![Thailand Digital Arrival Card explained]()
Last update: May 2025
If you’ve traveled to Thailand before, you probably remember the TM6 form. It was that blue-and-white paper slip handed out on planes or at the airport, filled out by hand and easy to misplace. That form is no longer in use.
As of May 2025, the TM6 has been replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). And unlike the old system, this new form needs to be completed online before your flight. If you skip it, you could be turned away at check-in or stuck dealing with delays when you land.
We’ll walk you through what’s different, why it matters, and how to make sure you’re ready to enter Thailand without any surprises.
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at how the process has changed:
|
TM6 paper form |
Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) |
Format |
Handwritten paper slip |
Online form |
Submission |
In-flight or on arrival |
Before boarding your flight |
Risk of errors |
High (easily lost, smudges when filling out) |
Lower (guided digital process) |
Immigration processing |
Slower due to manual check |
Faster due to pre-screening |
Who needs it? |
Most non-Thai travelers |
Most non-Thai travelers |
Switching to a digital form means fewer surprises during your trip. Instead of scrambling for a pen or hunting down a paper form mid-flight, you can fill everything out ahead of time. It’s quicker, cleaner, and helps immigration officials process entries more efficiently.
Who has to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
If you’re a non-Thai passport holder, you’ll need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, even if you’re entering Thailand under a visa exemption or visa-on-arrival program. This applies to all modes of entry: by air, land, or sea.
Most airlines expect this online form to be completed before check-in, and some won’t let you board without proof that it’s been submitted. It’s best to have it done ahead of time to avoid any hold-ups at the airport.
If you're traveling with kids, check with your airline. Some carriers require a separate form for each child, while others allow minors to be listed under a parent’s entry.
When in doubt, it’s safer to have each traveler complete their own Digital Arrival Card. That way, there are no surprises when it’s time to board.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE THAILAND DIGITAL ARRIVAL CARD
How to complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card without the stress
Filling out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is simple, as long as you’ve got the right information ready. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
The official government form is available online, but travelers often run into slow load times, confusing captcha errors, or vague error messages. And there’s no support if something goes wrong.
We’re not the Thai government. We’re a private visa service provider trusted by over a million travelers to help them get their documents sorted before they fly.
![apply for your TDAC with iVisa]()
Thailand Digital Arrival Card FAQs
1. Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card mandatory for all travelers?
Yes, starting May 1, 2025, the TDAC is required for all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. This includes tourists, business travelers, and long-term residents, regardless of visa status.
2. When should I complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
You should submit the TDAC within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Thailand. Completing it in advance ensures smoother processing at immigration.
3. How do I apply for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
When you use our service, you can use our web platform or download the iVisa app.
4. What happens if I don't complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival?
Failing to complete the TDAC in advance may result in delays at immigration, as you'll need to fill it out upon arrival. It's recommended to complete the form online prior to your trip to avoid any inconvenience.
Still have questions?
Our customer support team is available to answer your questions about the Thailand Tourist eVisa or traveling to Thailand in general. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.