Ultimate 2025 Guide to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Essential Information for Travel Professionals
Table of Contents
- Last Updated: April 21, 2025
This guide reflects the most current Thailand Digital Arrival Card procedures and requirements.
Introduction: The Essential TDAC Guide for Travel Professionals
Travel agents and tour operators: This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to know about Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system for clients traveling to Thailand from the 1st May 2025. As the mandatory replacement for the paper TM6 arrival card, mastering the TDAC process is essential for ensuring your clients enjoy smooth entry into Thailand.
This expertly crafted resource provides detailed instructions, screenshots, troubleshooting advice, and professional insights specifically designed for travel industry professionals. Whether you’re completing the form on behalf of clients or guiding them through the process, this guide ensures you can handle TDAC submissions with confidence and precision.
For individual travelers completing their own TDAC: Follow our step-by-step instructions to quickly submit your information and avoid delays at immigration.
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) and Why It Matters for Travel Professionals
The TDAC is Thailand’s official online replacement for the paper TM6 arrival card. By collecting personal, trip, and health details in advance, it offers significant advantages for both travelers and the travel industry:
- Faster immigration processing: Clients experience shorter wait times at arrival
- Reduced paper documentation: Eliminates one more document from travel packets
- Enhanced data accuracy: Digital submission prevents handwriting misinterpretations
- Integrated border control: Direct linking to immigration systems improves security
- Environmental benefits: Reduction of paper waste aligns with sustainable tourism practices
For travel agencies and tour operators, the TDAC system also provides:
- Ability to submit information on behalf of clients
- Opportunity to verify information before travel
- Digital record-keeping of submission confirmations
Who Must Submit a Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
- All foreign nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea, after 1st May 2025
- This includes tourists, business travelers, and long-term visitors
- Exceptions: Transit passengers who don’t clear immigration, and Border Pass holders
As a travel professional, you should verify which of your clients fall under these categories before departure and inform them accordingly.
When & Where to Submit the TDAC
- Submission window: From 72 hours before arrival down to 1 hour prior to arrival
- Official portal: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
- Information editing: Clients can update their TDAC information up until landing by logging in with passport number, date of birth, and reference code
Professional tip: Advise clients to submit their TDAC at least 24 hours before the airline check-in deadline to allow time for troubleshooting potential issues.
Step-by-Step Thailand Digital Arrival Card Submission Guide
The TDAC submission process consists of three main sections that collect essential traveler information. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each section to help you guide clients through the process efficiently.
Section 1: Personal Information
Required fields include:
- Family Name (exactly as appears in passport)
- First Name (exactly as appears in passport)
- Middle Name (optional – leave blank if not applicable)
- Passport Number (no spaces or special characters)
- Nationality/Citizenship (select from dropdown)
- Date of Birth (use calendar selector)
- Occupation (Free type field)
- Gender (select from options)
- Visa Number (optional – only if applicable)
- Country of Residence (primary residence, not current location)
- City/State of Residence (Freetype and Autocomplete Field)
- Phone Number (include country code)
Travel agent tip: Names must match passport exactly – watch for hyphenated names and ensure correct capitalization.
Section 2: Trip & Accommodation Information
All travelers must provide:
- Date of Arrival in Thailand (use calendar selector)
- Country Where You Boarded (select from dropdown)
- Purpose of Travel (select most appropriate option)
- Mode of Travel (air, land, sea)
- Transport Type (airplane, bus, ferry, etc.)
- Flight/Vehicle Number (arrival transport)
- Date of Departure from Thailand (use calendar or select “Not Specified”)
- Mode of Transport for Departure (select option)
- Flight/Vehicle Number for Departure (if known)
- Transit Declaration (only if applicable)
- Type of Accommodation (hotel, private residence, etc.)
- Province (select from dropdown)
- Sub-District/Sub-Area (select from dropdown)
- Post Code (numeric only)
- Full Address (include hotel name if applicable)
Travel agent tip: For multi-destination trips, enter the first accommodation in Thailand. Clients can update details later if needed.
Section 3: Health Declaration
This section includes:
- Countries Visited in the 14 days before arrival (select all applicable)
- Additional Travellers option (for family members or group bookings)
Travel agent tip: The health declaration section may be updated periodically based on global health situations. Always check the latest requirements before submitting.
Preview & Submission Process
- Review all entered information for accuracy
- Enter a valid email address to receive confirmation
- Agree to terms and conditions
- Click “Submit”
After submission, travelers will receive:
- A confirmation email with PDF attachment
- A unique QR code for immigration
- A reference number for accessing the submission
Advise clients to save the QR code to their mobile devices and/or print a physical copy to present at immigration.
Special Guidance for Travel Agents & Tour Operators
Managing Multiple TDAC Submissions
As a travel agent or tour operator handling group bookings, efficiently managing multiple TDAC submissions is crucial:
- Bulk submission option: Use the “Additional Travellers” feature to submit forms for several clients at once. However, for travellers on separate bookings, it is strongly recommended to create separate submissions.
- Data management: Create a secure spreadsheet template to collect all required client information in advance
- Timeline management: Set internal deadlines 96 hours before departure to allow for troubleshooting
- Documentation: Establish a system for storing and organizing TDAC confirmation codes and PDFs by booking reference
- Client handoff: Create a branded instruction sheet with the TDAC QR code to include in travel documents
Agency Best Practices for Thailand Digital Arrival Card Processing
Integrate TDAC processing into your workflow:
- Assign responsibility: Designate specific team members to handle TDAC submissions
- Create templates: Develop email templates explaining the TDAC process to clients
- Use automation: Set calendar reminders for TDAC submission windows for each booking
- Verification process: Implement quality control checks to ensure accurate information
- Emergency protocol: Establish procedures for last-minute bookings and system outages
Value-Added TDAC Services for Your Clients
Differentiate your agency by offering these TDAC-related services:
- Complete TDAC submissions on behalf of premium clients
- Provide 24/7 TDAC support via WhatsApp during client travel days
- Create custom video tutorials for self-service clients
- Offer special assistance for elderly travelers or those with limited technical abilities
TDAC Troubleshooting: Common Issues Travel Agents Should Address
Prepare for these frequent challenges when helping clients with their Thailand Digital Arrival Card submissions:
System and Technical Issues
- Session timeouts: The TDAC system may time out after 15 minutes of inactivity. Advise clients to prepare all information in advance and complete the form in one sitting.
- Browser compatibility: The TDAC portal works best with Chrome and Safari. Firefox users may experience display issues with certain form elements.
- Mobile responsiveness: While the site is mobile-friendly, certain dropdown menus may be difficult to navigate on smaller screens. Recommend using tablets or desktops when possible.
Data Entry Problems
- Name validation errors: Names must match passports exactly—no special characters beyond hyphens and spaces are accepted.
- Passport number format: Some passport numbers contain both letters and numbers. Ensure correct capitalization and avoid adding spaces.
- Address verification: Thai postal codes must be exactly 5 digits. Hotel addresses should include both English name and Thai address if available.
Post-Submission Concerns
- Missing confirmation email: Direct clients to check spam folders first, then re-submit using the same passport details.
- QR code display issues: If the QR code appears blurry in emails, advise downloading the PDF version for better resolution.
- Last-minute changes: If flight details change after submission, clients should update their information using the reference code login.
Professional tip: Create a dedicated email folder for storing client TDAC confirmations, organized by departure date for easy access during travel emergencies.
Thailand Entry Points & Local Insights for Travel Professionals
Equip your clients with airport-specific advice to further streamline their arrival experience:
Major International Airports
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Bangkok
- TDAC processing occurs at all immigration desks
- Average processing time: 30-45 minutes. This can increase significantly during peak hours
- Transportation tip: Pre-arranged transfers are recommended over taxis. If travelling without a pre-booked transfer, advise clients to use the Airport Rail Link for the fastest access to downtown Bangkok
- Special facilities: Fast-track services are available through Tripseed
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok
- TDAC processing occurs at all immigration desks
- Primarily serves budget carriers (AirAsia, Thai Lion, etc.)
- Transportation tip: Pre-arranged transfers are recommended over taxis. If travelling without a pre-booked transfer, advise clients to use the BTS for the fastest access to downtown Bangkok
- Special note: Immigration counters here generally process arrivals more slowly than at Suvarnabhumi
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
- Single-hall arrival area makes navigation simple
- Transportation tip: Pre-arranged hotel transfers are recommended over taxis
- Special note: Immigration officials here typically speak less English than in Bangkok
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
- Main terminal processes all international flights
- Transportation tip: Pre-arranged hotel transfers are recommended over taxis. Taxi scams are extremely prevalent in Phuket
- Special note: Monsoon season may cause immigration hall crowding due to flight bunching
Land and Sea Entry Points
The TDAC is also required at major land and sea entry points, including:
- Nong Khai (Thai-Laos border)
- Mae Sai (Thai-Myanmar border)
- Sadao (Thai-Malaysia border)
- Laem Chabang cruise terminal
- Phuket deep sea port
Travel agent insight: For clients entering at land borders, recommend completing the TDAC at least 48 hours in advance, as WiFi connectivity at these locations can be unreliable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thailand's Digital Arrival Card
Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) mandatory for all visitors?
Yes, all foreign nationals entering Thailand must submit a TDAC before arrival, with exceptions only for transit passengers who don’t clear immigration and Border Pass holders. Travel agents should ensure all clients complete this requirement.
What happens if my client doesn't complete the TDAC before arrival?
Travelers who fail to submit a TDAC before arrival may face significant delays at immigration and might be required to complete a paper form on-site. In some cases, this could result in missed connections or transfer services.
Can travel agents complete the TDAC on behalf of their clients?
Yes. Travel agencies can submit the TDAC on behalf of clients. You’ll need all passport details, accommodation information, and health declaration information for each traveler.
How can I verify that a client's TDAC was successfully submitted?
After submission, a confirmation email with a reference code and QR code is sent to the email address provided. Travel agents should request that clients forward this confirmation or provide the reference code for verification purposes.
What information do I need from clients before submitting their TDAC?
You’ll need: passport details, flight information (arrival and departure), accommodation details including address and postal code, countries visited in the past 14 days, and health declaration information (if applicable).
Is there a mobile app for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
Currently, there is no official mobile app. The TDAC must be completed through the official website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th. However, the website is mobile-responsive for travelers who prefer using smartphones.
How far in advance can the TDAC be submitted?
The TDAC can be submitted starting 72 hours before arrival and must be completed at least 1 hour before arrival. For travel agents, we recommend collecting client information and submitting forms 48-72 hours before departure.
Can information on the TDAC be changed after submission?
Yes, travelers can update their TDAC information until arrival by logging in with their passport number, date of birth, and reference code on the official portal.
Is there any fee for submitting the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
No, TDAC submission is completely free. Be wary of third-party websites that charge fees for “assistance” with TDAC submissions, as these are unofficial and unnecessary.
Do children need separate TDAC submissions?
Yes, all travelers regardless of age require individual TDAC submissions. However, parents/guardians can add children as “Additional Travellers” within their own submission.
Streamline Your Thailand Bookings with TDAC Expertise
For Travel Professionals
As a travel agent or tour operator, your ability to efficiently manage the TDAC process directly impacts client satisfaction and your operational efficiency. By mastering this system, you can:
- Reduce pre-departure client anxiety
- Minimize immigration delays that affect transfers and first-day experiences
- Position your agency as Thailand travel experts
Ready to elevate your Thailand booking process?
✉️ Contact our Thailand specialist team (for personalized guidance on complex bookings)
Contact us at bookings@tripseed.com to get a personalised quote for any of your tailor-made bookings. For a nominal fee per booking, we can even offer full TDAC registration services to take all the stress away and let you focus on what you do best. We provide net industry rates for all travel agents and tour operators.
