Thailand TDAC 2026: What the Digital Arrival Card Changed

Goodbye Paper TM6, Hello TDAC

Thailand's paper TM6 arrival card existed for decades — a small rectangular slip handed out on planes and filled out with a pen somewhere over the Andaman Sea. In 2025, the TM6 was fully replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), an online form that must be completed before arrival. As of August 2026, the TDAC is mandatory for all foreign visitors entering by air, land, or sea. Thai nationals and permanent residents are exempt.

What TDAC Asks For

The form collects your passport information, flight or vehicle details, accommodation address in Thailand, and standard customs and health declarations. It is shorter than most e-visa applications — about 10 minutes if you have your passport and hotel booking handy. You can submit it up to 3 days before arrival but no later than 24 hours before your flight or border crossing.

Where People Get Stuck

The most common issue travelers report is the accommodation address field. If you are staying at multiple hotels, just enter the first one. If you are backpacking without firm plans, use the first night's hostel or hotel address. The system also asks for a Thai phone number — travelers using eSIMs or international roaming often leave this blank, but it can delay processing. A hotel front desk number works if you do not have a Thai SIM yet.

After Submission

Upon submitting, you receive a confirmation with a QR code and reference number. Take a screenshot. At immigration, the officer scans your passport and sees your TDAC data automatically — you usually do not need to show the QR code, but having it ready speeds things up if there is a system mismatch. The TDAC is free. Any website charging for it is a scam.