TDAC in Thailand: How to Fill Out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card in 2026

Before traveling to Thailand, foreign tourists need to complete one more mandatory formality – fill out the TDAC, Thailand Digital Arrival Card. The electronic arrival card has replaced the paper form TM.6 and has been in use for entering Thailand since May 1, 2025.

The TDAC must be completed before each trip to Thailand. This applies not only to tourists arriving in Phuket or Bangkok but also to foreigners with long-term visas, as well as those entering the country by land or sea.

Let's find out what TDAC is, who needs to fill it out, when to do it, what data is required, and how much registration costs.

What is TDAC

TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) is an electronic arrival card for Thailand. Essentially, it has replaced the familiar paper immigration card TM.6, which was previously issued to passengers during flights or at the border.

TDAC contains information about the traveler, their passport, trip, accommodation in Thailand, and other data required by immigration services.

After completing the form, the tourist receives registration confirmation. It's best to save it on your phone before passing through passport control.

It's important to understand: TDAC is not a visa and does not replace a visa. If a citizen of a certain country needs a visa to enter Thailand, it still needs to be obtained separately.

Who needs to fill out TDAC

Almost all foreigners entering Thailand must fill out TDAC.

The requirement applies to tourists, business travelers, visa holders, and those using visa-free entry.

It doesn't matter if you arrive by plane or cross the border by land. TDAC is required for entry into Thailand by air, land, and sea.

For example, if you fly from Moscow to Phuket, you need to fill out TDAC. If you arrive in Bangkok and then go to Phuket – also. If you enter Thailand through a land border after a trip to Malaysia, Myanmar, or another neighboring country, TDAC will also be required.

Who does not need to fill out TDAC

There are a few exceptions.

Thai citizens do not need TDAC.

Also, the card is not required for passengers who are only transiting through Thailand and do not pass through immigration control. For example, if you are transferring to another flight at the airport and do not exit through passport control, you do not need to fill out a TDAC.

However, if you pass through immigration during transit and officially enter Thailand, a TDAC will be required.

When to fill out TDAC

This is one of the most important points.

TDAC can be filled out within three days before the date of entry into Thailand.

For example, if you arrive in Phuket on September 20, you can register starting from September 17.

There is no need to fill out the form several weeks or months before the trip – the system is designed for registration directly before entry.

It's better not to postpone the process until the last minute. If you fill out the TDAC in advance within the permitted period, you can safely save the confirmation and not have to deal with it at the airport.

Where to fill out TDAC

TDAC is completed online through the official website of the Thai Immigration Bureau.

Registration is completely free. There is no fee or commission to pay for filling out the electronic card.

This is especially important because there are intermediary websites on the internet that offer to "process TDAC" for a fee. These are not needed for a regular registration.

Tourists can simply fill out the form themselves on the official portal.

What data is needed for TDAC

Before filling it out, it's best to prepare your passport so you don't have to transcribe information at the last minute.

The form will require basic personal and passport data: first and last name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.

Information about the trip will also be needed – date of entry, method of arrival, and transport or flight details.

Additionally, you'll need to provide your accommodation address in Thailand. If you're staying in a hotel in Phuket, simply have the hotel's name and address handy.

The form also asks for contact details and information about the purpose of your trip. Depending on the current version of the form, the system may request additional information.

How to fill out TDAC

Filling out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card doesn't take much time. The main thing is to do it carefully and without rushing, as the form requires passport and travel data.

In the infographic below, we have shown the entire process step by step, making it easier to understand registration even for first-time TDAC users.

After submitting the form, check the email you provided during registration. It's best to save the TDAC confirmation on your phone in advance so it's readily available when entering Thailand. You can also download it or take a screenshot.

Before submitting the form, be sure to double-check the spelling of your first and last name, passport number, arrival date, and all other details. Errors in the form can create unnecessary difficulties at the border.

Infographic with step-by-step instructions for filling out TDAC for entry into Thailand in Russian and English

Do I need to print TDAC?

Usually, printing TDAC is not required.

The confirmation can be shown on your smartphone if needed. The main thing is that you have access to the email or saved confirmation.

Nevertheless, it's better to save the document offline before your trip. At the airport, you might not have convenient internet access, and a dead phone at the most inopportune moment can create entirely unnecessary problems.

Do I need to fill out TDAC every time?

Yes.

TDAC is completed for each entry into Thailand separately.

If you arrived in Phuket, then traveled, for example, to Malaysia, and return to Thailand a few days later, a new TDAC registration will be required before your new entry.

The same card cannot be used for multiple entries.

What to do if plans change

If some travel details change after filling out the TDAC, the information can be updated before the trip.

For example, if the flight number or accommodation has changed. In such a case, it's better to check the system for the possibility of making changes, rather than leaving deliberately incorrect information in the form.

If plans change so much that you postpone your entry to a different date outside the permitted registration period, you may need to fill out a new card.

What happens if I don't fill out TDAC?

TDAC is a mandatory requirement for most foreigners entering Thailand.

Therefore, don't assume that the form won't be checked. Lack of registration can lead to delays at immigration control.

Airports provide assistance options for travelers who couldn't fill out the form in advance, but this is more of a backup option. It's much simpler to complete the TDAC at home before your trip.

This is especially relevant for families traveling with children, and for those arriving late at night or immediately after a long flight.

Do children need to apply for TDAC?

Yes, the requirement applies to foreign nationals regardless of age.

If a child is traveling with parents, the child's data must also be entered into the system.

For group registration, several travelers can be registered together, so families do not necessarily have to go through the procedure completely separately for each person.

TDAC for Phuket

If you are flying directly to Phuket, there are no separate TDAC rules for the island.

For a tourist arriving at Phuket International Airport, the same procedure applies as for passengers arriving in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or any other international point of entry.

When filling out the form, you simply provide the actual travel details and accommodation information.

For example, if you booked a hotel in Patong, Kata, Karon, Bang Tao, or another area of the island, you need to provide the corresponding accommodation information.

Is TDAC free or paid?

TDAC is free.

This is one of the main points that tourists should remember.

If any website offers to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card for money, it does not mean that government registration has become paid. There are commercial intermediaries who may charge for their services, but you are not required to pay them.

For a regular tourist, obtaining a TDAC should cost nothing.

Common mistakes when filling out TDAC

The most common mistake is trying to fill out the card too early. The system only accepts registration within the established period before entry.

The second problem is errors in passport data. The first name, last name, and passport number must match the document you are using to cross the border.

Tourists also sometimes enter an old flight number after a ticket change or an incorrect hotel address.

Therefore, before submitting the form, it's worth calmly checking all the data.

And one more important point: TDAC should only be processed on the official website. Do not enter passport data on the first website that appears in a search result.

TDAC: What tourists need to remember

If you are traveling to Thailand in 2026, there are only a few things to remember.

TDAC is mandatory for most foreigners entering the country. It is completed online within three days before arrival. The card is needed for entry by air, land, and sea, and is filled out separately for each new entry.

TDAC is not a visa and does not replace it. Registration is free, and it's best to save the confirmation on your phone after completion.

If you are flying to Phuket for a vacation, no additional forms specifically for the island need to be filled out. Just complete the regular Thailand Digital Arrival Card before your trip.

The main thing is not to confuse TDAC with a visa and not to pay intermediaries for something you can do for free yourself.