Thailand’s new digital arrival card – Is it mandatory for every tourist?

So you're dreaming of Thailand—turquoise beaches, spicy street food, tuk-tuk-lined Bangkok nights, and maybe a little elephant sanctuary playtime. Sounds perfect, right? But before you break out that palm print shirt and hit the airport, there's something new on your pre-trip to-do list: Thailand's Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Yes, it's official. Starting May 1, 2025, Thailand is making this digital card mandatory for every foreign visitor. Whether you're flying in for a quick week-long trip or staying for long-term digital nomad life, you're required to fill out the form even before you touch down in the country. Let's break it down without the bureaucratic blah-blah.

Wait, What Is the Digital Arrival Card?

Think of the TDAC as Thailand's digital version of the old-fashioned paper arrival form (TM6). Instead of scribbling down your flight number and hotel address on a crumpled bit of paper on the plane, you're now filling it all in online—ideally from your sofa before you even set foot outside the house. The card collects all the usual information:

Passport information
Travel dates and accommodation
Your medical history and recent travel
A little "Where have you been and what are you doing here?" sort of info
No charge, no download. It's an online form and takes maybe 5–10 minutes—provided your Wi-Fi behaves.

So, Is a Digital Arrival Card Really Mandatory?

In short: Yes. Are you a foreigner? Non-Thai national? Tourist? Businessperson? Backpacker on a shoestring? Doesn't matter. You're walking through Thai immigration; they need your info—electronically on a digital arrival card. The only ones not on the hook are Transit passengers (if you're not passing through immigration)

Border pass people coming in
Everyone else? You're in.

Why is Thailand Doing This?

Hey, it's 2025. Paper applications are going out of fashion, and Thailand is just catching the digital border bandwagon. Already, places like the UK, Canada, and parts of the EU already do this kind of thing.

What does the Thai government say it helps?

Faster immigration processing (fingers crossed)
Health checks
Security and visitor tracking

In plain English: they want smoother systems and better data. Fair enough—but a bit annoying if you don't complete it and get delayed at the airport.

What Happens If You Don't Fill It In

Here's the thing: if you show up without completing your digital arrival card, don't expect to breeze through immigration. You might find yourself stuck filling one out on your phone in a crowded arrivals area with airport internet and 1% battery life. Not ideal. So just do yourself a favor—get it done at least 72 hours before you fly. Put a reminder in your calendar, make a checklist, or whatever you need to do. Just do it.

Bottom Line ?

Yes, it's a slight inconvenience. But a small price to pay for mango sticky rice, island sunsets, and that world-famous Thai hospitality. So grit your teeth, fill in your digital arrival card, and get ready for your next amazing adventure. Thailand is waiting. Just don't forget the form. For more tips and tricks, check out our website - https://cheapbusinessclass.co.uk