If you are traveling to Thailand, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory electronic declaration for all foreign visitors entering the country. The TDAC is designed to replace the traditional paper Arrival/Departure (TM.6) card, streamlining entry to Thailand.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is not a visa; it serves to collect mandatory immigration and customs information. This guide provides you with the facts you need to know and the steps you need to take to complete your Thailand Digital Arrival Card quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
- Do I Need the Digital Arrival Card?
- TDAC vs. Visa: The Difference
- Applying for Your Digital Arrival Card: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official TDAC Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the Digital Arrival Card: Other Thailand Entry Requirements
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory online pre-registration form required for all foreign travelers entering the Kingdom of Thailand.
Do I Need the Digital Arrival Card?
Yes, you will need the Digital Arrival Card. Completion and submission are mandatory for all foreign visitors entering Thailand. You must submit the TDAC if you are:
- Any foreign traveler entering Thailand.
- Visiting Thailand for tourism, business, or other short-term, visa-exempt purposes (typically up to 30 or 45 days).
Note: The TDAC is an entry declaration, not a visa. U.S. citizens typically do not need a visa for short stays in Thailand (up to 30 or 45 days), but they must still complete the TDAC.
TDAC vs. Visa: The Difference
| Document | Purpose | Mandatory Status |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) | Entry Declaration. Collects immigration, customs, and health information required for border processing. | MANDATORY for all arriving visitors. |
| Visa | Entry Permission. Authorizes a foreign national to enter and stay (required for longer stays, work, or study). | NOT REQUIRED for U.S. citizens for short tourist stays. |
Applying for Your Digital Arrival Card: DIY vs. Full-Service
The official process for the TDAC is straightforward and free of charge.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): For travelers comfortable navigating the official immigration portal, completing the TDAC directly is the required, free-of-charge method.
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer a simplified process and expert review, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the submission process, often integrates the form into broader travel preparation, and provides 24/7 multilingual support.
The Official TDAC Process: A 3-Step Guide
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card must be submitted online, replacing the traditional paper TM.6 form.
| Official Gov. Fee: | $0.00 USD (FREE). It is a declaration, not a paid visa service. |
| Application Window: | Required to be submitted 3 days in advance of the arrival date in Thailand. |
| Validity: | Single Entry (You must submit a new form for each trip). |
| Use: | Mandatory declaration for immigration clearance. |
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid passport.
- Flight information (arrival and departure details).
- Address of your first accommodation in Thailand (e.g., hotel name/address).
- An active email address.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official TDAC website or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Enter your personal and passport information.
- Provide travel and accommodation details.
- Complete the required Customs/Health Declaration sections.
Step 3: Submit and Receive Your Confirmation
- Submit the form online.
- Once submitted, the system processes your information. You will receive a confirmation, often electronically linked to your passport or provided via QR code.
- Note: The TDAC is designed to expedite processing upon arrival. The immigration officer will use the submitted data to perform the final check before granting entry.
Beyond the Digital Arrival Card: Other Thailand Entry Requirements
Completion of the TDAC is mandatory, but it does not grant you a visa or guarantee entry. Final admission remains at the discretion of Thai Immigration officials.
Be prepared to show:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival.
- Proof of Onward Travel: A confirmed return or onward ticket (required to prove you will leave Thailand within your visa-exempt period).
- Sufficient Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Thailand.
Note on Duration of Stay: As a U.S. citizen, you are typically granted a visa-exempt stay of 30 days (this period has occasionally been temporarily extended to 45 days, so always check the latest rules) upon arrival, provided you meet all standard entry requirements.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. The official TDAC application submitted directly through the government portal is free of charge. Optional third-party services, like iVisa, offer assistance such as application review and support for a service fee, but the form itself has no government cost.
Yes. The official site states that all visitors must complete the form. This includes every adult, child, and infant traveling with you.
You are required to submit the TDAC 3 days in advance of your arrival date in Thailand.
No. The TDAC is strictly for border processing. To stay longer than your granted entry period (e.g., 30 days), you must apply for an extension at a local immigration office or obtain a proper visa before traveling.
Start your Thailand Digital Arrival Card process quickly and securely with iVisa today! Let iVisa help ensure your travel documents are prepared, so you can focus on your trip.
