From May 1, 2025, British citizens entering Thailand will need to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before their trip.
This new requirement is part of Thailand’s push towards digitalising its immigration process, replacing the old paper-based TM6 forms. The aim is to streamline arrivals, improve safety, and gather insights to enhance tourism offerings.
How to Apply for the TDAC
1. Visit the Official Website: Applications can be made on the TDAC website, which launches on April 28, 2025.
2. Submit Personal Information: You’ll need to provide details such as your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and contact email.
3. Travel Details: Include your flight number, date of arrival, port of entry, purpose of visit, and accommodation details.
4. Health Declaration: Declare any symptoms experienced in the past 14 days and list countries visited recently. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate may be required, depending on your travel history.
5. Receive a QR Code: Once the form is completed, you’ll receive a QR code via email. This must be shown, either digitally or as a printout, alongside your passport at immigration.
Why the Change?
The TDAC is part of Thailand’s ‘Smart Tourism’ initiative, which aims to integrate technology into the travel experience. By going paperless, the system reduces congestion at airports and improves efficiency. It also allows Thai authorities to better monitor health data and manage exceptional situations, such as pandemics.
Additional Notes
– The TDAC is free to complete and can be submitted up to three days before arrival.
– British citizens can still enjoy 60 days of visa-free travel, with the option to extend for an additional 30 days at a cost of 1,900 Thai Baht (approximately £43). However, there are discussions about reducing the visa-free period to 30 days, so it’s worth keeping an eye on updates.
This new system is designed to make entering Thailand smoother and more efficient, but it’s essential to complete the application in advance to avoid delays.