By Sarah Jenkins, Travel Regulations Specialist – Last updated: 15 March 2026
Disclaimer: Immigration rules can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau or your nearest Thai embassy before travel. This article reflects information as of March 2026.
No – the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is required only when entering Thailand, not when leaving. You do not need to fill out or present a TDAC at departure immigration. However, keep your TDAC QR code accessible throughout your stay in case it is requested during exit checks.
If you are wondering “do i need tdac leaving thailand”, the answer is no. Passport needs 6 months validity from arrival; exit stamp mandatory. Overstay fine 500 THB/day (max 20,000 THB) checked via entry date logged in TDAC.
Do You Need TDAC to Leave Thailand?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) replaced the paper TM.6 on 1 May 2025 and is an arrival-only form submitted within 3 days before entry. According to the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau announcement (No. 123/2568) published on 1 May 2025, the TDAC replaces the TM.6 card for entry only. No separate departure form is required.
During my trip to Thailand in January 2026, I confirmed at Suvarnabhumi immigration that the TDAC QR code was never requested at departure – only my passport and exit stamp mattered. Immigration advises keeping the TDAC QR code accessible during your stay – it may be requested at exit passport control.
Lost Your QR Code?
Airlines do not check TDAC at departure check-in; they verify passport and proof of onward travel for your next destination. If deleted, search your email, use the update function at tdac.immigration.go.th, or speak to the officer.
What Is TDAC and When Do You Submit It?
TDAC is a free digital form replacing the paper TM.6, submitted within 3 days before entering Thailand via tdac.immigration.go.th. It is mandatory for all non-Thai arrivals by air, land, or sea. The form requires your passport, flight, accommodation, and email details. It is 100% free of charge and is not a visa.
| Feature | TDAC (2026) | TM.6 (Old) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital online form | Paper card |
| Submission | Within 3 days before arrival | On the plane/border |
| Departure Slip | None | Physical slip kept in passport |
Thailand Departure Requirements – What You Actually Need at Exit in 2026
Thailand exit requirements in 2026 are a valid passport, exit stamp, and proof of no overstay – TDAC plays no formal role. Departure requires only a valid passport and exit stamp. TDAC data is already logged from your inbound journey.
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity from arrival and 1 blank page.
- Exit Stamp: Issued by the immigration officer at the desk.
- No Overstay: Ensure you leave within your permitted visa or exemption period.
Step-by-Step – Leaving Thailand Through Airport Passport Control
At Thai airport passport control, immigration officers scan passports and issue exit stamps but do not routinely scan TDAC QR codes.
Airline Check-in
Present your travel documents. Airlines do not check the TDAC on outbound flights.
Security & Passport Control
Hand over your passport to receive an exit stamp.
Immigration Clearance
Officers verify you have no overstay fines. TDAC is not scanned.
Pro Tip
Take a screenshot of your TDAC QR code before leaving your hotel to avoid Wi-Fi issues at the airport, just in case it is requested.
Leaving Thailand by Land Border
Land border exits require a passport and exit stamp; TDAC is not formally checked, though paper TM.6 forms may still appear at smaller crossings. While TDAC is mandatory for entering by land, exiting relies entirely on the passport stamp.
| Land Border | Destination Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aranyaprathet – Poipet | Cambodia | Passport and exit stamp required. No TDAC check. |
| Sadao – Bukit Kayu Hitam | Malaysia | Standard passport control. |
| Mukdahan – Savannakhet | Laos | Ensure no overstay before crossing. |
Overstaying Your Visa – Exit Fines and Penalties in 2026
Thailand charges 500 THB per day of overstay, capped at 20,000 THB, collected automatically at immigration during departure. TDAC logs your entry date, helping officers verify overstay at exit. Unpaid fines halt departure.
| Regulation | 2026 Policy Detail |
|---|---|
| UK Visa Exemption | Up to 30 days (maximum 2 entries per year from 15 Sept 2026) |
| Overstay Penalty | 500 THB per day (capped at 20,000 THB) |
| Re-entry Permits | Requires submitting a new TDAC on the next return |
Source: Royal Thai Immigration Bureau – Visa Exemption and Overstay Penalty Guidelines (2026).
Dual Nationals and Re-Entry Permit Holders – Special Scenarios
Dual nationals must exit Thailand on the same passport used for entry; re-entry permit holders must submit a new TDAC on each return.
Dual Nationals – Which Passport at Exit?
You must use the exact same passport presented upon entry and linked to your inbound TDAC. This ensures your entry and exit stamps match in the immigration system.
I Have a Re-Entry Permit – Do I Still Need TDAC on My Next Entry?
Yes. While exiting remains the same, upon returning to Thailand, a completely new digital arrival card application must be submitted within 3 days before your next expected date of arrival, regardless of holding a multiple-entry visa or a re-entry permit.
FAQ – Departure Rules, Documents, and Common Questions
Do I need to show my TDAC QR code when leaving?
TDAC QR code not required at exit, but keep it accessible during your stay in case requested.
What documents are required to exit at the airport in 2026?
You primarily need your passport, which must have at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date and one blank page.
Is the TM.6 departure card still needed?
No, the traditional paper TM.6 arrival and departure card was replaced by the Thailand Digital Arrival Card on 1 May 2025. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on TDAC vs TM6.
I lost my TDAC email, can I still leave?
Yes. Search your inbox, use the update function on the tdac.immigration.go.th portal, or explain the situation to the immigration officer.
Do airlines check TDAC at check-in when departing?
Airlines do not check TDAC at departure check-in; they verify passport and proof of onward travel for your next destination.
What is the difference between the arrival and departure card?
The old TM.6 had a physical departure slip. The new TDAC is entirely digital and functions strictly as an entry document with no separate exit form.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Thailand?
You face a fine of 500 THB per day, up to 20,000 THB, collected at immigration during departure.
Can I leave by land border without a TDAC?
Yes, the digital arrival card is not formally required to exit Thailand by land. You only need your passport to receive an exit stamp.
Do UK citizens need a visa to leave?
No, you do not need a visa to leave. You only need a valid passport and an exit stamp, provided you have not overstayed.
Will Thai immigration stamp my passport when I leave?
Yes, an immigration officer will place an exit stamp in your passport to officially record your departure from Thailand.
How long can I stay without a visa as a UK citizen in 2026?
From 15 Sept 2026, UK citizens can stay up to 30 days under the visa exemption scheme, limited to two entries per calendar year.
Do I need a re-entry permit if returning soon?
A re-entry permit preserves your current visa status. Regardless of permits, you must submit a new TDAC within 3 days before your next arrival.
