How Gateway Siam helps

For those on long-stay visas — retirees, business visitors, and those on family or employment-based stays — the TDAC is one part of a broader set of immigration obligations. Keeping your visa, extensions, 90-day reports, and re-entry permits in order alongside pre-arrival documentation can be a lot to track. At Gateway Siam, we help UK and Chinese nationals navigate every step of living and working in Thailand legally and without surprises. If you have questions about your upcoming entry or visa renewal, contact us for a clear, no-pressure consultation.