Thailand Arrival Card Guide 2026 – How to Fill Out the TDAC Entry Form

Planning your next holiday to Thailand? Whether you're dreaming of mango sticky rice in Chiang Mai or soaking up the sun on the beaches of Krabi, there’s something new you must do before you land — submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). 🛂

I just returned from a trip to Bangkok, and I figured I’d share everything I learned about the TDAC to help fellow Malaysians travel smoothly. Here's what you need to know👇

What's TDAC?

TDAC stands for Thailand Digital Arrival Card. From May 1, 2025, all non-Thai citizens entering Thailand by air, land or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online prior to arrival.

It is an online arrival registration system introduced by Thai authorities to replace or supplement the old TM6 paper arrival card. The TDAC aims to streamline the immigration process and improve data collection for travelers entering Thailand.

🔍 Here's what the TDAC is in simple terms:

• A digital form that foreign visitors (including Malaysians) must fill out before or upon arrival in Thailand.
• It collects basic travel and personal info such as:
• • Full name
  • Passport number
  • Flight details
  • Hotel or accommodation address
• After submitting the form, you’ll receive a QR code that you show to immigration officers on arrival.

🧾 Is TDAC a visa?

No, TDAC is not a visa. Malaysians don’t need a visa for short-term visits to Thailand (up to 30 days). The TDAC is separate and must be submitted even if you’re visa-exempt.

🛃 Why is it important?

• Speed up the immigration process
• Reduce paperwork
• Ensure smoother entry at both airports and land borders

✅ Key Takeaways

• The TDAC is required for all foreign travelers, including Malaysians 🇲🇾.
• You can submit it online or at the airport — but it’s better to do it before your trip.
• It’s free, not a visa, and helps Thai immigration process your arrival faster.

👥 Who Needs to Submit the TDAC?

If you’re a Malaysian citizen visiting Thailand for tourism, yes — you need to submit the TDAC. Whether you're entering by flight, train, or car, every foreign visitor (including ASEAN passport holders) is required to fill it out.

Even if you’re eligible for visa-free entry (like most of us are for up to 30 days), you still need to submit this digital arrival form.

📝 How to Fill Out the TDAC

💻 Option 1: Online

This is the easiest and fastest way. Just go to the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card portal and fill in the form. You'll need:

• Your passport details
• Your Thai accommodation address
• Flight information

You'll receive a QR code after submitting — keep a screenshot of this; you’ll need to show it at immigration!

🛬 Option 2: At the Airport

If you forget or couldn't submit online, don’t panic. Thailand’s international airports have kiosks or staff to help you fill it out upon arrival. But… honestly, it’s better to do it online and skip the long queues! 😅

*You can find more details on the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

🕐 When to Submit the TDAC

You can fill in the TDAC up to 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand. I submitted mine two days before my flight, and it took less than 10 minutes!

🧳 Important Tips for a Smooth Arrival

• 📸 Take a screenshot of your TDAC QR code! Don't rely on airport WiFi.
• 🛬 Have your hotel address and flight number ready when filling out the form.
• 📱 Use your mobile phone to fill it out — the site works great on mobile browsers.
• ⏰ Don’t wait until the last minute. Do it a couple of days before your flight.
• 💼 Traveling by land (e.g. from Padang Besar or Bukit Kayu Hitam)? You’ll still need to submit it.

Thailand is making travel smoother and more digital-friendly with the TDAC — and once you’re done with it, you can go back to planning the fun stuff like where to eat, what temples to visit, or which night markets to get lost in. 🥳

Safe travels, and sawasdee kha/krap!