From May 1, 2025, foreign visitors are required to complete a digital Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arriving in Thailand.
This applies whether you travel by air, land or sea. This measure was introduced by the Thai Immigration Department to make the admission process faster, easier and more secure.
What is the TDAC?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is a mandatory digital form that you can use to provide all your details to the Thai immigration service before your trip. The familiar paper arrival forms will disappear completely. The digital approach ensures faster processing at the border and prevents errors in the data.
When should you complete the form?
You may fill in the TDAC from a maximum of three days before your arrival date. Do not wait too long: without a completed card you will not be allowed into the country. The check will take place upon arrival at the airport, border post or port.
Where do you fill in the TDAC?
You fill in the form via the official website:
https://tdac.immigration.go.th
The site guides you step by step in filling in your personal and travel information.
Important to know
From 1 May 2025, the TDAC will be mandatory for every non-Thai traveller. Please fill in the form in time to avoid delays or refusal at the border. Without a valid digital arrival card, you will not be able to enter Thailand.
In brief:
- TDAC is mandatory from May 1, 2025
- Applies to all non-Thai citizens
- Form can be completed from 3 days before arrival
- Applications via: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
Avoid surprises upon arrival and arrange your digital arrival card in time. This way you travel without hassle and the border control runs quickly and smoothly.
Also for the elderly who have no idea of a PC? Or people where there is no internet/wifi available? And where can you find an app for your phone? Another measure that is taken without thinking deeper.
Those “elderly people” will soon no longer be able to go anywhere in the world because a TDAC, ETA or Visa will increasingly have to be done online.
It is time that they prepare themselves for this if they want to continue traveling.
By the way, help points will be available.
There is currently no app available, but you can also open the website on your smartphone.
There is also an information letter ready at the editorial office with some additional information.
Good morning Ronny
I have a Re-Entry permit with Multiple Entries valid until March 6, 2026.
Now we are going to Malaysia by car for a few days
Do I also have to fill out a digital arrival card and submit it upon returning to Thailand?
After all, I already have permission to enter and exit until March 6, 2026.
With regards
Bram
Yes, you also have to fill this in.
At every entry into Thailand, i.e. every time you enter Thailand through an immigration post.
In itself, the TDAC is separate from a visa or re-entry.
How many elderly people are there who know nothing about a PC? Everything goes via the PC or telephone these days. And elderly people who still fly to Thailand must be able to use the internet. And if not, they can ask for help. For example, the library
I do think that such comments really push the elderly into a corner of "swallow it or choke". Completely unfair because often their money (to travel or buy an apartment in Th.) is good enough.
Khaki
Keeping up with the times is also part of it.
People are too quick to say or use the excuse that they are too old to learn something.
I think there are plenty of opportunities to learn how to use it or get the necessary help.
But the will must also be there… and that is something that does not always have to do with age.
There are also plenty of possibilities to make it a bit easier for the elderly. Not everyone is so crazy about this cyber age. I would like to refer to tomorrow's blog in which the questioner Edwin does not have a laptop or smartphone and wonders how he can arrange the TDAC QR code. Again, it is too short to answer that with "buy a cheap smartphone". And then? Then you are not there yet because you will also have to have internet on that "cheap" smartphone. No, it is a pity that people are not prepared to show the "digital illiterates" a bit of understanding and to get away with it easily with "just have to move with the times". So swallow or choke.
Khaki
By the way, there is also such a thing as WIFI. Free even ////
Go somewhere nice and have a drink. Free WIFI available enough if you don't have it at home already... and you can also buy some internet time to surf the internet. Costs a few Euros.
By the way, my advice to the questioner was what I would do and thus your response “Again too simplistic to answer that with “buy a cheap smartphone”.”
By the way, the questioner let me know that he has an email address and even a printer and he really liked the idea of a cheap Smartphone and he is going to do that.
You see… if the will is there… and then a little advice in the right direction is often enough
Maybe those "older people" and "digital illiterates" should also wallow in self-pity a little less and expand their knowledge a little. Or do they not have the time for that?
It is possible to post comments here on TB... well, filling in the DTAC is not much more difficult.
By the way.. you should know over the years how I have provided you with information and helped you.
Don't bother in the future as far as I'm concerned.
After all, it is not my job to make it easy for the elderly.”
Indeed and just like what I wrote about the digital illiterates who apparently can't do anything or don't have anything (PC, printer, Smartphone) if it is an obligation somewhere to fill in or apply for something... TDAC, soon ETA, apply for visas, etc...
But if you say that you have seen cheap tickets on the internet or interesting hotel prices, then miraculously it all suddenly seems possible to book them through whoever or whatever and to print them out if necessary.
Or how someone can suddenly come up with solutions.
And yes, there will always be exceptions... both among the elderly and among the digitally challenged
Ronny, just write in your title next time: 'Free digital arrival card'. No more digital illiterates then.
That one is already free… for now, unless they also add the 300 Baht of course.
Oops, another problem….how do I pay online????
People where there is no internet/wifi available?
I think that nowadays almost everyone has a phone with internet access, especially someone who travels the world.
Why would you need an app on your mobile for this, the website is sufficient, right?
A bit of a strange argument to say that the measure has not been thought through.
Is QR code on your smartphone enough or should a printed version of QR code be shown if you do not have a smartphone? But why is there a 3-day restriction? Normally, regular holidays to Thailand are planned more than 3 days before departure. For people travelling from Thailand to the Netherlands, for example, the outward and return flights are known. It would be easier for that category of travellers to arrange this at home. TDAC comes to me for travellers to Thailand where travellers departing from and returning from Thailand have been overlooked.
“Is a QR code on your smartphone enough or should a printed version of the QR code be shown if you don't have a smartphone?”
A smartphone will normally suffice and if you do not have a smartphone you will indeed have to show a printed version.
“It would be easier for this category of travelers to be able to arrange this at home.”
That can be done in the 3 days beforehand.
Departure from Thailand is resolved. See the information letter that is ready at the editors.
Dear RonnyLatYa,
by writing from home I meant in Thailand. Because on holiday in the Netherlands that is not my home and the stay could be either a hotel or with friends/family. Then there must be a printer available for those without a smartphone.
By the way, where can I find that information letter from the editors?
I worked for an airline myself and they will definitely check if a departing passenger has a TDAC. After all, if refused upon arrival in Thailand, the passenger can be sent back at the expense of the airline in question. This applies to any visa to any country.
Like you can’t find anything to print anywhere… Man, man, man.
The information letter has now been posted
https://www.thailandblog.nl/dossier/visum-thailand/immigratie-infobrief/tb-immigration-infobrief-nr-021-25-tdac-invullen-aanvullende-info/#comments
Among other things, it states the following:
“Long-term or permanent foreign residents in Thailand are advised to select “Thailand” under “Country of Residence,” which will be available once the system is activated.”
https://www.tatnews.org/2025/04/thailand-digital-arrival-card-system-set-to-launch-on-1-may-2025/
A TDAC has nothing to do with visas and is separate from them so don't put them on the same level. We'll see what they're going to do.
Dear RonnyLatYa,
I have been dealing with visa applications for service passengers for years and I do not ask my questions for myself because I know the ins and outs. However, I know dozens of digital illiterates who do not know how to solve this. I find your sentence: "As if you can find something to print somewhere .... Man, man, man" somewhat derogatory. I am simply trying to provide readers of this blog with information even if they are not so familiar with digital matters, nothing more and nothing less.
I know that a TDAC is not a visa, but in the last days of a holiday people are often busy and then the 3-day period and then finding a printing option is not really reassuring.
We will see what will happen but what if foreigner tries to enter Thailand and they do not have TDAC? How will Immigration deal with that? Arrange at airport against payment of a fine?
But for me it's simple. I'll wait and see what others write about it on this blog and I won't ask any more questions. No, I'm not sensitive, but given my age I don't feel like having these kinds of discussions anymore.
“We will see what will happen but what if a foreigner tries to enter Thailand and they don’t have a TDAC? How will Immigration deal with that? Arrange it at the airport against paying a fine?”
Maybe then read the information that is known and that I already shared on the blog.
“If you cannot submit in advance
Travelers who are unable to complete the TDAC before arrival and do not have internet access at the point of entry will be assisted at designated help points located at immigration checkpoints. This assistance is intended for exceptional circumstances only. All travelers are strongly encouraged to complete the TDAC online in advance to avoid delays and reduce congestion at entry points.”
https://www.tatnews.org/2025/04/thailand-digital-arrival-card-system-set-to-launch-on-1-may-2025/
“I am simply trying to provide information to readers of this blog even if they are not so familiar with digital things, nothing more and nothing less.”
I've been doing this for 14 years on the blog and previously on other social media for over 20 years. I know what I'm talking about.
By the way, apart from your questions about a QR code and “where can I find that information letter from the editors?” I don’t see any contribution from you. Not now and I can’t remember anything else about the past few years…
So don't come here out of nowhere and suddenly lecture me on how to do it and that you know it all, but actually ask it on behalf of others...
The story of “I'm asking this for a friend” has been known for a long time now.
Ps I appreciate all your info about visa and willingness to answer questions over and over again.
I have lived in Thailand for over 18 years and am familiar with all the obstacles.
Respond often but not even anymore because of the many experts here on the blog. Thought I had to respond to your answer, Otherwise good friends and greetings.
At first you only ask questions…
– If you don’t have a Smartphone do you need a printed version of that QR code?
How else are you going to show that?
– But why was the restriction imposed on 3 days?
That is more than enough for me. As if you do not have time in those 3 days to submit that application which takes a few minutes. There must be a reason that this is not open continuously and that a time limit is set. I think that with similar notifications in other countries it is no different. (eg Malaysia's Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) where it is also 3 days).
But what's the point of whining about it anyway. As if that's going to change anything.
– TDAC did not take into account people living in Thailand?
That was the case but it will be resolved before it officially comes into effect as you can see in the information I provide.
– Where can I find the info letter? It has been placed in the meantime. And if you can’t find it, there is still the search function that you can use with Thai visa question or Thai info letter to fill in there and then you will see the latest
You then state that you are certain that the TDAC will be requested. We can and will see that on May 1, but is that so certain? I don't have a crystal ball about that
Then you start talking about visas. Yes, everyone has to show them or a re-entry. And if you leave without a visa, they can even demand more as proof that you are going to leave Thailand within a certain period. We will see.
Just to say that you initially ask nothing more than questions of which you then claim to know all but you actually ask that for the digital illiterates. Why don't you give them the answer yourself if you know it instead of asking questions about it.
You only respond when I say “It’s like you can’t find anything to print anywhere… Man, man, man.”
And isn't that so? As if in a hotel, at or via friends, family, newsagents, travel agencies, even think at the airport or wherever, there would be no possibility to print something.
As for the digital illiterates.
Yes, it will not always be easy for many and for many it will also be difficult, but they too are more resourceful than you think.
I know many of those “digital illiterates” who can't do anything or have nothing if it is an obligation... TDAC, soon ETA, visa applications, etc.
But if you say you saw a cheap ticket on the internet or hotels then it all seems to work out and print it out. Or how someone can suddenly come up with solutions.
And yes there will always be exceptions…
Neste Ronny,
To be clear: I don't have any children myself and the story of "I'm asking for a friend" has been known for a long time now, but it happens to be true. This concerns a son who lives in assisted living, has no phone or laptop. He can travel and would love to go on holiday to his father here in Thailand. The father is very stressed about how to arrange this. Printing out the QR code himself and sending it by post to the Netherlands is not possible given the 3-day restriction. Hence my comment about this in an earlier response.
I wonder if the editors will now post this response.
Yes, it is not easy for such people and I do not claim that there will be exceptions. It is precisely those exceptions that often confirm the rules.
How does the father communicate with his son? Only by mail? How did they prepare that journey between each other, or more accurately by what means or by whom?
Perhaps there are opportunities there
But since he lives in assisted living, aren't there any possibilities to support him in that? They must have accompanied him in preparation for his journey. And those supervisors don't have a laptop or something?
Can the son travel completely independently or will he be accompanied at the airport?
There may be solutions there too and upon arrival he will be eligible for the following I think. That guidance will guide him there and then through immigration. Can they let him know before his departure.
As a former airline employee, you will know those roads better than I do and what the options are or who to contact for that.
“If you cannot submit in advance
Travelers who are unable to complete the TDAC before arrival and do not have internet access at the point of entry will be assisted at designated help points located at immigration checkpoints. This assistance is intended for exceptional circumstances only. All travelers are strongly encouraged to complete the TDAC online in advance to avoid delays and reduce congestion at entry points.”
https://www.tatnews.org/2025/04/thailand-digital-arrival-card-system-set-to-launch-on-1-may-2025/
“I wonder if the editors will now post this response.”
No idea. That's up to the editors to decide and they'll probably have their reasons for it.
At least not in response to my question, because it doesn't matter to me what someone writes.
I am very outspoken in what I think (maybe too much sometimes) but no one has to hold back for me.
A TDAC has nothing to do with a visa. Correct.
But just as airline check-in employees at airports often check whether a traveler complies with visa entry formalities, this could also happen at TDAC.
Airlines want to be as certain as possible that passengers will be admitted to their flight destination and will not unexpectedly have to be taken straight back.
But there is a big difference between a visa and TDAC.
In the past, no company checked whether or not you had completed a TM6.
They could have easily done this at check-in and handed them out there instead of on the plane.
They did not do this because this is not a reason to refuse someone. Moreover, this can be arranged on the spot.
However, whether someone meets the visa requirements is a reason to refuse someone, because that is also included in the standard reasons why someone can be refused by immigration.
According to the Immigration Act of Thailand BE 2522 (1979), foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter Thailand:
(1) Having no genuine valid passport or document used in lieu of passport; or having a genuine valid passport or document used in lieu of passport without valid visa issuance by the Royal Thai Embassies, the Royal Thai Consulates-General or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the exception of those who meet visa exemption requirements. The terms and conditions of visa issuance and visa exemption are prescribed by the Ministerial Regulations.'
https://hague.thaiembassy.org/th/page/42922-general-information?menu=5d81cce815e39c2eb8004ef1
Now already shouting that it will be checked is also sowing panic without reason. Probably there will be a sign somewhere that you should not forget to fill in a TDAC and you can also do that at the airport for those who have forgotten…..
I would like to see you being refused and if so I will gladly admit I was wrong.
The question is how the airlines will deal with this. Will they also check this at check-in? I wouldn't be surprised now that you apparently can't enter the country without that digital arrival card.
You have to apply for that card 3 days in advance: problem if you have to fly at very short notice due to circumstances and can only do so the day before, for example: will it not be accepted?
'Foreigners should submit their arrival card information 3 days in advance of arriving in Thailand, including the date of arrival.'
We don't know what the airlines are going to do. Immigration itself has nothing to do with it.
“Travellers may submit the TDAC up to three days before their scheduled arrival date. For example, if arriving on 5 May, submission can begin on 2 May.”
In other words, it is from 3 days before the arrival date. As you can see now, there are always 4 days open on which you can register.
An information letter is available at the editorial office with some additional information and where you can find the text.
With something new there is always uncertainty and also a lot of ignorance. In Malaysia and Singapore this has existed for several years. (MDAC AND SDAC) There is no request for a QR code or a paper version. This is because everything is linked to your passport. You go through the automatic gates, and that's it. There are not even stamps involved. So don't panic people, everything will be fine.
Linked to the passport would indeed be a better solution. I personally think so too and maybe that will come someday.
But comparing it with what is in use in other countries doesn't make much sense for us.
This would be better done by policy makers and developers who can certainly learn the necessary lessons from it.
We have to make do with the system that Thailand is going to introduce.
And that is a system that currently uses a QR code
That is already clear
“ …..Once completed, travelers receive a QR code that must be presented to immigration officials upon arrival in Thailand…”
https://tdac.immigration.go.th/manual/en/files/aboutTDAC.mp4
It is no different and I fear that it will still be the same on May 1st.
I filled out an arrival card as a finger exercise. I still have a few questions/remarks.
– Occupation: what to fill in when you retire?
– visa No: leave open?
– accomodations information: I only picked a hotel in Buri Ram on booking.com for the address details. Province: not difficult; District area: also not difficult; Sub Area: that will be difficult, I can’t get that from the address details on booking.com.
What to do if you have booked multiple accommodations?
Occupation: what to fill in when you are retired? – Retired of course and that is “Retired” in English
visa No: Is not a mandatory field. There is no red asterisk. If you do not have a visa, you do not have to fill it in. You can also fill in your re-entry number for those to whom it applies.
Accommodation information: You don't give an address so I can't help you determine the Sub Area. Enter the address in Google Maps and maybe there are more details and see what matches the pre-selections.
You also only need to fill in the first address. That is actually the address where you intend to go after arrival. Your actual arrival there must then be reported with a TM30 and also the subsequent addresses where you will stay.
That first address is actually more intended in case you were to disappear after arrival, so that they have an idea of where you might be on your way to and they will probably contact you there first.
Maybe a bit lame, but retired is not an occupation
Address: 332/22-23 Jira Road, TAMPON Nai, Muang-Buriram, 31000 Buriram
Yes, that's lame and for all I care you can fill in "non".
By the way, that's a bit lame... I think it should be TamBon Nai and not TamPon Nai...
As for filling in your address…
Province – Buri Ram
District, Area – Mueang Buri Ram
Sub Distric/Sub-Area – Nai Mueang (it’s on the list anyway…..)
Postal Code – 31000
Address – 332/22-23 Jira Road
On that paper form I just filled in the name of the hotel and the city/town and that was enough. So no full address.
Yes and that was the paper version and the past… and that is no more.
From May 1st you must use the TDAC and all requested information marked with a red asterisk must be filled in. In addition, it is mandatory to use the selection menu where available and select and click on the relevant name.
If you don't do this, it will say “this field is required” and you will have to fill that in before you can continue.
For address click on correct names in selection menu of Province, Distric/Area, Sub Distric/Sub-Area. Postcode appears automatically but you can change it.
You must then fill in the street and number.
Dear readers ,
I have fictitiously gone through all the fields myself, but this is a very vague story about vaccinations.
Health Declaration
Passengers traveling to and entering Thailand have to be vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Thailand or by the World Health Organization (WHO) or other vaccines as allowed by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.
Loosely translated
Declaration
Declaration of health
Passengers traveling to and entering Thailand must be vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Thailand or by the World Health Organization (WHO) or other vaccines authorized by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.
Please list the names of the countries you stayed in within two weeks of arrival
What does this mean now?
Frans
Normally, as a Dutch/Belgian citizen you qualify for the standard vaccinations required by the World Health Organization (WHO)
Is mainly related to yellow fever
Therefore, you must also indicate which countries you have visited in the 2 weeks before you came to Thailand.
“Travellers traveling from/through countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas must acquire an International Health Certificate verifying the receiving of a Yellow Fever vaccination. For more information, please see List of Countries which are Declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas.
https://hague.thaiembassy.org/th/page/76481-list-of-countries-which-require-international-health-certificate-for-yellow-fever-vaccination?menu=5d81cce815e39c2eb8004f24
I live in Thailand and am deregistered in the Netherlands, so my country of residence is Thailand.
Gosh Thailand cannot be chosen as country of residence…….
Typically Thai, it can NEVER be right first time………
So just fill in Country of residence Netherlands ………..
Maybe you should read what I've already written about it first and then you shouldn't have asked that question.
“Long-term or permanent foreign residents in Thailand are advised to select “Thailand” under “Country of Residence,” which will be available once the system is activated.”
https://www.tatnews.org/2025/04/thailand-digital-arrival-card-system-set-to-launch-on-1-may-2025/
Typical “Farang” for sure…. first ask questions and then read the available information 😉
https://www.thailandblog.nl/dossier/visum-thailand/immigratie-infobrief/tb-immigration-infobrief-nr-021-25-tdac-invullen-aanvullende-info/
I read that we can only apply for the tdac 3 days before arrival, I think that's a shame, I would like to see it much more generously. For example, you also book your flight and/or accommodation much longer in advance. I'm someone who just wants everything arranged.
These are the rules of the game that are set at the moment and you can find it a shame and complain about it here but that will not change anything. Only Thailand can change this.
Maybe it would be good to keep the rules as they are.
It may happen that people receive a new passport at the last minute, which they may have to fill out.
Especially when a link is made with the passport.
I don't think the 3-day period is a problem. It's just important not to forget. So put a reminder in the agenda. (Digital or not)
It may take some getting used to, but 3 days in advance also works fine at the Malaysian MDAC.
If you have forgotten it, you will be asked for it when you check in, and you can fill it in then.
The three days were probably chosen to at least be able to carry out an up-to-date check.
For a plane you can never check in more than 3 days in advance.
By the way, not everyone books their flight and accommodation much in advance, so instead of “you” you can better say “I”.
In Malaysia, by the way, it does not help to speed up the handling, which is certainly still very slow in Kuala Lumpur, comparable to Schiphol.
Dag,
My girlfriend is from Cambodia and she comes to Bangkok all the time. Does she have to comply with TDAC rules or are there different rules for neighboring Asians?
Regards,
It says
“All foreigners entering Thailand are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before their arrival, except for:
– Foreigners transiting or transferring in Thailand without going through immigration control.
– Foreigners entering Thailand using a Border Pass.”
If she is in possession of a border pass, she does not have to fill it out.
But I don't know if you can go to Bangkok with a border pass from Cambodia and how long you can stay there. Maybe you should ask them in Cambodia
Also read this regarding this
https://cambodianess.com/article/cambodia-thailand-border-pass-launched
If she does not have a border pass, she must fill it out like any other non-Thai
As always when they roll out something digital in Thailand that often seems to have been made by the grandson of a minister, there is room for annoyance but also for laughter. It is nice that residents of East Germany and Yugoslavia can also fill in the form. And otherwise I will wait patiently. We all know the online 90-day notification and at the time Covid.
Do you have another version because I don't see East Germany and Yugoslavia listed.
And that you wait further? You will also have no other option than 3 days before arrival
You're right, but the day before yesterday both countries were still in the pull-down list when I went to take a look. Maybe the grandson read the Aseam blog (https://aseannow.com/topic/1356064-thailand-digital-arrival-card-tdac-system-is-online-but-not-announced-as-starting-yet/). Apparently everything is still in development.
It's actually not officially active yet.
That will not happen until April 28 and adjustments will be made until then.
You probably mean “The former Yogoslav republic of Macedonia” .
Maybe an explanation why they use FYROM
FYROM is an acronym for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It is the name previously used by North Macedonia after it declared its independence from former Yugoslavia in 1991.
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-fyrom
No, it really said Yugoslavia, but like Eastern Germany it has since been removed.
I keep reading that you talk about three days to fill in, but can't it be done sooner?
Furthermore, I am already in Thailand and will return to the Netherlands in June. Do I also need to fill in anything?
It says in the instructions that it can only be done 3 days before the arrival day. It literally says that it has to be done 3 days before arrival but it can be done between those 3 days and the arrival day
WHEN SUBMIT?
Foreigners should submit their arrival card information 3 days in advance of arriving in Thailand, including the date of arrival.
You will also see on the website that only three days before the arrival date are shown in black, so you can only click on one of those 4 days.
https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home
You don't have to do anything if you are in Thailand now. Next time before you come back, fill it in
Also read this
https://www.thailandblog.nl/dossier/visum-thailand/immigratie-infobrief/tb-immigration-infobrief-nr-021-25-tdac-invullen-aanvullende-info/#comments
Section 3 health is not red starred, so it is not mandatory to fill in
There are other questions that are not red starred, so they are not mandatory.
Ann at the end then go to preview, there are again 2 mandatory questions that have to be filled in at the end.
Regarding email address and agreement rules.
Furthermore, it's nonsense, just like the TM 6 itself.
Also not yet known is the additional payment on the TDAC, of 300 baht/pp.
But with such a QR code, perhaps a tracking started in Thailand?
Everything is possible nowadays, even criminals, as president of a country.
But that's another story.
If you really want to modernize, then you link the aircraft lists to your administration.
Everything is known then and you relieve the tourist/visitor. by plane. and thus save on personnel and
Traffic jams in the hall have also been eliminated.
but not everyone enters the country by plane…
And what are airplane lists?
Should Thailand then make agreements with all airlines to exchange data?
Seems like quite a project to me that no one is looking forward to.
Furthermore, it is none of the airline's business what address I go to in Thailand, so they are not allowed to ask me, and therefore cannot deliver it to the Thai authorities at all.
I don't understand what you see for tracking with a QR code. You only show that code upon entry.
If you really want to modernize you should act like Abu Dhabi, there you only have to go through immigration once, the next times everything is automated based on your biometric characteristics,
I'm not talking about other entries either.
The majority (tourists) arrive by plane. And they boast that the arrival will be faster.
Project? Some adjustments in software and you're done
For a flight, everyone in the aircraft is registered. Flight lists.
Are you going to make a fuss about where you're going first? Why should a Thai know that? And besides, you can change just like that, are you going to tell that? Nope.
Paper TM 6, you could enter everything on it, checking IO? Nope.
Now with digital?
That's nice that Abu Dhabi has such a system! Maybe for other countries to follow that.
QR code, tracking then is what could exist in it upon entry. Not necessary, but ..
Thailand also asks for fingerprints every time, for what? Selling?
With covid Thailand did that too (tracking), only with your knowledge, you had to (!) download an app. Maybe you activate a tracking app with QR code?
This kind of technology doesn't stand still. Data!
Your passport contains a chip with your data, which can be read by anyone who is authorized to do so. And that is determined by your government for you.
You still have the idealistic view of the government? Sorry, I don't.
I understand that the TDAC obligation also applies to foreigners who permanently reside in Thailand. However, it is not possible to mention Thailand as a country of residence, because it is missing from the list. Presumably, the last place of residence outside Thailand must be stated there. Some clarification on this matter would be desirable.
Some clarification on this matter would be welcome.”
?????
I have already stated (also in this article) that the TAT (Thourism Authority of Thailand) has stated the following
“Long-term or permanent foreign residents in Thailand are advised to select “Thailand” under “Country of Residence,” which will be available once the system is activated.”
https://www.tatnews.org/2025/04/thailand-digital-arrival-card-system-set-to-launch-on-1-may-2025/
So when you enter on May 1, you will also be able to fill in Thailand.
It is also stated here
https://www.thailandblog.nl/dossier/visum-thailand/immigratie-infobrief/tb-immigration-infobrief-nr-021-25-tdac-invullen-aanvullende-info/#comments
TDAC is the same TM6 form that you used to get on the plane, only now it is available online
No, really?… I thought it looked so familiar to me
No, really? I thought it looked so familiar.
Attentive readers on the blog and then you learn something new, right? 😉
If you are staying at multiple addresses do you have to fill them in or just the first address? And if this first address is my wife's family do I need an invitation letter?
Greetings Jan
Only the first address you go to after arrival.
Why would you need an invitation letter for that? It is only when applying for some visas that they ask for it, but not necessary for your TDAC.
Is that also necessary if you stay for 90 days? I read different things about that!
It has nothing to do with how long you stay in Thailand, but with entering Thailand.
That's why it's also called a Thailand Digital ARRIVAL Card
When you enter Thailand through immigration you have to fill it out and it does not matter whether you stay for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year etc.
Is it possible to start using the TDAC before May 1?
Apparently so because this was received from readers.
I don't know if it could be used, but the application apparently worked.
It is only mandatory from arrivals on May 1st
Ron says on March 30, 2025 at 02:35 am
Since I will be landing in Bangkok tomorrow and have no time to lose due to a connecting train ticket, I quickly filled it out, piece of cake and received the QR code within 2 seconds.
Will let you know later if it was asked for.
Eric says on April 1, 2025 at 05:50 am
Works nicely, Ronny.
Had to look in Junkmail to find the document.
https://www.thailandblog.nl/dossier/visum-thailand/immigratie-infobrief/tb-immigration-infobrief-nr-018-25-thailand-digital-arrival-card-tdac-staat-online/
For some part-time digital illiterates. In many bars now also the Singha bill and 'take out fee' come with a QR code…
How difficult can it be. Yes, with every entry from 1 May, whether you want to stay a day, a week, a month, a year. Has nothing to do with the length of your stay. It is exclusively and only for registration of entry into Thailand. (exactly the same as the old Tm 6 form that you first had to fill in manually on the plane, but now in a more modern guise).
As people often say, length is indeed unimportant…. 😉
Thanks for this info. I would have completely overlooked it otherwise.
V
We follow the news for you… you just have to follow TB 😉 🙂
Dear RonnyLatYa,
Time for a coffee break, respect for your patience and explanation.
Ed
What is not entirely clear to me is how to fill in my place of residence for a 4-week stay in Thailand.
I only booked a hotel upon arrival and the rest is still unknown. Does anyone have experience with this..
You only need to fill in the address where you are going after your arrival….
So this form replaces the paper version that you were offered at the airport until last year, that much is clear to me, but I assume that if you are going for longer than 30 days you will have to apply for a visa online again or not?
No, whether you enter with a visa, a visa exemption or a re-entry has nothing to do with it.
Not even the length of time you stay in Thailand.
It is only for foreigner who enter Thailand through immigration and that is why it is called TDAC Thailand Digital ARRIVAL Card
Still, all those questions are impressive, while this is nothing more than the old TM6 arrival/departure card, but then digital. Slightly less user-friendly in terms of filling in the residence address ("Hilton, Bangkok" is no longer sufficient...). So of course people who reside (semi) permanently in Thailand must also fill it in.
The only difference is that Thai citizens used to have to fill out the TM6 in part (residence etc. yes, back with questions about income etc. no). But Thai subjects were already told a few years ago that they no longer had to fill out the TM6.
So how hard can it be? Startup errors are to be expected, it will be fine, no reason to worry.
But I still have a question myself, will our Ronny be a heavy user of aspirin or Tiffy? 😉
Indeed Robert,
I also remember the time when I went to Belgium with my wife, my wife got a TM6 at check-in in Thailand. She had to fill it out.
The Departure portion would then be held by immigration and the Arrival portion would have to be held until she was back in Thailand.
“aspirin or Tiffy” … Leo is also working at the moment 😉
Ronny, I appreciate your patience. It's like 'they' have suddenly lost all sense of understanding. Would all those people just fly to TH? And indeed banish TM6 from the collective memory?
Oh, I answer so often -tig times the same thing. For years… TDAC fits in that row.
And I'm only 67 and at 10 o'clock I have to leave my garden because it's getting too hot for me. Forced by my wife by the way who doesn't like to see me fall to my death in there...
Plenty of time left to learn something, try things out or look things up and share them with you on the blog 😉
Now don't you all worry. Everything will be fine.
I am sure you will not be refused….
I also think that it is now enough with questions about TDAC and almost everything has been discussed and we can close this. Then do not send separate questions about this to the editors again ... I can not keep repeating what I have already said -tig times here ....
My Leo is also running out and I'm going to enjoy what's left 😉
But of course I will continue to follow everything related to immigration for you and answer your questions about it to the extent that it is within my area of expertise.
I had asked a question but I don't see it here: I have retirement and come twice a year for 2 months (max 3 days). Isn't it better to enter the country of my passport as residence country? Kind regards, Pat
If you are still registered in your own country, you should fill that out and not Thailand.
Pat, Of course in your case you simply enter the country stated in your passport as residence.
Your retirement is not an issue. You are always just a short-term tourist.