Thailand implements a digital entry card for travelers

Bangkok and Thailand's main tourist destinations are preparing for a technological leap in immigration . Starting May 1, 2025 , the Southeast Asian country will abandon the traditional paper TM6 form in favor of a more modern, efficient digital system aligned with new global tourism trends.

The new protagonist of this change is called Thailand's Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) , a tool that not only digitizes the experience of entering the country, but also promises to optimize data management and significantly reduce times at immigration checkpoints .

A card that every traveler must complete

The use of the TDAC will be mandatory for all foreigners entering Thailand , regardless of their nationality or visa type. This includes tourists with visas as well as those entering under visa waiver agreements. The only exception is Thai citizens , who will not be required to complete this process.

The digital form must be completed within 72 hours of arrival in the country , that is, three days before the trip . The goal is for each visitor to have their digital card ready before setting foot on Thai soil, thus facilitating entry and avoiding any problems at immigration controls .

How to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card

To comply with this new requirement, travelers must access the official Thai government portal , available at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home . The process is entirely online and can be completed from any device with internet access .

These are the steps to complete it correctly:

• Access the official portal : Enter the link and select the " Arrival Card " option.
• Enter personal information : Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number and visa number (if applicable).
• Trip details : Estimated arrival date, means of transport (plane, boat, etc.), purpose of visit (tourism, business, etc.) and address of accommodation in Thailand.
• Health declaration : Include the countries visited during the last 14 days, in compliance with the protocols of the Thai Ministry of Public Health .
• Final review and confirmation : It is key to verify that all the information entered is correct, as errors can cause delays in the process.
• Digital card receipt : Once the form has been submitted, the traveler will receive a PDF file of the TDAC in their email. This document must be presented at the point of entry, either in digital or printed format .

The Thai government warns that failure to present this card may result in entry delays or even denial of entry to the country , so it recommends that all travelers complete this procedure well in advance .

Why is Thailand investing in digitalization?

The implementation of the TDAC is not simply a bureaucratic modernization . It is a comprehensive strategy with several important objectives. With the digitization of the old TM6 form , a significant reduction in waiting times at airports and other points of entry is expected, benefiting both visitors and local authorities .

On the other hand, having digitized and structured information will make tracking tourist flows more accurate, allowing for more informed decisions in terms of planning , security , and immigration policies —in other words, better data management .

Furthermore, this entry card does not operate in isolation. It will be integrated with other systems , such as the e-Visa system and with health controls , creating a smoother and more unified experience for those entering the country.

How does this impact tourism?

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's most popular tourist destinations , attracting over 30 million visitors annually . Bangkok, Phuket , Chiang Mai , Krabi , and the Phi Phi Islands are just a few of the gems that draw travelers from around the world .

With this new system, the country seeks to further enhance its position as a modern, safe, and technologically advanced tourist destination . And while the mandatory TDAC might seem like just another hurdle to add to the list of procedures, the truth is that its use will reduce paperwork , human error , and airport queues .

The key to everything running smoothly is anticipation . Completing the TDAC up to 72 hours before your flight is not only mandatory, but it also allows you to resolve any issues before boarding. Furthermore, it's recommended to carry a printed copy or save it on your phone to easily show it at the airport upon arrival .

Those planning a trip to Thailand should add this step to their checklist , along with their passport , travel insurance , accommodation booking , and vaccinations (if applicable). By fulfilling this and other requirements, that dream vacation in Southeast Asia will become a reality.

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