Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): A Complete Guide

If you are planning to travel to Thailand, understanding the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is essential. The government of Thailand has introduced this system to make the arrival process of tourists smoother and more efficient. The TDAC minimises the paperwork, accelerates the immigration process and ensures that the travellers submit their information beforehand.

In this guide, you will know what the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is, the rules to submit it and its renewal process.

What is a TDAC?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online system introduced in 2023 on a pilot basis to replace the traditional paper-based TM6 arrival and departure card. Travellers can now submit their information electronically before reaching Thailand.

The TDAC collects important details such as personal information, travel history, flight details and accommodation in Thailand. This system is designed to reduce waiting times at immigration checkpoints and streamline the entry process.

As of now, the TDAC is being phased in gradually, and some travellers may still be required to fill out the paper TM6 form depending on their entry point.

What are the rules for submitting the TDAC?

Travellers must follow specific rules when using the TDAC. These include:

• The TDAC should be completed before arriving in Thailand.
  
  
• It is mandatory for most travellers, except for:
  
  
  • Transit passengers not entering the country.
    
    
  • Border pass holders who travel within permitted border zones.
    
    
• Incorrect or incomplete information may cause delays during entry.
  
  
• The information submitted must match your passport and travel documents.
  
  

Procedure for online submission of the TDAC

The online TDAC submission process is straightforward and involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official Immigration Bureau website of Thailand.
2. Click the "Arrival Card" button on the home page.
3. Enter your personal details, such as name, occupation, passport number, etc., and click ‘Continue’.
4. Fill in your trip information and accommodation details, then click ‘Continue’.
5. Enter your health information as required by the Ministry of Public Health. Then click ‘Preview’.
6. Review your information.
7.  Enter your email address to receive the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
8. Check the box against ‘Agree to the Terms and Conditions’, then click ‘Submit’.
9. Download the TDAC. You can also download or print the document received in your email.

This online submission saves time at immigration counters and helps authorities verify information in advance.

Procedure to update the TDAC

If your travel details change before entry in Thailand, you can log in to your TDAC account, modify the information and resubmit the form.

1. Go to the Thailand Immigration Bureau website.
2. Click the "Update Arrival Card" button.
3. Enter your TH Digital Arrival Card number, date of birth and nationality for the search, and click ‘Search’.
4. Correct the details.
5. Review the corrections made and submit.
6. Enter your email address to receive the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
7. Check the box to agree to the Terms and Conditions, then click ‘Submit’.
8. Download the TDAC.

Reasons to buy travel insurance for Thailand

While not directly part of the TDAC, having travel insurance for Thailand is strongly recommended. It provides financial protection against unexpected events during your trip. Common benefits include:

• Coverage for medical emergencies and hospitalisation.
  
  
• Compensation for lost luggage or travel documents.
  
  
• Protection against trip cancellations or delays.
  
  
• 24/7 assistance services during emergencies.
  
  

Conclusion

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is a modern system that simplifies the arrival process for international travellers. By submitting your details online before your trip, you can enjoy faster processing at immigration checkpoints.

Along with obtaining a TDAC, securing good travel insurance adds an extra layer of safety and confidence during your visit. Choosing a policy with sufficient coverage according to your travel plans ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.

FAQs

1. Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card mandatory?
   Yes, it is required for most travellers except transit passengers and certain border pass holders.
2. Can I fill out the TDAC on arrival?
   No, it should be completed online before you arrive in Thailand.
3. What happens if I make a mistake in the TDAC?
   If you have made a mistake while applying for TDAC, you can log back into the system, correct the error and resubmit.
4. Is travel insurance compulsory for Thailand?
   While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended and may be required for certain visa categories.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.