Thailand Rolls Out Powerful New Digital Arrival Card System to Streamline Travel and Boost Entry Efficiency for All Foreign Visitors - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Saturday, April 19, 2025

From May 1, all foreign visitors to Thailand must complete the free Digital Arrival Card online, streamlining immigration and improving travel efficiency.

Thailand is introducing a major change for inbound travelers beginning May 1, 2025. All non-Thai nationals, including British citizens, will be required to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) prior to entry.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this digital document will become an essential part of the immigration process. In January 2025 alone, over 120,000 visitors from the UK entered Thailand, accounting for more than three percent of that month’s total arrivals — making this new policy especially relevant for British tourists.

TDAC Replaces TM6 to Streamline Border Procedures

The TDAC replaces the outdated TM6 paper form, which was discontinued in 2022 to help ease congestion at Thailand’s airports. The government is now moving toward a fully digital process in an effort to speed up immigration and minimize paperwork for visitors.

While British passport holders can still travel visa-free for up to 60 days, speculation is growing that this limit may soon be shortened to 30 days over concerns about extended stays. However, no changes to this rule have been officially confirmed.

Key Dates and Application Process for TDAC

Travelers arriving in Thailand on or after May 1 must complete their TDAC at least three days prior to their scheduled arrival. For those traveling on May 1, the earliest they can apply is April 28 via the official TDAC website. The application process is free of charge.

TDAC Submission Requirements

Visitors must fill out a secure online form, providing both travel and personal details. Once submitted, certain data — such as full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth — cannot be modified, so accuracy is crucial.

Here’s a breakdown of the required information:

Personal and Passport Details

• Full name (as shown in passport)
• Passport number
• Nationality or citizenship
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Email address

Travel Details

• Flight number
• Arrival date
• Entry airport or land border
• Purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business)
• Accommodation details (hotel or address in Thailand)

Health Information

• Countries visited in the past 14 days
• Any symptoms like fever or cough experienced in the past 14 days
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable)

Important Considerations for British Travelers

British travelers must apply for the TDAC at least three days before departure and should account for the time zone difference with Thailand (GMT+7) to avoid last-minute complications. Once approved, applicants will receive a confirmation email or a QR code, which must be presented—either digitally or on paper—at immigration checkpoints along with their passport.

Why the TDAC Matters

Travel Republic, a well-known online travel company, emphasized the benefits of this shift to digital entry. A spokesperson noted, “The TDAC is expected to significantly improve the airport experience for visitors to Thailand by reducing queues and paperwork. British holidaymakers should ensure they submit their applications on time and keep the TDAC confirmation handy for inspection at border control.”

As Thailand continues to digitize its tourism infrastructure, the TDAC marks a major step toward a seamless arrival experience—especially for the hundreds of thousands of UK tourists expected to visit this year.