If you’re heading to Thailand soon, whether it’s for a beach escape, a remote work stint, or something more permanent, there’s a new piece of paperwork you might want to know about. Or rather, less paperwork. It’s called TDAC Thailand, short for Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
It’s not a flashy new app. It’s not a full-on visa program. It’s something simpler. But it could make your arrival process a little smoother. And in Thailand, where immigration queues can swing from pleasantly quick to confusingly slow, any help is welcome.
Let’s go over what the TDAC is, who needs it, and what you should expect when you land.
What is TDAC Thailand?
TDAC Thailand is a digital replacement for the old TM6 arrival card. If you’ve been to Thailand before, you probably remember scribbling on that small blue-and-white paper form while trying not to lose your pen mid-turbulence.
This new system moves that process online. You can fill out your arrival details before you land. The hope is that this speeds things up at immigration and makes the entry process less chaotic overall.
Does it always work that way? Not necessarily. But we’ll get to that.
Do I Need to Use TDAC Thailand?
Right now, the TDAC is being tested at major entry points like Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, as well as Phuket International. If you’re flying into one of those, it might already be an option for you.
Tourists can use it. So can digital nomads, retirees, business travelers, and returning expats. It’s not technically mandatory, but officials are encouraging travelers to try it out.
And here’s the thing. Even if it’s not required, submitting your details in advance takes about five minutes. If it saves you even a few extra questions at the counter, it’s probably worth it.
How to Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
It’s pretty straightforward. No apps, no downloads, no weird workarounds. Just head to the official portal, which should be linked on the Thailand Immigration Bureau’s website.
You’ll need to fill in:
- Passport number and expiration date
- Flight number and arrival airport
- Accommodation details (hotel name, address, or condo info)
- Purpose of travel
- Arrival and departure dates
After that, you get a confirmation screen. Sometimes you also receive a QR code by email. Take a screenshot or print it. Immigration officers might ask to see it. Or they might not. It depends on the airport, the officer, the time of day.
Honestly, it’s still a bit inconsistent.
Does This Replace the TM6 Card Completely?
No, not yet.
Some travelers still receive the paper form on the plane. Others say immigration didn’t ask for anything. And then there are those who were told to fill out both, just to be safe.
Right now, Thailand seems to be in a transitional phase. The paper TM6 isn’t fully gone, and TDAC hasn’t taken over entirely either.
But change is clearly in motion. The digital version is being rolled out gradually. If you’re coming in 2025 or later, there’s a decent chance this becomes the new normal.
Is TDAC Thailand Useful for Digital Nomads?
For short-term digital nomads, the answer is mostly yes.
If you’re on a visa exemption or a tourist visa, the TDAC helps make your entry process a bit more streamlined. You submit your information, breeze through the line, and you’re off to find Wi-Fi and coffee.
For long-term nomads on education visas, Elite visas, or even the new Long-Term Resident visa, the benefits are less obvious. But there could be integration with other immigration systems in the future. Think 90-day reporting or reentry tracking.
It’s not a game-changer, but it’s a good habit to adopt if you travel in and out of Thailand regularly.
And What About Expats?
If you live in Thailand full time, you might not think TDAC affects you. But if you do border runs or travel abroad often, it’s something to consider.
Some expats have started using TDAC for reentry and found it helpful. Others said it made no difference. A few even mentioned they were still handed the paper card, despite completing everything online.
The truth is, it’s still a bit of a gamble. But since it only takes a few minutes and doesn’t cost anything, there’s really no downside to using it.
Known Issues and Limitations
Like most new systems, TDAC has its quirks.
- The portal sometimes goes offline or loads slowly
- Some travelers never receive the confirmation email
- The form may time out if you pause for too long
- Language errors can make things unclear in places
And unfortunately, there are copycat websites floating around that try to charge a fee. The real TDAC is always free. If someone’s asking for money, it’s not the right site.
Final Thoughts on TDAC Thailand
The TDAC Thailand system is still finding its footing. Some days it works well. Other times, it feels like just another layer on top of what’s already a busy process.
But it’s a step in the right direction. A cleaner, more modern way to enter the country. It won’t guarantee you faster service, but it might help. At the very least, it shows immigration that you’re prepared.
If you’re flying soon, give it a try. Worst case, you waste five minutes. Best case, you avoid standing in the slow line while the officer frowns at your half-filled TM6 card.
Either way, the future of immigration in Thailand is clearly digital. And this is just the beginning.
Related Posts:
