Last updated: 21 September 2026 by Editorial Team, reviewed for the 2026 entry season. Note: Immigration rules can change without notice. While we update our guides for 2026, always confirm your specific visa exemption status with the nearest Thai embassy before departure.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card offers two free submission formats: individual filing for solo trips and group filing for up to 10 people. When weighing a tdac group vs individual submission, both generate unique QR codes and must be submitted within a 72-hour window prior to arrival. The group option features a “Same as Previous Traveler” button to auto-populate shared accommodation and flight details.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for all non-Thai nationals entering the country, requiring a passport with at least 6 months validity. It replaces the abolished paper TM6 card and requires no attachments. For official verification, please refer to the Immigration Bureau of Thailand.
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card and How Do Individual vs Group Formats Compare?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is a mandatory, free declaration replacing the paper TM6 card since 1 May 2026. It must be submitted up to 3 days before arrival based on local Thai time (UTC+7). Individual submissions suit solo travellers, while group submissions accommodate up to 10 people sharing flights and accommodation. Exemptions apply only to transit passengers not passing immigration, aircraft or vessel crew, and Border Pass holders.
| Feature | Individual | Group | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 traveller | Up to 10 people | Choose group for families or travel parties. |
| Data Entry | Manual input per form | “Same as Previous Traveler” button | Group format saves time on shared fields. |
| QR Delivery | Single email | Consolidated email with individual QR codes | Group format simplifies document management. |
Family vs Solo and Business vs Tourist: Choosing Your Thailand Digital Arrival Card Format
Solo travellers must use individual forms, while families of up to 10 travellers should use the group option. Selecting business or tourism does not change the core form, as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is not a visa.
Choose your format based on party size and trip purpose:
- Solo: Individual submission is required. Unaccompanied minors must also file an individual Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
- Couples: Either individual or group formats work.
- Families (3+ members): Group submission is recommended.
- Business vs Tourist: Selecting “BUSINESS” instead of “TOURISM” does not trigger extra requirements like a Thai tax ID. However, we strongly advise carrying an invitation letter from your partner company, as immigration officers may ask for it upon arrival.
- Health declaration: Mandatory for all applicants, covering countries visited in the last 14 days.
Long Stay vs Short Stay: Address Rules for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Applicants only need to provide their first destination address on the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Short-stay tourists enter the hotel address; long-stay visa holders (including DTV, LTR, or Non-O) must input their actual Thai residential address. For multi-leg journeys, always enter the first flight from the origin country.
For liveaboard cruises, enter the hotel address where luggage is stored or the first land accommodation. In our testing of the digital form, we found that the “Update Arrival Card” feature works smoothly for minor edits, but it is not available for all fields, so double-check your passport number before submitting your Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
Digital vs Print: Presenting Your Thailand Digital Arrival Card at UK Departures and Thai E-Gates
While the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is fully digital and compatible with e-gates in 2026, printing a backup copy is highly recommended for UK travellers to avoid roaming or battery issues.
Upon approval, applicants receive a QR code sent via email. The digital pass is not natively compatible with Apple or Google Wallet. Travellers should take a screenshot of their QR code to guarantee offline access upon arrival.
Both phone screenshots and paper backups work seamlessly with automated border control. UK tourists can use either Thailand Digital Arrival Card format directly at the Suvarnabhumi e-gates to expedite entry.
FAQ: Thailand Digital Arrival Card Group vs Individual Applications
How many applicants can be included in a group Thailand Digital Arrival Card submission?
A group Thailand Digital Arrival Card submission allows up to 10 travellers per form. This format is for families or groups arriving on the same flight and sharing the first-night accommodation.
Can travellers with different nationalities file a group Thailand Digital Arrival Card together?
Yes, travellers with mixed nationalities can file a group Thailand Digital Arrival Card together. Passengers using a visa exemption and those requiring a visa on arrival can share the same application.
Does each group member receive their own QR code?
Yes, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card system generates a unique QR code for each person. All consolidated codes are sent to the lead passenger’s email.
Can I save my Thailand Digital Arrival Card QR code to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card does not natively support Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Take a standard screenshot of your QR code for offline access.
Can I use my Thailand Digital Arrival Card QR code at automated immigration e-gates?
Yes, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card QR code is fully compatible with automated immigration e-gates at airports like Suvarnabhumi for both group and individual formats.
What happens if I make a mistake on my Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
You can use the “Update Arrival Card” function to edit certain details before travel. However, core fields like name, date of birth, and nationality are locked post-submission, requiring a new application.
Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card a visa for UK citizens?
No, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is strictly an arrival registration card. UK citizens still operate under the standard 60-day visa-free entry rules for tourists arriving in 2026.
Should a solo traveller ever use the group Thailand Digital Arrival Card option?
No, a solo traveller should always select the individual Thailand Digital Arrival Card submission, which is shorter and tailored to a single passenger.
