TM6 (TDAC) Explained: How the New Thailand Digital Arrival Card Works

Thailand’s immigration system will see a major update in 2025 with the return of the TM6 form in a fully digital format, now called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This new system is designed to improve security, speed up entry procedures, and reduce wait times at immigration checkpoints.

What Was the TM6 Form Used For?

Previously, the TM6 form was a required document that all foreign travelers had to complete upon arrival in Thailand. This form collected key details such as name, passport number, flight information, and accommodation address. Thai immigration authorities used this data to track traveler movement, support security efforts, and facilitate various administrative processes.

The TM6 form was also necessary when departing Thailand to avoid fines and played a key role in procedures like the 90-day report for long-term residents. However, in April 2024, the Thai government suspended its use to encourage tourism and prepare for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. While the ETA has been delayed, the government has opted to move forward with the TDAC, the new digital version of the TM6 form.

How Does the New Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) Work?

The TDAC replaces the physical TM6 form with an online submission system that foreign travelers must complete before entering Thailand. This digital shift is intended to speed up arrival processing and link immigration procedures with other government systems.

What to know about the TDAC system:

1. Pre-Arrival Completion: You can submit the form online before your trip.
2. Integrated Systems: The TDAC will connect with existing platforms used by key government agencies to provide multiple ways to complete the application. These platforms include:
   • The Department of Disease Control’s health screening system
   • The Ministry of Tourism and Sports’s online tourist platform.
   • The Department of Consular Affairs’ E-Visa system.
3. Multilingual Support: Instructions will be available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian.
4. Universal Requirement: Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors entering by air, land, or sea must complete the digital form before arrival.
5. Free of Charge: The process takes only a few minutes and has no fees.

The ETA and Thai Tourism Tax Delayed

The launch of the TDAC has delayed other planned immigration updates this year, including the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the Thailand tourism tax.

What Happened to the ETA?

The Thai government introduced the ETA to improve border security by requiring visa-exempt travelers to complete an online authorization before arrival. The ETA was originally set to launch in December 2024 and become mandatory by mid-2025. However, officials have decided to delay its implementation indefinitely to prevent confusion among travelers.

If you're from a visa-exempt country, you can still enter Thailand under the current passport and entry rules. However, once the TDAC is introduced, you must complete it before arriving in Thailand.

When Will Thailand’s Tourism Tax Be Implemented?

Although Thailand had planned to reinstate its tourism tax in 2025, sources from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports indicate that the timeline may be pushed back. The tax, originally set at 300 THB per visitor, was intended to generate funds for tourism infrastructure and improve visitor capacity.

The tax was in place before the COVID-19 pandemic but was temporarily removed to boost tourism. Although officials have confirmed its return, the government will likely postpone it to prevent confusion from multiple new travel requirements going live simultaneously.

Getting Help with Thailand’s Immigration Changes

A Thai visa agent can provide guidance if you’re unsure about Thailand’s new entry requirements in 2025. Now that the E-Visa system is available worldwide, visa agents in Thailand can connect with the system on your behalf and assist with visa applications no matter where you are. Whether you need help understanding the new digital arrival procedures or applying for the correct visa, consulting a professional can ensure a smooth entry process.