Thailand has modernized its border process. If you’re traveling in 2026, you may need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before entry.
This guide explains who needs it, when to submit, and the step-by-step process to complete it correctly.
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an online entry declaration that replaces the traditional paper arrival card (previously known as the TM6 form). It helps Thai immigration process arrivals more smoothly and collects traveler information in advance.
Important: The TDAC is not a visa. If you need a visa based on your nationality or travel purpose, you must obtain it separately.
Who Needs to Submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
In 2026, most travelers entering Thailand may need to submit the TDAC, including:
- Tourists entering visa-free
- Travelers holding tourist visas
- Business travelers
- Long-stay visitors (education, work, family visits)
- Children and infants (submitted individually)
Rule of thumb: Each traveler should have their own digital arrival card submission—children included.
Transit passengers
If you pass through Thai immigration (enter Thailand), you’ll generally need to submit the arrival card. If you remain airside and do not clear immigration, requirements can differ depending on your itinerary and airline.
When Should You Submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
Timing is one of the most common sources of confusion. In 2026, the safest approach is to submit the TDAC shortly before your arrival, within the official allowed window.
- Submitting too early may not be allowed
- Submitting too late may cause airline or immigration issues
- Submitting before check-in is strongly recommended
Best practice: Complete the form before your flight—ideally before you reach the airport—so you have time to fix typos and save confirmation.
What You Need Before You Start
Having the right details ready will make the process fast and reduce mistakes.
- Your passport (the one you will travel with)
- Flight itinerary (flight number, arrival date)
- Port of entry (airport/land border/seaport)
- Accommodation details in Thailand
- Recent travel history (if requested)
- Health information (if applicable)
Step-by-Step: How to Fill the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Step 1: Personal Information
You’ll enter personal details such as your full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, and passport expiry date. The most important rule is simple: match your passport exactly.
Tip: Double-check common look-alike characters: 0 vs
O, and 1 vs
I.
Step 2: Travel Information
Next, you’ll provide your trip details: flight number, arrival date, and your port of entry. The arrival date should be the date you land in Thailand, not the day you depart your home country.
Step 3: Accommodation Details
Thailand immigration typically asks where you will stay. Enter your hotel name and address, rental address, or a residential address if staying with friends or family.
If your accommodation changes after you submit, you can usually submit a new arrival card with the updated information.
Step 4: Health Declaration
Depending on current rules, you may be asked to declare symptoms or recent travel history. Answer honestly—health declarations help authorities handle screening when needed.
Step 5: Review and Submit
Before submitting, review every field carefully. After submission, you may receive a confirmation page or reference number. Save a screenshot or email confirmation for peace of mind.
After You Submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
In most cases, printing is not required because your submission is linked digitally to your passport. Airlines may verify completion before boarding, and immigration officers can retrieve your record electronically.
Recommendation: Keep a screenshot of your confirmation or reference details. It’s not always needed, but it can help if you’re asked to show proof of submission.
Common Thailand Digital Arrival Card Mistakes
Here are the most frequent issues travelers run into:
- Typos in passport number
- Name order mismatch
- Wrong arrival date
- Submitting too early
- Forgetting to submit for children
Good news: Most mistakes can be fixed by submitting a new arrival card with corrected details.
Can You Edit or Correct a Submitted Arrival Card?
Many travelers look for an “edit” option after submission. In most cases, the practical solution is to submit a new arrival card with corrected details.
- You usually can’t edit a completed submission
- You can submit again with corrected information
- Submitting twice is generally acceptable when fixing errors
What Happens at Immigration in Thailand?
On arrival, your passport is scanned and immigration officers access your digital submission. If everything matches, entry is typically quick.
You may be asked simple questions about your trip, such as your length of stay, accommodation, and purpose of visit.
Documents to keep handy
- Your passport
- Flight itinerary / boarding pass
- Hotel booking confirmation (or host address)
When Using an Arrival Card Assistance Service Makes Sense
Many travelers complete the form on their own. But assistance can be helpful if you’re short on time, traveling as a family, unsure about entry requirements, or simply want peace of mind.
- You’re traveling soon and don’t want mistakes
- You’re traveling with children or a group
- Your name/passport details are complex
- You want someone to review details before submission
Ready to Apply?
Save time and start your official Thailand Digital Arrival Card application now.
Go to Application FormFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card a visa?
No. It’s an entry declaration, not a visa.
Is it free?
Yes. The official submission is free.
Do children need one?
Yes. Each traveler, including children and infants, should have their own submission.
Can I submit it at the airport?
Sometimes, but it’s risky. Submit before travel whenever possible.
What if my flight changes?
Submit a new arrival card with updated details if needed.
Do I need to print it?
Usually no, but saving a screenshot is recommended.