Thailand replaced its paper arrival card (the old TM6 form) with an online Digital Arrival Card. It’s quick and free — but searches for “TDAC Thailand” are huge, and so are the fake websites charging travellers for it. Here’s exactly what you need to do before flying to Bangkok.
This guide is based on Thailand Starter Kit’s TDAC guide (updated September 2026) and TTG Asia’s report on the new visa rules (September 2026). Always check the official Thai immigration website before you travel.
TDAC at a glance
| Who | All foreign nationals entering Thailand, including children and infants (one TDAC per person) |
| When | Within 72 hours (3 days) before arrival |
| Where | Official website: tdac.immigration.go.th |
| Cost | Free |
| Time needed | About 3–5 minutes |
| Entry by | Air, land and sea |
Source: Thailand Starter Kit.
Who needs the TDAC — and who doesn’t
All foreigners entering Thailand need a TDAC, whatever their visa type (source). Exemptions include:
- Thai nationals
- Transit passengers who don’t pass through immigration
- Aircraft crew
- Passengers on technical stops who don’t leave the aircraft area
- Travellers using a Border Pass
When to fill in the TDAC
You can submit it from 72 hours before your arrival date. For example, if you land on 5 May, you can submit it from 2 May (source). If you forget, there are kiosks at the airport, but queues can be long — do it before you fly.
How to fill in the TDAC: step by step
- Go to the official website (tdac.immigration.go.th) — never a site that asks for payment.
- Enter your passport details: name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, occupation.
- Enter your travel details: arrival date, flight number, departure country and your accommodation address in Thailand.
- Complete the health declaration (and yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk area).
- Add your email, review and submit in one go — the form can’t be saved part-way (source).
- Save the confirmation (check your spam folder) and keep it on your phone.
Watch out for TDAC scams
Thai authorities have warned about fake websites charging US$10–100 for the TDAC (source). The official TDAC is completely free. If a site asks for card details, close it.
Thailand visa-free stay: 30 days since September 2026
- New rule: visa-free stays for tourism are now 30 days, down from 60, for travellers from 60 countries and territories (source).
- Effective: entries from 15 September 2026; the 60-day scheme applied to entries until 14 September 2026.
- Visa on arrival: now limited to a few nationalities (source).
- Check your nationality on the official Thai embassy website before you book.
Other entry requirements
- Passport valid for at least six months.
- Proof of onward travel may be requested.
- Proof of funds may be checked by immigration.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended — see do you need travel insurance?.
After landing in Bangkok
Go through immigration with your passport (and TDAC confirmation if asked), then head into the city by Airport Rail Link, taxi or Grab — see our Bangkok airport to city guide.
Common TDAC mistakes to avoid
- Submitting too early: the form only works within 72 hours of your arrival date.
- Using a third-party site: only the official immigration website is free.
- Typos in your passport number — double-check against your passport before submitting.
- One TDAC for the whole family: every traveller, including babies, needs their own.
- Wrong arrival date after a flight change — submit a new TDAC with the correct details.
- Not saving the confirmation: keep a screenshot in case the email goes to spam.
Arriving by land or sea
The TDAC also applies at land borders and seaports, with the same 72-hour window (source). Kiosks aren’t listed at land crossings, so submit it before you travel while you have reliable internet.
What to have ready before you start
- Your passport
- Flight or transport number and arrival date
- Your first hotel’s address in Thailand — see where to stay in Bangkok
- An email address you can access on your phone
Heading to the islands? See our Phuket travel guide and Phuket Airport transfers.
More Bangkok guides
- Bangkok itinerary
- Best things to do in Bangkok
- Where to stay in Bangkok
- Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun tickets
- Floating markets near Bangkok
- Bangkok airport to city, BTS & MRT
- Best time to visit Bangkok
- Bangkok travel guide
FAQ: Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Is the TDAC free?
Yes, the official TDAC is completely free. Sites that charge are not official.
When should I submit the TDAC?
Within the 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand.
Do children need a TDAC?
Yes — every traveller, including children and infants, needs their own TDAC.
Do I need a TDAC if I’m transiting in Bangkok?
Not if you stay airside and don’t pass through immigration.
Can I fill in the TDAC at the airport?
There are kiosks, but queues can be long; it’s much better to submit it before you fly.
How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?
Since 15 September 2026, 30 days for tourism for travellers from 60 eligible countries and territories.
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