Thailand Digital Arrival Card: Who needs it and how to apply

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand after May 1, 2025, there’s an important update you need to know: Thailand is replacing its paper-based TM6 arrival card with a fully digital system.

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card will soon be a requirement for international travelers entering the country. Instead of filling out a physical form on the plane or at immigration, you’ll submit your details online before arrival—cutting down on paperwork and, ideally, speeding up entry at Thai airports.

But like any new system, it also comes with questions: How will it work? Who needs to apply? Will it affect your visa process? That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this guide.

Why Thailand is replacing the TM6 Arrival Card

For years, travelers entering and leaving Thailand have been required to complete the TM6 form, an arrival and departure card that collects essential personal and travel information. This form includes details such as your full name, passport number, flight information, and the address where you'll be staying in Thailand. Typically, airlines distribute the TM6 form during flights, or it's available at immigration checkpoints upon arrival.

[IMAGE 1]

In July 2022, aiming to reduce airport congestion and simplify entry procedures for foreign visitors, the Thai government temporarily suspended the requirement for air travelers to complete the paper-based TM6 form. This suspension was later extended to include land and sea entry points. By October 2024, authorities announced that the suspension would continue until April 30, 2025, providing time to develop a digital alternative.

With the suspension set to end on April 30, 2025, Thailand is introducing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a digital version of the TM6 form, effective May 1, 2025. This move aims to enhance the efficiency of the immigration process and improve the tracking of tourists during their stay, thereby boosting safety and confidence among visitors.

Who needs to apply for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

All foreign visitors traveling to Thailand will need to complete the TDAC before arrival. This includes:

• Tourists from visa-exempt countries, such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam
• Travelers applying for a Thai Visa on Arrival
• Visitors entering with an eVisa or a traditional visa
• Foreign residents or expats re-entering Thailand

The TDAC does not apply to Thai nationals. Thai passport holders can enter and exit the country without completing the digital arrival card.

How to apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card will be available through an official government portal or mobile app. Travelers will need to submit their details online before departure and receive a confirmation, likely a QR code or reference number, to present at immigration.

In theory, applying through the government portal should be simple. But if you’ve ever used a government website before, you know it doesn’t always go that smoothly. You could be stuck refreshing a frozen page or scrambling to resubmit your application at the last minute. And if you need help, there’s no customer support hotline to call—just an FAQ page that may or may not answer your question.

”The online application portal crashed multiple times during my application process. It was frustrating to start over repeatedly.” — a Thai eVisa applicant who tried to use the government website.

At iVisa, we believe travel prep shouldn’t be this frustrating. Instead of wrestling with a government website, let us handle the process for you.

[IMAGE 2]

Thailand Digital Arrival Card FAQs

1. What is the digital arrival card in Thailand?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an electronic version of the traditional TM6 arrival and departure card. Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the TDAC before arrival. This initiative aims to modernize the immigration process by allowing travelers to submit their arrival details digitally, enhancing data accuracy and making entry procedures smoother.

2. How do I apply for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online?

You can apply for the TDAC through our platform for a stress-free experience. You’ll get access to a simplified form where you'll provide your personal information, passport details, travel itinerary, and your accommodation address in Thailand. Once submitted, your form will undergo an expert review to check for any errors before it’s forwarded to the Thai government. When your form is ready, we’ll let you know via email.

3. Who needs to complete the TDAC?

All foreign nationals entering Thailand, regardless of their visa type or method of entry, are required to complete the TDAC prior to arrival.

4. When does the TDAC requirement come into effect?

The TDAC will be mandatory for all foreign visitors starting May 1, 2025. This includes travelers arriving by air, land, or sea. ​

5. What information is required for the TDAC?

The TDAC will require personal details such as your full name, nationality, passport number, flight or vehicle number, purpose of visit, length of stay, and address in Thailand. ​

6. Are there any other changes to Thailand's entry requirements in 2025?

Yes. The Thailand ETA is expected to be launched in June 2025. This will be a mandatory requirement for all visa-exempt travelers. A tourism tax is also expected to come into effect by the end of 2025.