Traveling to Thailand? If you're headed there from May 2025 onwards, you'll need to accomplish one extra step before entering The Land of Smiles—don't worry, it's not a visa!
Thailand is launching a new digital arrival system for all foreigners entering the kingdom starting May 1, 2025. This compulsory step replaces the old (and currently suspended) paper forms. While not yet fully implemented, it's best to keep this extra step in mind for your future trips. Here's what we know so far.
Here's what we know about Thailand's new Digital Arrival Cards:
As reported in the Bangkok Post and The Nation, Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports will be implementing the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system to replace the currently suspended paper TM6 form starting May 1, as confirmed by Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sport Secretary, Natthriya Thaweevong, to members of Thai media.
ICYDK, Thailand suspended the implementation of its TM6 forms, also known as arrival forms, in April 2024 to boost tourism and decongest entry chokepoints. However, as soon as the suspension lifts on April 31, the kingdom will shift to a digital system across all entry points that will apply to all foreigners, including those with visa-free arrangements with Thailand.
The TDAC will require travelers (except those with Thai passports) to register their trip details, such as their place of stay and passport information, in the system before arrival to help the government track tourist movements in the country. Moreover, the new system is expected to streamline immigration processes and shorten arrival procedures by integrating different aspects of the arrival procedures into one application.
Not to be confused with the 300-baht tourist tax initially announced in October 2024, the TDAC is a free online form. While completely separate, anonymous sources within the Thai government report that the move to the TDAC might delay the implementation of the tourist tax, as the online form's seamless implementation is currently top priority.
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