The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently announced that starting on May 1, all foreign travelers heading to Thailand must complete an online arrival card before entering the country.
Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura noted that the necessary details should be entered via the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) website, which is managed by the Immigration Bureau.
A TDAC mobile application for both Android and iOS platforms will be launched in the near future, he added.
However, consular and diplomatic personnel, certain international organization members, their families, and staff, along with foreign officials on official duties, are not required to use the TDAC.
The new digital process will replace the old TM6 paper forms that travelers previously had to fill out to pass through immigration. This paper system was suspended last year.
Mr. Nikorndej emphasized, “All foreign passengers will be required to fill in the TDAC, whether they arrive by air, sea, or land.”
“The information submitted by the travelers will allow us to provide the appropriate care and assistance during their stay in Thailand.”
Travelers can submit their TDAC up to three days before entering Thailand, providing their passport or travel document numbers, accommodation addresses in Thailand, and some health information.
Visitors who have been to high-risk areas for infectious diseases within the last 14 days before arriving in Thailand might need to provide additional details, Mr. Nikorndej added.
Submissions can be edited before finalizing, and there is an option for group submissions.
Mr. Nikorndej clarified, “We would like to clarify that the TDAC is not a visa but a digital entry card developed with the purpose of facilitating travel to Thailand. Please note that Thai nationals are not required to complete the TDAC when they return to Thailand.”
He concluded, “Foreigners who plan to arrive in Thailand on May 1 can access the TDAC system from April 28.”
