Thailand Digital Arrival Card: Complete Visual Guide (2025)
Travelling to Thailand just got a bit simpler with the introduction of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. This online form replaces the old paper version, making the arrival process quicker and smoother. It’s a key step for all visitors and helps Thai authorities manage arrivals efficiently.
This guide will walk you through every part of the Digital Arrival Card, using clear images and straightforward advice. You’ll learn what details you need to provide, how to fill out the form correctly, and tips to avoid common mistakes. Whether it’s your first time or a return trip, this visual guide will help you complete the process with confidence.
Important Update
Starting May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This replaces the paper TM6 form.
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
Before you step off the plane and into the warm air of Thailand, there’s a simple step in your travel routine that has recently changed. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online form designed to replace the old paper arrival cards. It speeds up the immigration process and cuts down on paperwork, making your first moments in the country smoother. This shift to a digital format helps both travellers and officials by improving accuracy and convenience.
Background and Implementation
Thailand introduced the Digital Arrival Card system in response to growing travel numbers and a push for more efficient border control. In 2024, Thailand welcomed nearly 35 million international tourists, approaching the pre-pandemic record of 39.92 million in 2019. With such high visitor volumes, streamlining the arrival process became essential.
The paper-based arrival cards had been used for years but often caused delays or errors because of handwriting mistakes or misplaced forms. The digital option launched to simplify and modernise this step.
Starting in 2023, travellers arriving in Thailand have been able to fill out their arrival details online before they travel or as they wait to board, speeding up border checks. The move also supports health and security requirements, especially after the global pandemic made contactless processes more important. This change reflects a desire to handle thousands of arrivals daily with accuracy and speed, cutting down queues and improving everyone’s experience at the airport.
Important Note
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card must be completed at least 3 days prior to your arrival date. The submission system opens on April 28, 2025, to accommodate travelers arriving on the implementation date (May 1, 2025).
Who Needs to Fill It?
Not everyone entering Thailand needs to complete the Digital Arrival Card, but most visitors do. Here’s who should fill it out:
- Tourists: Anyone visiting Thailand for holidays or sightseeing must complete the form.
- Business Travellers: If you’re coming for meetings, conferences, or work visits, the card is required.
- Residents Returning: Thai citizens and foreigners holding long-term visas who are re-entering the country also need to fill in the digital card.
- Transit Passengers: Even if you’re passing through on your way to another country but leaving the airport, you may need to complete the form.
This digital step applies to nearly all foreigners coming into Thailand by air or sea. Anyone arriving overland may have different procedures, so checking the latest rules before travelling is wise.
By having this card ready before landing, you’ll save time and avoid last-minute stress. It’s a simple online form that everyone entering Thailand should consider a must-do step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the Digital Arrival Card
Completing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is easier than it sounds. This step-by-step guide will help you through every part of the process. From accessing the platform to submitting your form, you’ll know exactly what to do to make your arrival as smooth as possible. Let’s break down the key points to keep in mind.
Accessing the Digital Card Platform
Start by heading to the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card website. The safest way is to use the link provided by your airline or the official Thai government site. Avoid searching randomly online as you might land on unofficial pages.
Most websites offer an English language option, usually visible at the top right corner or through a drop-down menu. Switch to English if needed to make the process simpler. Some airlines even provide an app version, which works well on your phone or tablet — perfect for filling out the card while travelling.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection before you begin. This prevents errors or lost data mid-form.
Warning
Be cautious of unofficial websites that may charge additional fees. The official Thailand Digital Arrival Card is free to complete.
Required Information and Documents
Before you start, gather all the details you’ll need to fill in the form accurately. Having everything at hand makes the process quick and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need:
Personal & Passport
- Full name (as shown in passport)
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Issue and expiry dates
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Contact details (phone, email)
Travel Information
- Flight number
- Date of arrival
- Arrival airport in Thailand
- Departure details (if applicable)
Accommodation Details
- Hotel name or accommodation address
- District and sub-district
- Province
- Contact information
Additional Information
- Health declarations
- Recent travel history
- Emergency contact name and number
- Purpose of visit
Take a moment to check your passport and flight details carefully. Mistakes here may cause delays at immigration.
Filling Out the Form Step-by-Step (With Screenshots)
The form is split into easy sections. Here’s a simple walkthrough:
Step 1 Accessing the Platform and Personal Details
Visit the official page, and begin by selecting “Arrival Card.” You will then be prompted to fill in personal details about yourself, including your nationality, travel document number, and phone number. Only the fields marked with a red asterisk are required to proceed.
For passport holders of countries that require a visa for entry into Thailand, you must enter the visa number in the red box shown in the image below.
Pro Tip: Make sure to enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport to avoid any issues at immigration.
Step 2 Travel Information
Next, you will need to enter details about your method of traveling to Thailand as well as where you will be staying. While departure information is not required to complete this process, you may still be required to provide proof of onward travel when you enter Thailand, depending on your visa.
Pro Tip: Double-check your flight number and arrival date. A common mistake is entering the wrong flight number, which could cause confusion.
Step 3 Accommodation Details
Enter your accommodation details. If you have booked your accommodation using an online booking service your confirmation email should have the address details. Use this to complete this section.
Pro Tip: For the district and sub-district fields, look up your hotel on Google Maps or check your booking confirmation for the complete address information.
Step 4 Health Declaration
Finally, proceed to the next page where you will need to complete a health declaration, which consists of simply listing where you have been in the past couple of weeks. If you have been to a country for which Thailand has issued health or disease warnings, you may be required to show proof of vaccination or submit to a health inspection upon arrival.
Countries with Yellow Fever Warnings from the Thai Government
If you’ve recently visited any of these countries, you may need to provide additional health documentation:
Africa
Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Republic of the, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo and Uganda
South America
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela
Adding Travelling Companions (Family, Friends, Groups)
At this point, you may select “Add Other Travelers” if you are traveling with a group and want to handle all the TDACs at once. If not, just follow the on-screen prompts to submit your TDAC application.
This feature is particularly helpful for families or groups traveling together. You can add multiple travelers to a single application, making the process much more efficient.
Submitting the Form and Confirmation
Once all parts are complete, review everything carefully. Check spellings and dates for accuracy. Then hit the submit button.
You’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions before final submission:
After submitting, you’ll see a confirmation screen showing a QR code or reference number. This proves you’ve completed the form correctly. Save this confirmation as a screenshot or download the PDF if available.
You should also print it out or save it to your phone for easy access at immigration when you arrive.
You will receive an electronic confirmation of your approval via e-mail. Save this confirmation to your device and store a copy online, ideally in cloud storage. This way, you can access it whenever you need it.
Pro Tip
This confirmation is your fast pass through arrival checks, so keep it handy. Without it, you might face extra questions or delays.
By following these steps, filling out your Thailand Digital Arrival Card will feel straightforward and quick — just one less thing to worry about before stepping into your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic Information
When should I fill out the digital arrival card?
You have a 3-day window to fill out the digital arrival card before your arrival. You cannot fill it out any earlier than that. Make sure to complete it within this timeframe to avoid delays at the airport.
How long does it take to process my submission?
The process is instant! As soon as you submit the form, you’ll receive confirmation and a QR code that you need to show to immigration officials upon arrival.
What happens if I don’t fill out the Thailand digital arrival card?
If you fail to complete the digital arrival card before arriving at the airport, don’t panic. There are terminals set up at the airport where you can fill it out on the spot. However, expect delays as there will likely be long lines waiting for these terminals, which could be a hassle after a long flight.
Flight Information
What flight number should I enter?
You should enter the number of your arrival flight—the flight that lands in Thailand.
What if I have a layover in Thailand?
If you have a layover in Bangkok and need to go through immigration (for example, to change flights that requires you to exit the transit area), you’ll need to complete a digital arrival card. Since you’re not staying in Thailand, you can leave the accommodation section blank. In the departure section, add the information for your connecting flight, which should be on the same day as your arrival. If both flights are on the same day, the accommodation section will be grayed out automatically.
Accommodation Details
How do I know what district or subdistrict my hotel is in?
Thai addresses can be complex. Look up your hotel on Google to get the full address. Typically, you’ll have the street number, street name, sub-district, district, and then postal code (zip code). All this information should be included in your booking confirmation or can be found on the hotel’s website.
What should I put as the address if I’m staying at an Airbnb?
You can list your Airbnb as an apartment. While the Thai government has been cracking down on unauthorized Airbnbs with publicized raids and fines against operators, for the arrival card purposes, you shouldn’t worry too much about it. Immigration officials aren’t likely to be actively checking or verifying this information right away.
I live up-country in Thailand but will be staying at a hotel for the first night. What address should I put?
Simply put the address of where you’re staying for the first night, which in this case would be your hotel.
Family & Group Travel
Can I apply for my family members at the same time?
Yes! When filling out the form, you’ll have the option to add multiple travelers. You can add your entire family to a single application, which makes the process much easier as you’ll have just one document for all of you.
Does this work for children as well?
Yes, you can add children to your arrival form in the same way.
Visa & Immigration Concerns
What would you put for a marriage visa or retirement visa?
Since there’s no specific option for marriage or retirement visas, select “other” and write “retirement” or “marriage” as appropriate. This is the recommended approach confirmed by immigration officials.
If I have the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) and work remotely for a European company, what should I select as the purpose of travel?
DTV holders should put “holiday” as the purpose of travel. The DTV is a long-term tourist visa, not an employment visa. Only people with a Non-B visa and a work permit in Thailand should select “employment.”
Is the visa exemption still 60 days?
As of the latest update, when you enter Thailand, you can get up to 60 days without a visa if you’re from one of the 93 eligible countries (which includes most Western and developed countries). However, there have been reports in the media about potential changes that might reduce this to 30 days in the future.
How many times do I need to fill in the digital arrival card?
Unfortunately, you need to fill it in every time you enter Thailand. For example, if you arrive in Bangkok, then leave to Bali for a few days, and return to Bangkok, you’ll need to complete the form twice.
Format & Presentation
Can I show a paper copy or do I need to have it on my phone?
Both options are acceptable. You can either print the document and show the paper copy to immigration, or you can show a digital copy on your phone.
What happens with a passport with only one name?
For travelers who only have a first name in their passport (which is common for some Indian travelers, for example), enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport. For the missing name field, simply put a dash (-). This will allow you to submit the form without any problems.
Documentation
Do I need to upload any documents?
Unlike what some sources might suggest, you don’t need to upload documents like your passport or accommodation details. The only exception is if you need to provide a health certificate.
Do I need a visa number?
If you’re traveling on a visa, you should include your visa number in the form. This helps immigration officials confirm you’re on the correct visa and provide the appropriate entry stamp. If you’re entering Thailand on a visa exemption (meaning you don’t have a visa), you don’t need to enter a visa number.
Do I need a vaccine certificate?
You might need to upload a health certificate or vaccine certificate if you’ve visited a country where yellow fever is endemic or if you have a layover in a country with an infectious disease. This requirement depends on the length of your layover—if it’s 12 hours or more, you’ll need to show a health certificate for the required vaccination.
Final Tips for a Smooth Arrival in Thailand
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is a simple yet essential part of your journey to this beautiful country. By completing it ahead of time, you’ll streamline your arrival process and start your Thai adventure on the right foot.
Remember these key points:
- Complete your TDAC at least 3 days before arrival, but not earlier
- Double-check all information, especially passport details and flight numbers
- Save your confirmation in multiple places (device, email, cloud storage)
- Have it ready to show immigration officials upon arrival
- Consider filling out forms for your entire travel group at once
With these preparations in place, you’ll be ready to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer, from its stunning beaches and vibrant cities to its rich cultural heritage and world-renowned cuisine.
Safe travels and enjoy your time in the Land of Smiles!
