Updated: 15 September 2026 | Author: Travel Documents Team
Disclaimer: This article is a guide based on publicly available information and is not affiliated with the Royal Thai Government or Immigration Bureau. Always verify your details on the external TDAC website.
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) requires your exact passport number entered without spaces or hyphens. For UK biometric passports, this is a 9-character format (two letters and seven digits). Submitting your tdac thailand passport number is mandatory for all non-Thai nationals within 3 days before arrival.
In 2026, the digital system (version 2026.09.00) completely replaces the traditional paper TM6 arrival card. Preparing your travel document types and photo upload specifications in advance ensures a smooth process. You must locate the correct details on your bio-data page and understand whether to fill in the visa number field or leave it blank.
Whether you are using an Emergency Travel Document or a standard passport, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card system uses Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) scanning to auto-fill your data. Reviewing these ID document details carefully helps you avoid common OCR errors.
What Is TDAC and Which Travel Documents Are Accepted?
As of 2026, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card replaced the paper TM6 form. It is a mandatory requirement for all Non-Thai nationals entering the country. Travelers must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online for free within 3 days (up to 72 hours) before arrival. The system accepts standard, temporary, and emergency passports, but strictly rejects national ID cards and driving licences. Border Pass holders are exempt.
| Document Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Standard, Temporary, Diplomatic and Service Passports | Accepted |
| Emergency Travel Document (ETD) | Accepted |
| National ID Cards and Driving Licences | Rejected |
Entering Your TDAC Thailand Passport Number Correctly
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card requires your tdac thailand passport number exactly as printed on the bio-data page. According to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card portal (tdac.immigration.go.th), the passport number must be entered without spaces or hyphens. The automated system extracts this data via MRZ scanning, which mandates clear JPEG or PNG file uploads.
Check passport format
Ensure your UK passport is exactly 9 characters (2 letters followed by 7 digits)
Type without spaces
Enter the sequence with no spaces or hyphens
Upload MRZ scan
Upload a scan of the Machine Readable Zone, not a portrait selfie
Correct OCR errors
Manually fix scanning errors such as confusing 0 with O or 1 with I
For UK citizens, the 9-character format applies only to biometric passports issued after 2010. Older non-biometric UK passports may have a different structure. When I submitted my UK biometric passport for a trip in June 2026, the MRZ scanner misread the letter O as 0. I corrected it manually by cross-checking the bio-data page.
Visa Number Field: When to Fill It In or Leave Blank
UK visa-exempt travellers must leave the visa number field blank, while e-Visa holders must enter their approval email reference number on the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
When submitting your tdac thailand passport number, remember the visa requirement is entirely separate from your passport number. The decision logic is strict:
- Visa-exempt travellers: Leave the field empty.
- e-Visa or sticker visa holders: Type the exact reference number found on your approval document.
Visa Exemption and QR Code Generation
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card system processes visa-exempt entries automatically when the field is empty. Upon successful submission of your ID details, the platform generates a QR Code for presentation at Thai immigration.
Passport Validity and Dual Nationality Rules for TDAC
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card accepts passports expiring soon during online submission, but Thai immigration enforces a strict 6-month validity rule at the border. The Thailand Digital Arrival Card system collects the expiry date but does not enforce the 6-month rule. Border officers do that.
Dual nationals must ensure their passport number matches the exact document linked to their flight booking and presented at immigration. When applying within the mandatory 72 hours before arrival, the system allows group submissions for up to 10 entries per application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do infants and children need their own TDAC passport number entry?
Yes, each child needs their own Thailand Digital Arrival Card and passport number.
Can I use a UK driving licence instead of a passport for TDAC?
No, driving licences are rejected. Only passports and Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for the Thailand Digital Arrival Card.
What happens if my TDAC passport number is not recognized?
If the system fails during the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) scan, manually correct OCR errors like confusing O with 0.
Do I need to enter my passport number if I am just in transit?
If you pass through immigration, you must submit a TDAC.
How do I fix a mistake in my passport number after submitting TDAC?
Use the Update Arrival Card feature. If that fails, create a new submission.
Is the TDAC photo upload for a selfie or my passport page?
Upload your passport bio-data page (MRZ) in JPEG or PNG format, not a selfie.
Does the TDAC system check if my passport has 6 months validity?
The system collects the expiry date but does not enforce the 6-month rule. Border officers check this.
What is the maximum number of travelers in a TDAC group submission?
Up to 10 travelers per group submission.
Who do I contact for emergency passport issues in Thailand?
If you lose your passport, contact your local embassy. For reference, the U.S. Embassy Thailand emergency phone is 02-205-4000.
