Digital Arrival Card Thailand: Complete Guide to Avoid Scams & Fill It Correctly
Thailand's Digital Arrival Card (commonly abbreviated TDAC, and the digital successor to the old paper TM6 arrival-departure card) is the online form every foreign traveler must submit before entering Thailand, covering passport details, flight information, Thai accommodation address, and a health declaration. It is submitted only through Thailand's official government arrival-card portal, normally within 72 hours before landing, and submission itself is free. The single biggest risk for travelers is being tricked by unofficial third-party websites that charge a "processing fee" or "expedite fee" for a form that costs nothing on the real government site. Filling it in accurately, using the correct official link, and keeping the confirmation (QR code or reference number) ready for immigration is what makes entry into Thailand smooth.
What Is Thailand's Digital Arrival Card
Thailand's Digital Arrival Card is the electronic replacement for the paper TM6 arrival-departure card that Thai immigration officers used to staple into a traveler's passport at the airport. It collects the same core information immigration has always required — full name, passport number, flight or transport details, purpose of visit, length of stay, accommodation address in Thailand, and, since the card's digital rollout, a basic health declaration.
Every foreign national entering Thailand must complete the card, regardless of the visa category they hold. This includes DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) holders, tourist visa holders, visa-exempt travelers, and anyone entering on a long-stay or work-related visa. The card is separate from the visa or e-Visa application itself; it does not replace a visa requirement, it simply documents the traveler's entry details for Thai immigration records.
Travelers should distinguish the Digital Arrival Card from any visa application. Completing the arrival card does not grant a visa, extend a stay, or change eligibility requirements — it is strictly an entry-notification form required alongside whatever visa or visa-exemption status the traveler already holds.
How to Fill Out the Digital Arrival Card Correctly
Completing the Digital Arrival Card correctly means using the official government channel, having the right documents ready, and submitting within the correct time window before arrival. The steps below outline the process from start to finish.
- 01Confirm the official source
Access the arrival card only through Thailand's official government immigration channel. Search carefully, since paid search ads and lookalike domains for unofficial 'visa assistance' sites are common; the genuine government form does not charge a fee to submit.
- 02Gather documents beforehand
Have the passport, flight or transport booking confirming arrival date, and the address of the first night's accommodation in Thailand (hotel booking, host address, or condo address) ready before starting the form.
- 03Submit within the eligible window
Complete the form within the 72-hour window before arrival in Thailand. Submitting too early may not be accepted by the system, and travelers should always check the current window on the official portal since timing rules can be updated.
- 04Enter details exactly as they appear on travel documents
Passport number, full name, and date of birth must match the passport exactly. Mismatches between the arrival card and passport are a common cause of delays at the immigration counter.
- 05Save the confirmation
After submission, save the confirmation email, QR code, or reference number, either as a screenshot or printout, to present to the immigration officer on arrival.
How to Avoid Digital Arrival Card Scams
The most common scam targeting travelers is a third-party website that mimics the look of Thailand's official arrival card portal and charges an unnecessary fee, often disguised as a 'service charge,' 'processing fee,' or 'express fee.' Because submitting the Digital Arrival Card through the official government channel costs nothing, any site requesting payment for this specific form should be treated as a red flag.
Scam sites often appear at the top of search engine results through paid advertising, use a similar domain name to the official portal, and may request unnecessary personal or financial information beyond what the real form asks for. Travelers should verify the web address carefully before entering passport details or payment information anywhere.
Because visa fees, embassy requirements, and portal details can change and vary by country, travelers should always cross-check the current official arrival card process directly with the Thai e-Visa portal (thaievisa.go.th) or their nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate rather than relying solely on third-party guides, including this one.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Problems at Immigration
Most problems travelers encounter with the Digital Arrival Card come from a small set of avoidable mistakes, summarized in the table below alongside their consequences and how to prevent them.
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Using an unofficial third-party site | Paying an unnecessary fee, or submitting incorrect data that immigration cannot verify | Only use Thailand's official government arrival card portal |
| Passport details not matching exactly | Delays or additional questioning at the immigration counter | Copy passport number, name, and date of birth exactly as printed |
| Submitting too early or too late | Form not accepted, or arriving without a valid submission | Submit within the official window before arrival, confirmed on the government site |
| Wrong or incomplete accommodation address | Follow-up questions from immigration officers | Use the exact hotel, host, or condo address matching the booking confirmation |
| No saved confirmation on arrival | Extra delay while locating the submission at the counter | Screenshot or print the QR code or reference number before traveling |
How the Digital Arrival Card Relates to the DTV Visa and Other Visas
Holders of the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) — the 5-year special visa launched 15 July 2024 for remote workers, Thai soft-power participants, and dependents — must still complete the Digital Arrival Card each time they enter Thailand, in addition to holding a valid DTV visa. The arrival card does not substitute for the visa application, which is a separate process handled through the Thai e-Visa portal or a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before travel.
The same arrival card requirement applies to travelers entering on a standard tourist visa, a visa exemption, or any other visa category. Because the DTV allows multiple entries over its 5-year validity with stays of up to 180 days per entry, DTV holders should expect to submit a fresh Digital Arrival Card on every entry into Thailand, not just the first one.
Travelers who are also required to complete Thailand's 90-day address reporting once they have stayed 90 or more continuous days should note this is a separate obligation from the arrival card and is handled through Thai Immigration directly, either online or with form TM47, not through the arrival card portal.
What to Expect at Thai Immigration After Submitting the Card
After submitting the Digital Arrival Card and receiving a confirmation, travelers proceed through Thai immigration as normal, presenting their passport, visa (if applicable), and the arrival card confirmation when asked. Immigration officers may reference the submitted digital record rather than requiring a printed form, though carrying a saved copy or screenshot is still recommended in case of system issues.
If details on the arrival card do not match the passport or visa documentation, immigration officers may ask clarifying questions before permitting entry, which can add time to the arrival process. Because rules and required fields can be updated by Thai authorities, travelers should verify the current arrival card process on the official government site close to their travel date rather than relying on older guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thailand's Digital Arrival Card the same as the TM6 form?
Yes, the Digital Arrival Card is the electronic successor to the paper TM6 arrival-departure card Thai immigration previously required. It collects the same type of information — passport details, flight data, and accommodation address — but is submitted online before arrival instead of filled out on paper at the airport.
Does the Digital Arrival Card cost money?
No, submitting the Digital Arrival Card through Thailand's official government portal is free. Any website charging a processing or service fee for this specific form is not the official channel and should be treated as a likely scam.
When should I submit the Digital Arrival Card before flying to Thailand?
Travelers typically submit the card within 72 hours before their arrival in Thailand. Because timing windows can be updated, travelers should confirm the current window on the official government portal shortly before departure.
Do DTV visa holders still need to complete the Digital Arrival Card?
Yes, DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) holders must complete the Digital Arrival Card on every entry into Thailand, in addition to holding a valid DTV visa. The arrival card is a separate entry-notification requirement, not part of the visa application itself.
What information do I need to complete the Digital Arrival Card?
Travelers need their passport details, flight or transport information confirming their arrival date, and the address of their first accommodation in Thailand. All details should match the passport and booking confirmations exactly to avoid delays at immigration.
How can I tell if a Digital Arrival Card website is a scam?
A scam site typically charges a fee, uses a domain name similar to but not matching Thailand's official government portal, and may request unnecessary payment or personal information. Since the real form is free, any request for payment is the clearest warning sign.