The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a free, mandatory digital form for all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by land or sea. Travellers must submit the tdac thailand land border form online within 72 hours before arrival and present a QR code at immigration.
Implemented on 1 May 2025 and fully replacing the paper TM6 card as of 2026, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card streamlines entry at checkpoints across Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, as well as sea ports like Pattaya and Phuket. The process requires submitting passport information, a 14-day travel history, and your first accommodation address.
As land and sea borders lack kiosks, travellers must save the Thailand Digital Arrival Card QR code on their device or print it beforehand to ensure smooth processing.
What Is the TDAC and UK Citizen Requirements
As of 2026, the TDAC is a free, mandatory digital arrival card for all non-Thai nationals, replacing the TM6 paper card. It is a required immigration document, not a visa. UK citizens receive a 30-day visa-exempt entry at land borders but must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours before every crossing.
The TDAC must be submitted via the Immigration Bureau portal for a strict 0 THB fee. Travellers must avoid scam websites charging processing costs. The system exempts transit passengers not passing through immigration control and travellers entering using a Border Pass.
UK passport holders conducting border runs must generate a new Thailand Digital Arrival Card confirmation for every single re-entry.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the TDAC
The TDAC form requires passport data, travel history, accommodation, transport mode, and a health declaration. For detailed visual instructions, travellers can consult the User Guide or the video instruction.
Passport Details
Upload an MRZ image for auto-retrieval. Date of Birth, Passport number, and Nationality are non-editable after submission.
Travel History
Declare all countries visited in the past 14 days.
Accommodation
Enter the address of your first hotel.
Group Submission
Submit up to 10 entries per single submission.
Entering Transport Details Without a Flight Number
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card for land and sea entries differs from air arrivals by omitting flight numbers. Travellers must select “bus”, “car”, “ferry”, or “on foot” from the transport dropdown. The TDAC requires the bus company name, vehicle registration plate, or vessel name to ensure lawful entry.
Completing the TDAC at Land Borders and Sea Ports
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card requires travellers to submit their details online within 72 hours prior to arrival. Ensure you select the exact physical checkpoint you intend to use.
Land Borders: Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar
The TDAC system demands accurate checkpoint selection for your tdac thailand land border crossing. For Malaysia (Sadao, Padang Besar), select your entry point and choose bus, train, or car. From Laos (Nong Khai) or Cambodia (Poipet, Aranyaprathet), expect manual QR code scanning. During a recent land crossing at Sadao checkpoint in 2026, the offline QR code was accepted instantly, though officers also verified the bus ticket. When entering from Myanmar (Mae Sai, Mae Sot), verify border openings via advisories like the U.S. Embassy Thailand due to periodic closures. Because zero kiosks exist at land borders, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card forces you to screenshot your QR code beforehand.
Sea Ports: Phuket and Pattaya
Sea entry mandates submitting the TDAC with the transport type set to sea or ferry. Travellers must input the vessel name and marina address for ports like Phuket and Pattaya. The TDAC carries a strictly 0 THB fee for all maritime and overland arrivals.
What to Bring and Handling No-Internet Borders
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card demands advance preparation, as travellers must present a generated QR code alongside a valid passport at the checkpoint.
The TDAC system delivers a confirmation QR code via email immediately after a successful 0 THB (Free) online submission. To ensure a seamless tdac thailand land border crossing, you must prepare the following physical and digital items:
- Valid Passport: Your travel document must carry at least 6 months of remaining validity.
- Offline QR Code: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card infrastructure operates exactly zero (0) kiosks at land and sea checkpoints, because self-service terminals only exist at 5 international airports. You must print the receipt or save a smartphone screenshot beforehand.
- Transport Proof: Immigration officers may request your bus ticket, ferry booking, or private vehicle registration to verify the transport mode declared in the system.
For complex visa or entry inquiries beyond the standard TDAC, travellers can contact the Royal Thai Consulate-General, Hong Kong: 8/F, Fairmont House, 8 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a fee for the TDAC at land borders?
No fee. TDAC is 0 THB for all entries. Avoid scam sites – use only the official portal.
What if my bus crosses the border past midnight?
If you cross after midnight, the date may differ. Ensure your TDAC submission matches the actual arrival date – use the 72-hour window to update if needed.
Do I need a new TDAC for a same-day border run?
Yes. Every entry requires a new submission. For a same-day border run, submit a fresh Thailand Digital Arrival Card before re-entering to generate a new QR code.
Can I use the THIM mobile app for land borders?
Yes, the THIM mobile app supports land border crossings. It functions like the web portal, allowing MRZ uploads and generating the required TDAC QR code.
Are there TDAC kiosks at land border checkpoints?
Zero kiosks at land/sea borders. Submit online and save the Thailand Digital Arrival Card QR code offline before arriving.
How do I fill out the TDAC if entering Thailand on foot?
Select “on foot” from the transport mode dropdown. Without a vehicle registration or bus company to declare, simply follow the prompts for pedestrian entry on the TDAC form.
Can I submit a group TDAC for my family crossing by car?
Yes, groups in the same vehicle can submit up to 10 Thailand Digital Arrival Card entries per submission.
What transport proof is required at sea ports like Pattaya?
Set transport type to “sea” or “ferry” and enter the vessel name, departure port, and marina address. Officers may request transport proof, such as a ferry ticket alongside your TDAC.
Do UK citizens need a TDAC for Thailand?
Yes, all non-Thai nationals (incl. UK) must submit. UK gets 30-day visa-exempt, but the Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory – it’s not a visa.
When should I fill TDAC for Thailand?
Submit your details online within 72 hours (3 days) prior to arrival. Completing the TDAC within this window ensures your travel history is current and prevents processing delays.
Last updated: 15 September 2026. This article was reviewed by a travel regulations specialist. For official updates, always check the official FAQ.
