Published : 6/27/2026
Updated : 6/27/2026
Author : Aakansha Vatsalya
Thailand remains one of the most popular international destinations for Indian travellers, known for its beaches, islands, temples, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality. Before you arrive, every foreign visitor must complete one important entry requirement: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Introduced in May 2025, it replaced the paper TM6 arrival card with a simple online submission completed before arrival.
In this guide, you'll learn what the TDAC is, who needs it, how to complete the arrival card Thailand requires, when to submit it, how to save your QR code, and what the rules are for Thailand Privilege Visa holders.
The TDAC full form is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. It is a digital entry declaration that every foreign visitor completes online before arriving in Thailand.
Many travellers search for a Thailand arrival card download before their holiday, but the QR code is only generated after successful submission.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card records your basic details:
Comparison | TDAC | Visa |
Purpose | Shares your arrival details | Grants permission to enter |
Cost | Free | A fee may apply |
Grants entry? | No | Yes |
Every non-Thai national must complete the arrival card for Thailand, regardless of the type of visa they hold. This rule covers tourists, workers, and residents. Thai nationals are the main exception; they do not need the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
Must fill the TDAC | Exempt |
All non-Thai nationals | Thai nationals |
Every visa type, including visa-exempt travellers and visa holders. | Airside transit passengers only (do not clear immigration) |
Tourists, workers, and residents | Border pass holders |
Thailand Elite and Thailand Privilege Visa members |
Yes, you still need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Having a premium membership does not exempt you. The old Thailand Elite program is now called Thailand Privilege, but the rule remains the same.
Thailand Privilege Visa holders must complete the TDAC for every entry. Your Elite Personal Liaison (EPL) can help guide you, but you need to complete the form online before you travel. If you are an existing Thailand Elite member, you also need to complete the TDAC each time you enter.
Tribe Travel Tip for Indian travellers: Thailand's entry and visa policies can change, so check the Royal Thai Embassy or Immigration Bureau before travelling. The TDAC remains mandatory for every visa type.
*You can also read our Thailand visa for Indians guide for a complete overview of the documents needed before departure.
Before you start the Thailand Digital Arrival Card form, make sure you have everything you need. This way, you can finish the Thailand Digital Arrival Card in one go. You can’t save your progress and come back later, so it’s best to be prepared.
Once you have these details, it should take only a few minutes to complete the form.
Before you travel, it's also worth reading our Thailand travel tips guide to avoid common mistakes and prepare for a smoother arrival.
Filling out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online is easy if you have your documents ready. Just follow these six steps on the official website and enter all your details in English.
Open the official website in your browser. This is the only official and free site. Choose your language with the globe icon, then select the Arrival Card to start a new form. Only use the Update Arrival Card if you have already submitted your arrival card and need to make changes.
Enter your name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number. Use only English (Latin) letters, exactly as they appear on your passport. If your passport does not have a middle name, leave that field blank. If you are using a phone, you can tap Scan MRZ to read your passport strip and automatically fill in these fields.
Fill in your arrival date, flight number, and reason for visiting, like tourism. Include your country of departure and when you plan to leave Thailand. Add your estimated arrival time in local Thai time. For overnight flights, use your landing date, not the date you left.
List all the countries you visited in the past 14 days. If you travelled directly from home, just enter your home country. You don’t need to upload any proof of vaccination at this step.
Travelling with family or friends? Select Add Other Travellers to include up to 10 people in one submission. Each traveller receives their own TDAC record and QR code.
Review all the details on the summary screen. Tick the box to accept the terms, then submit the form. Your QR code will arrive by email within minutes. Save it before you travel. This QR code confirms that you have successfully submitted your Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Present it to the immigration officer when you arrive.
Timing is important for the TDAC. You can submit it up to 72 hours (3 days) before you arrive. If you try to submit earlier, the system will not accept it. The best time is one or two days before your flight, so you have time to fix any mistakes. Set a reminder so you don’t miss the deadline.
Timing before arrival | Status |
More than 72 hours | Rejected by the system |
24 to 72 hours | Recommended |
Day of travel (under 24 hours) | Possible, but risky |
After arrival | Airport assistance desks and self-service kiosks may be available, but expect queues. |
Keep in mind that the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is only valid for one entry. You need to fill out a new form for every visit, even if you just leave for a few hours on a border run. Save each QR code separately for every holiday.
Saving your Thailand arrival card QR code is simple. After you submit, your QR code arrives by email within minutes. This QR code is your proof of submission, so keep it handy for immigration.
If you still cannot find it, contact an immigration officer at the airport for assistance. You can also use the Update Arrival Card option on the official portal by entering your TDAC Card Number, date of birth, and nationality.
If you forget to complete the TDAC before your flight, you can still submit it after you arrive. Major Thai airports have self-service kiosks and staff to help you. Make sure to finish the form before you join the immigration line. Be aware that during busy arrival periods, queues at airport assistance counters and self-service kiosks may take longer.
Note: It’s always easier and less stressful to fill out the form in advance.
Remember, the TDAC full form is Thailand Digital Arrival Card, and you need it before every entry. It’s been mandatory since 1 May 2025. The arrival card is free, quick to complete online via the official portal, and required for all visa types, including holders of the Thailand Privilege Visa.
Before you fly, complete the form one or two days in advance. Only use the official site as it never charges a fee. Complete your Thailand arrival card download, then save the QR code offline. That’s all you need for a smooth arrival. Once your TDAC is done, let us handle the rest. Holiday Tribe can plan your entire Thailand getaway. Speak to a holiday advisor today and enjoy your travels with one less thing to worry about.
No, you don’t need a TDAC if you stay in the airport and don’t go through immigration. But if you leave the airport, collect your bags, or clear immigration, you must complete the TDAC first.
Yes. You can use any computer, tablet, or phone with internet access. If you don’t have a device, free Wi-Fi and self-service kiosks are available at major Thai airports when you arrive.
It usually takes just a few minutes. Your QR code will be sent to the email you provided. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or recover it on the portal.
There’s no set fine if you forget the TDAC, but you will face delays and need to fill it out at an airport kiosk. Giving incorrect information can slow down immigration or affect your entry assessment by Thai immigration officers.
You don’t need to attach proof of funds to the TDAC itself. However, immigration officers may still ask for a return ticket or proof of funds when you arrive.
Published : 6/27/2026
Updated : 6/27/2026
Author : Aakansha Vatsalya