Thailand Digital Arrival Card | tdac.immigration.go.th Guide

📌 FIELD SUMMARY FOR TRAVELERS AND TEACHERS

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is part of Thai Immigration's ongoing initiative to digitize international arrival records, phasing out the traditional blue-and-white paper TM.6 card. Foreign arrivals are advised to complete their digital pre-registration online at the official government portal tdac.immigration.go.th (always confirm the active URL before departure), typically within about 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival. The official portal is completely free; avoid commercial third-party websites charging processing fees. Ensure names and passport numbers match your travel document's Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) in uppercase. Keep your digital QR code ready, print a paper backup for peace of mind, and review standard proof of funds guidelines.

Chapter 01 : Document Briefing

Arrival Documentation: Essential Papers

Having your travel paperwork structured, printed, and verified in advance ensures a calm and professional border arrival.

"Over 20 years on the ground coordinating educators in Sukhothai and across Thailand, I have witnessed entry procedures transition from paper forms to digital QR codes. Preparation remains the foundation of a smooth landing: having your digital registration complete and physical backups accessible in your carry-on luggage signals respect for border authorities and avoids arrival stress."

Matthew John : KET Operations Manager & 20-Year Veteran

Component 1

1. TDAC Registration QR 📲

Pre-Arrival Timing: Submit via the portal typically within about 72 hours prior to scheduled landing.
Official Portal: Access tdac.immigration.go.th directly. The government service is completely free.
Practical Backup: Save the QR code image to your phone camera roll and carry at least one paper printout in your hand luggage.

Component 2

2. Proof of Funds Guidance 💵

Statutory Framework: Thai immigration regulations specify that arriving visitors must possess adequate living funds, traditionally benchmarked around 20,000 THB per individual or 40,000 THB per family in cash or equivalent convertible foreign currency (such as USD or EUR).

Border Practice: While physical inspections by officers are discretionary rather than routine for every traveler, maintaining access to funds ensures you satisfy statutory entry standards without complications.

Component 3

3. Accommodation & Forward Travel 🏨

Initial Address: Have the name and physical address of your first hotel or residence clearly recorded in your notes.
Onward Flight: When traveling under visa exemption schemes, keep documentation of confirmed onward or return travel within permitted stay limits accessible.
Visa Links: Explore our detailed guides on the Thailand teacher visa framework and regional travel via the DIY visa run to Laos guide.

⚡ Interactive TDAC Arrival Readiness Tracker

Review your pre-departure preparations to confirm full border readiness before heading to the airport:

Verified official portal at tdac.immigration.go.th Saved QR code on phone and printed a paper backup Confirmed adequate funds and emergency access Initial accommodation address documented

Status: 0 of 4 Complete (0%)

Chapter 02 : Submission SOP

Step-by-Step Filing: Submitting Your TDAC

Entering your passport and itinerary details accurately prevents identity mismatches at airport scanners.

PHASE 01

Pre-Arrival Window

Access the registration system close to your travel date, typically within about 72 hours prior to landing in Thailand. Filing during this window ensures your flight numbers, seat numbers, and initial hotel bookings are finalized.

PHASE 02

Official Government Portal

Connect to tdac.immigration.go.th directly on a secure browser. The official government service is 100% free. Choose individual registration for solo travel or group registration options when traveling with family.

PHASE 03

Passport Data Alignment

Type your surname, given names, and passport number in uppercase letters exactly as printed on the bottom Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of your passport. Be careful not to confuse the numeral 0 with the capital letter O.

PHASE 04

Flight and Accommodation Details

Input your arrival flight code (e.g., TG601) and point of entry (such as Suvarnabhumi BKK or Don Mueang DMK). Enter your first accommodation address (hotel name, district, and province) accurately.

PHASE 05

Health and Travel Declaration

Complete the brief travel history declaration by listing countries visited within the preceding two weeks. If traveling from or through designated yellow fever regions, ensure you hold an active vaccination certificate.

PHASE 06

QR Download and Print Backup

Verify all fields before final submission. Download your confirmation QR code file, save a clear screenshot on your mobile phone, and print a physical paper copy to slip into your passport.

Chapter 03 : Consumer Protection

Scam Warnings & Common Entry Oversights

Protect your personal data from predatory commercial websites and avoid common form filing errors.

⚠️ Official Consumer Warning: Avoid Paid Imposter Portals

Commercial third-party websites frequently buy search engine advertisements targeting terms like "Thailand Arrival Card" or "Online TM6." These private intermediary websites often charge unsuspecting travelers between $30 and $100+ USD under the guise of an "expedited" or "official service fee."

Government Service is Free: The Royal Thai Government does not charge an application fee for the digital arrival card.
Check Domain Extensions: Legitimate Thai government portals end in .go.th (such as tdac.immigration.go.th). Beware of commercial domains ending in .com, .org, or .net.
Zero Priority Lanes: Paying a third-party service provides zero priority at airport border counters. Immigration officers scan official QR records directly.
If You Paid a Scam Site: Contact your financial institution promptly to report an unauthorized or deceptive transaction, then file your real card on the official government website.

Five Common Filing Errors to Double-Check:

Number vs. Letter Confusion: Carefully distinguish between the numeral zero (0) and the capital letter O in your passport code.
Informal Names: Enter your full legal name as shown on your passport photo page. Avoid nicknames, shortened names, or middle-name omissions.
Date of Birth Formatting: Confirm day, month, and year fields follow the specified portal order (commonly DD/MM/YYYY).
Submitting Too Far in Advance: Pre-registration is intended for immediate travel. Filing weeks before departure may lead to expired reference sessions.
Dependents and Children: Ensure every individual traveler has their required digital record created, either through individual forms or unified group submissions when supported.

Chapter 04 : Arrival Logistics

Border Arrival Matrix: Traveler Scenarios

How the digital arrival process applies across different entry categories and transit itineraries.

Travel Scenario	Digital Filing Protocol	Key Operational Context
Direct International Air Arrival	Submit within ~72 hours before flight	Standard entry via major airports (Suvarnabhumi BKK, Don Mueang DMK, Phuket HKT, Chiang Mai CNX). Present the QR code at airline check-in and passport inspection counters.
International Airside Transit Only	Arrival card not required	Applicable only if you remain behind security checkpoints in the international transit area. If you clear immigration to collect baggage or change carriers, a digital arrival card is required.
Regional Land Border Crossing (e.g., Laos or Cambodia)	Submit prior to each return entry	The TDAC serves single-entry processing. If you exit Thailand for a regional trip or consular visit, complete a fresh arrival submission prior to crossing back into Thailand.
Relocating Educators & Long-Term Teachers	Coordinate with school and orientation team	Enter on your approved visa status or exemption as advised by your school coordinator, carry physical degrees in hand luggage, and proceed to your scheduled orientation or campus check-in.

School and Orientation Coordination

For educators arriving to teach with partner schools across Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Northern Thailand, coordinate your arrival flight and ground transit details directly with your KET placement manager. Travel schedules, airport meeting points, and hotel transfers are arranged to match your specific school start dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thailand Digital Arrival FAQs

Clear answers to common questions regarding the digital arrival card process.

Is the TDAC required for all foreign travelers arriving in Thailand?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is part of Thai Immigration's ongoing initiative to digitize international arrival processing, replacing the traditional paper TM.6 form. While international air travelers are strongly advised to complete the digital pre-registration before departure to ensure smooth boarding and quick transit, airport kiosks and airline protocols provide assistance if passengers encounter digital access challenges.

What should I do if there is a mistake in my passport details or travel info?

If you notice an error in non-critical travel details, check whether the official portal offers an edit or update option for your reference code. If core identity fields like your passport number or name spelling are incorrect, submitting a fresh, accurate registration online is generally recommended so immigration records reflect your passport.

Do I need a TDAC if I am only transiting through Bangkok airside?

If you remain airside within the international transit area and do not pass through Thai immigration border control to collect baggage or switch airlines, you do not need to submit an arrival card. However, if you clear passport control to recheck bags or exit the airport, an arrival card submission applies.

Do children and infants require their own arrival registration?

Yes, each traveler holding a passport generally needs an associated arrival record. When available on the official portal, family and group submission features allow primary travelers to include traveling dependents within a unified session.

Is displaying the QR code on a smartphone sufficient, or is a paper printout necessary?

Showing the digital confirmation QR code directly on your mobile device is commonly accepted. However, carrying at least one physical paper printout is a wise backup in case your phone battery runs out or airport Wi-Fi is slow after a long international flight.

What are the rules regarding cash and proof of funds upon arrival?

Thai immigration regulations include proof of financial means (traditionally cited as 20,000 THB per individual or 40,000 THB per family in equivalent cash or recognized currency). While physical checks by immigration officers are conducted on a discretionary basis, carrying adequate funds and accommodation bookings ensures you meet full entry criteria.

Written by Matthew John

Co-Founder & Operations Manager : 20 Years in Thailand

Matthew John is the co-founder of Kids English Thailand (KET) and has spent 20 years guiding foreign educators through school placements, legal Non-B visas, and immigration compliance across Northern Thailand. He lives in Sukhothai with his family.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Free Official Filing

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