Quick Answer: The TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) replaced the TM6 paper form on February 15, 2026. You must submit it online within 72 hours before arrival. DTV holders should select "Non-Immigrant Visa" as the visa type and enter their DTV visa number — not the e-visa confirmation number.
What is the TDAC and when did it replace the TM6?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory online form that every traveler must complete before entering Thailand. It officially replaced the old TM6 arrival/departure card on February 15, 2026.
Key facts:
- Submission window: Within 72 hours (3 days) before your flight lands in Thailand
- Where to submit: tdac.immigration.go.th — this is the only official website
- Cost: Free
- Required for: Every arrival, including Thai nationals
- Processing: Usually instant, but can take up to 24 hours in rare cases
Important: You need to submit a new TDAC for every entry into Thailand — even if you're doing a quick border run and coming back the same day.
How to fill out the TDAC as a DTV holder (field by field)
Here's a walkthrough of every field, with DTV-specific guidance:
Section 1: Personal Information
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Passport Number | Your current passport number (must match your visa) |
| Nationality | Your passport nationality |
| Date of Birth | As on passport |
| First/Last Name | Exactly as on passport — no nicknames |
Section 2: Travel Information
| Field | DTV-Specific Guidance |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Select "Non-Immigrant Visa" — DTV falls under this category |
| Visa Number | Enter your DTV visa sticker number (starts with a letter, e.g., D12345678) |
| Purpose of Visit | Select "Business / Work" or "Others" — avoid "Tourism" |
| Flight Number | Your arrival flight number |
| Arriving From | Country of your last departure |
Common mistake: Many DTV holders select "Tourist Visa" because the DTV feels like a tourist-adjacent visa. Don't — it's classified as a non-immigrant visa and selecting the wrong type can cause issues at immigration.
Section 3: Thailand Address
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Hotel/Accommodation Name | Your hotel, Airbnb, or condo name |
| Address | Street address of your accommodation |
| Province | Select from dropdown (e.g., Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket) |
| Phone in Thailand | A Thai number if you have one, or your foreign number with country code |
Tip: Use your first accommodation's address. Immigration doesn't track whether you actually stay there the entire time, but the address needs to be real and bookable.
What visa type should DTV holders select on the TDAC?
Select "Non-Immigrant Visa." This is the correct category for DTV visa holders.
The dropdown options on the TDAC are:
- Visa Exemption / Visa on Arrival
- Tourist Visa
- Non-Immigrant Visa — Select this for DTV
- Diplomatic / Official Visa
- Other
The DTV is technically a "Non-Immigrant" class visa despite being marketed toward tourists and digital nomads. Selecting "Tourist Visa" may trigger questions at the immigration counter.
Do you need to submit the TDAC for every re-entry?
Yes. Every time you enter Thailand, you need a new TDAC submission — even on the same DTV visa. This includes:
- First entry on a new DTV visa
- Re-entry after a border run to Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, etc.
- Re-entry after traveling home for a holiday
- Re-entry after an extension trip
The TDAC is tied to your specific entry, not your visa. Your visa number stays the same on each submission.
What to do if the TDAC submission fails
Common problems and fixes:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Website won't load | Use a VPN set to Thailand or Singapore. The site sometimes blocks certain countries |
| "Invalid visa number" error | Make sure you're entering the visa sticker number, not the e-visa reference number |
| No confirmation email | Check spam. If nothing after 2 hours, re-submit — duplicate submissions are allowed |
| Airport Wi-Fi too slow | Submit before you leave for the airport. You have 72 hours |
| Form resets mid-submission | Use Chrome or Safari on desktop. The mobile site has known issues |
Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your confirmation page and save the QR code. Immigration officers at some airports scan the QR code; at others, they look it up by passport number. Having both ready saves time.
TDAC vs TM6: What changed?
| Feature | Old TM6 | New TDAC |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Paper card on the plane | Online form before arrival |
| When to submit | On the plane or at the airport | Within 72 hours before arrival |
| Departure card | Separate departure card stapled in passport | No departure card needed |
| Data stored | Paper records | Digital database linked to passport |
| Lost card issues | Caused real problems at immigration | Not possible — digital |
The biggest practical improvement: no more departure cards. Under the old system, losing the TM6 departure card stapled into your passport meant a trip to an immigration office and a fine. That problem no longer exists.
Tips for a smooth TDAC experience
- Submit 24-48 hours before your flight — Don't wait until you're at the airport
- Use a desktop browser — The mobile experience is inconsistent
- Screenshot everything — Confirmation page, QR code, reference number
- Keep your visa sticker number handy — You'll need it for the form
- Bookmark the official site — Scam copies of the TDAC form exist. Only use tdac.immigration.go.th
Having your DTV documents organized makes TDAC submission faster. Keep your visa details in our document vault
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fill out the TDAC before every trip to Thailand?
Yes. The TDAC must be submitted within 72 hours before each arrival in Thailand. This applies to every entry, regardless of your visa type or how recently you last entered.
What happens if I forget to submit the TDAC?
You may face delays at immigration. Some airports have kiosks where you can complete the TDAC on arrival, but this is not guaranteed. Airlines may also check for TDAC confirmation before boarding.
Can I submit the TDAC more than 72 hours before my flight?
No. The system only accepts submissions within the 72-hour window before your scheduled arrival. Submitting too early will result in an error.
Is the TDAC the same as the Thailand e-visa?
No. The TDAC is an arrival/departure registration form that replaced the TM6 paper card. It's completely separate from your visa application. You need both a valid visa and a completed TDAC to enter Thailand.
This article is part of our complete DTV visa guide. For document preparation, use our DTV application builder.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may change. Always verify with official Thai immigration sources before traveling.
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