Avoid Airport Delays: What You Need to Know About Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in 2025
If you’re planning to visit Phuket or anywhere in Thailand this year, there’s a major update at immigration that you’ll want to know about. Thailand has launched a new Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system that allows visitors to fill out their TM6 immigration form online — before arrival.
It’s optional for now, but if you want to save time at the airport and breeze through immigration, this is a smart move. Here’s everything you need to know about the Thailand Digital Arrival Card in 2025.
🛬 What Is the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)?
The TDAC is the online version of the TM6 form — the white-and-blue immigration card that foreign travelers traditionally fill out on the plane or upon arrival in Thailand.
This new official digital system, launched by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, lets you complete the arrival process in advance, on your phone or computer.
🖱️ Official Site:
👉 https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home
✅ Why Use the TDAC?
- 🕒 Save time at immigration (skip the paper form)
- 📱 Fill out anytime before arrival
- ✈️ Fast-track for frequent travelers
- 🗂️ Digital record is safer and neater
- 🇹🇭 Multilingual form interface
It’s perfect for travelers flying into Phuket International Airport, Bangkok (BKK or DMK), Chiang Mai, Krabi, or other international gateways.
📋 What Information You’ll Need to Fill It Out
The TDAC form is straightforward and asks for:
- Passport information
- Arrival & departure flight numbers
- Nationality
- Hotel or residence in Thailand
- Occupation & purpose of visit
- Contact information (email, phone)
It takes about 3–5 minutes to complete.
💻 How to Fill Out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
- Go to the official website:
👉 https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home - Click “Start New Arrival Card”
- Choose your arrival airport (e.g., Phuket, Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai)
- Fill in your personal details, passport number, flight info, and hotel address
- Review the summary and submit
- You’ll receive a confirmation email and QR code
✅ Show the QR code at immigration when you arrive — no paper TM6 needed.
🧳 Who Can Use TDAC?
All foreign nationals flying into Thailand can use the digital arrival card — as long as they are entering via an international airport.
This includes:
- Tourists
- Digital nomads
- Expats entering on visa exemption, tourist visas, or education/business visas
- Family visitors
🚫 Note: Thai citizens do not need to fill out a TM6 or TDAC.
🕒 When Should You Fill Out the Form?
You can complete the TDAC:
- Up to 72 hours before arrival
- Or even while waiting to board your flight
- But definitely before landing in Thailand
Doing it early means less airport hassle, especially during high season in Phuket or Bangkok.
🛑 Is the TDAC Mandatory?
Not yet. As of April 2025:
- The TDAC is optional
- Paper TM6 forms are still accepted
- Immigration queues will process both
However, the government is clearly moving toward full digitalization, so it’s smart to get familiar now.
🧭 What Happens If You Don’t Fill It?
If you don’t complete the digital form, you’ll just fill out the traditional paper TM6 card during your flight or at the airport. No fines, no problems — just slower.
But for frequent visitors or those flying into busy airports like Phuket International, the digital arrival card will help avoid long lines.
💡 Travel Tip for Phuket Visitors
If you’re landing in Phuket, TDAC is especially useful because:
- Phuket’s international terminal can be very crowded during peak hours
- Some airlines don’t distribute TM6 forms onboard
- You’ll be glad you had this done ahead of time when you breeze through the gates
✅ Final Thoughts: Should You Use the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
Absolutely yes — if you want to save time, reduce stress, and enjoy a smoother start to your trip.
It’s fast, free, official, and easy. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the food, or a long-term stay, using the TDAC is one of the smartest travel hacks for Thailand in 2025.
