Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Thai Immigration and Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
1. What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online system replacing the paper-based TM6 immigration form. Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign travelers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the TDAC before arrival to streamline immigration processes and enhance security.
2. Who needs to submit the TDAC?
All non-Thai nationals, including tourists, business travelers, and long-term residents, must submit the TDAC, regardless of visa status (visa-exempt, visa on arrival, or visa holders). Thai passport holders are exempt.
3. When should I submit my TDAC?
You should submit your TDAC at least 3 days before your arrival in Thailand. This ensures smooth processing and avoids delays at immigration checkpoints. Posts on X have noted this 3-day advance requirement as a key guideline.
4. Where can I submit the TDAC?
You can submit the TDAC on the official website, tdac.immigration.go.th. Ensure you use the official portal to avoid scams. The system integrates with platforms like the E-Visa system and disease-screening services for convenience.
5. Is there a fee for submitting the TDAC?
No, the TDAC is free of charge. However, be aware that other systems, like the E-Visa or a potential tourism tax (possibly 300 THB in the future), may involve fees.
6. What information do I need to provide for the TDAC?
You’ll need to provide:
Full name, nationality, and passport details
Flight or vehicle number and arrival date
Purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business)
Accommodation address in Thailand
Contact details (phone number, email)
Health declaration, including symptoms and vaccination status (e.g., Yellow Fever certificate if applicable)
7. Do I need a smartphone to complete the TDAC?
While the TDAC is designed to be submitted online, self-service kiosks and immigration officers will assist travelers without smartphones at entry points. However, completing it in advance is recommended to avoid delays.
8. What happens if I don’t submit the TDAC before arrival?
If you don’t submit the TDAC in advance, you can complete it at the airport or border checkpoint using self-service kiosks or with assistance from immigration officers. However, this may cause delays, so it’s best to submit it beforehand.
9. How do I know if my TDAC submission was successful?
After submitting the TDAC, you’ll receive an acknowledgment email with a QR code or confirmation number. Save this digitally or print it to present to immigration officers upon arrival.
10. Can I edit my TDAC after submission?
Yes, the TDAC system allows corrections if mistakes are made. You can log back into tdac.immigration.go.th with your application details to make changes before your arrival.
11. Is the TDAC the same as a visa?
No, the TDAC is not a visa. It’s a digital arrival card required for immigration tracking and security. You must still ensure you have the appropriate visa or qualify for visa exemption to enter Thailand.
12. What health declarations are required for the TDAC?
You must declare any symptoms (e.g., fever, cough) and provide vaccination details, such as a Yellow Fever certificate if traveling from affected countries. If you declare symptoms, you may need to visit the Department of Disease Control counter before immigration clearance.
13. Do children need to submit a TDAC?
Yes, all travelers, including children and infants, must have a TDAC. Parents can include children under 12 in their application, but those 12 and older need a separate submission.
14. What should I do if I lose my TDAC confirmation?
If you lose your TDAC confirmation email or QR code, you can retrieve it by logging into tdac.immigration.go.th with your application details. It’s wise to save a digital and printed copy as a backup.
15. How does the TDAC affect my departure from Thailand?
The TDAC system may pre-fill your departure details based on your arrival information. You’ll need to provide your departure flight or vehicle number before leaving, and present the departure card (or its digital equivalent) at immigration during exit.
16. What if I’m transiting through Thailand—do I need a TDAC?
If you’re transiting without passing through immigration (e.g., staying airside), you don’t need a TDAC. However, if you clear immigration to enter Thailand, even briefly, you must submit a TDAC.
17. Is the TDAC available in multiple languages?
Yes, the TDAC is available in several languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese, to accommodate international travelers.
18. How does the TDAC improve the immigration process?
The TDAC reduces paperwork, speeds up immigration clearance, and enhances security by integrating with systems like the E-Visa platform and disease screening. It also helps Thai authorities track visitor trends more effectively.
19. What other immigration requirements should I be aware of?
In addition to the TDAC, ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days upon arrival, and have proof of onward travel and accommodation. A 300 THB tourism tax and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system may be introduced later in 2025, though these have been delayed.
20. Where can I get help if I have issues with my TDAC?
For assistance, contact the Thai Immigration Bureau via their official website or helpline. At entry points, immigration officers and self-service kiosks are available to help with TDAC submissions or troubleshooting.