If you’re planning a trip to Thailand from 1 May 2025, there’s a new rule you need to know about. Thailand is rolling out a Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system, and all foreign visitors—including Singaporeans—will have to complete it online before arrival.
Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t get caught out at the airport.
What’s the Digital Arrival Card?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is the country’s new way of collecting immigration info. It’s basically the online version of the old TM6 paper form you used to fill in on the plane. Now, instead of scribbling with a pen mid-flight, you’ll fill out your details on a website before your trip.
You’ll need to complete the form within 72 hours before arriving in Thailand. It’s meant to speed up immigration checks and make things smoother when you land.
The TDAC is valid only for a single entry, so:
- If your travel plans change and you arrive later than 72 hours after submitting the form, you’ll need to fill it out again.
- If you’re making multiple entries into Thailand (e.g. returning after a side trip to another country), you’ll need to submit a new TDAC for each entry.
It’s a pre-arrival requirement, not a visa or long-term travel pass like ETAs or ESTAs, so think of it as a digital version of the old arrival card that only applies to your next entry into the country.
Who Needs to Do This?
Short answer: everyone. All foreign travellers—regardless of whether you need a visa or not—must fill in the Digital Arrival Card. That includes:
- Tourists entering visa-free (yes, even Singaporeans)
- Visitors with a visa or visa on arrival
- Basically, anyone passing through immigration
The only exceptions? People in transit who aren’t officially entering Thailand, and those crossing certain land borders using a “Border Pass”.
How to Apply for the Digital Arrival Card
The process is pretty straightforward and takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the official site: tdac.immigration.go.th
- Click on “Arrival Card” and start the form.
- Fill in your personal info: name, nationality, passport number, etc.
- Add your travel details: when and how you’re arriving, purpose of visit, and where you’re staying (like your hotel address).
- Complete any health declarations, if required.
- Submit and wait for the confirmation email.
After submission, a confirmation email will be sent to you. It’s advisable to print this confirmation or save it on your smartphone to present to airline staff upon check-in and immigration officials upon arrival.
What Do You Need?
To make the process smooth, have the following info ready:
- Passport details (including passport number and expiry date)
- Flight or travel details
- Hotel or accommodation address in Thailand
- Any visa number, if applicable
- Health information, if required by the form
How Long Does It Take, and Is It Free?
The whole process is quick—once you submit, you’ll get a confirmation almost instantly. Just make sure you do it within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand. Don’t leave it to the last minute!
And yes, it’s currently completely free to submit the Digital Arrival Card, but they may add in a processing fee in the future.
What It Means for Singaporeans
Even though Singaporeans can enter Thailand without a visa, you’ll still need to complete this digital form. It’s now part of the standard entry process for all foreigners. It’s pretty much the same as the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) which even Singaporeans have to fill when entering Singapore.
If you don’t do it, you could face delays at immigration—or worse, be denied entry. So be sure to sort it out before heading to the airport.
Final Tips
The TDAC is a smart move by Thailand to modernise their entry process—and it means less paperwork and quicker lines at the airport for everyone. Just make it part of your pre-trip checklist (right along with booking your hotel or packing your sunscreen), and you’ll be all set.
So, if you’re flying to Thailand from 1 May onwards, jump online, fill out the form, and you’re good to go.
