THAILAND: Digital Arrival Card mandatory from May, 2025

I’m a day late in catching up on this. I have an imminent trip that involves spending a few nights in Bangkok, so this new requirement is pertinent. Australians entering Thailand from 1 May 2025 will require a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which will replace the paper-based TM6 arrival card.

There is no charge for the digital card. The card needs to be completed online within 3 days (72 hours) before entering Thailand.

Transfers

You do not need to complete an arrival card if you are merely transiting/transferring flights in Thailand. That means if you are just transferring flights without going through immigration, then no need for the card.

Completing the TDAC

You complete the arrival card online here: tdac.immigration.go.th Beware of other sites that might want to charge you for for the privilege. There are options for families and groups of people travelling together.

On completion of the card you will receive a QR code that you can show to officials at Immigration on your arrival into Thailand..

Not the same as an ETA for Thailand

Thailand has been talking about introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisiation fo visitors who otherwise have visa-free travel to Thailand, like Australians, and New Zealanders. Also members of the visa waiver program in Thailand are Canada, China, most European countries and the USA.

The proposed ETA will be free, although don’t fall off your chair if it graduates to paid at some future date. A fee of 300 Baht – roughly AU$14 is being discussed. You will have up to 60 days in Thailand, which can be extended by a further 30 days on arrival. Do remember that the ETA is for a single trip. If you exit and re-enter, then you will need to apply for a fresh ETA.

2PAXfly Takeout

The digital TDAC means that you will no longer have to struggle for a pen to complete the paper version, however it does mean you need to have your phone about you, preferably with internet/Wifi access.

Lets face it. Everything is going digital, so we might as well get used to it. I’m putting an alert in my phone three days before my departure for Bangkok!