Quick Summary for Australians
- The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is required for all travellers entering Thailand.
- It replaces the old TM6 paper arrival card previously handed out on flights.
- Australians must complete the TDAC within 72 hours before arriving in Thailand.
- The form is free and completed online through the official Thai immigration website.
- After submitting, you receive a QR code confirmation to show on arrival.
For most Australians, completing the TDAC takes around five minutes once you have your passport and travel details ready.
Introduction – reassurance for Australians
If you’re an Australian planning a trip to Thailand and have seen references to the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), you’re in the right place.
Thailand now requires international visitors to complete an online arrival card before entering the country. The TDAC replaces the paper arrival cards travellers previously filled out on the plane.
This guide explains what the TDAC is, who needs to complete it, when to submit it, and how Australians can finish the process step-by-step before travelling.
What Is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is an online arrival form used by Thai immigration authorities. It replaces the old TM6 paper arrival card that foreign travellers previously completed when arriving in Thailand.
Instead of filling out a form on the plane, travellers now submit their arrival details online before entering the country.
The TDAC collects basic information including:
- Your personal and passport details
- Your travel information and arrival date
- Your accommodation in Thailand
- A short declaration relating to travel and health information
The system allows immigration officers to process arrivals digitally rather than collecting paper forms.
The TDAC is not a visa and does not change visa-exemption rules for Australians. It is simply a required arrival declaration.
Do Australians Need to Complete the TDAC?
Yes. Australian passport holders entering Thailand must complete the TDAC before arrival.
This applies to travellers entering:
- By air
- By land
- By sea
You must complete a TDAC if you are visiting Thailand for:
- Tourism
- Business travel
- Visiting friends or family
- Any entry that requires passing through immigration
Children and infants must also have a TDAC. Parents or guardians can complete the form on their behalf.
The only common exception is transit passengers who remain airside and do not pass through Thai immigration.
When Australians Must Submit the TDAC (72-Hour Rule Explained)
The TDAC must be submitted within 72 hours (three days) before arriving in Thailand.
This timing window includes the day of arrival.
Example:
- If your flight lands in Bangkok on Saturday, you can submit the TDAC starting Wednesday.
- If your arrival is Wednesday, submission can begin on Sunday.
Submitting too early may result in an invalid submission, so it is best to complete the form one or two days before departure from Australia.
Important timing notes:
- The TDAC is valid for one entry only.
- If you leave Thailand and re-enter during the same trip, you must submit a new TDAC for each entry.
- There are no automatic reminders, so travellers should set their own reminder before flying.
What Information Australians Need Before Completing the TDAC
Before starting the form, gather the following details so the process can be completed quickly.
Most Australians finish the TDAC in three to five minutes once these details are ready.
Passport details
- Full name exactly as shown in your passport
- Passport number
- Nationality (Australian)
- Passport expiry date
Travel details
- Arrival date in Thailand
- Flight number or transport details
- Country you are departing from before arriving in Thailand
Accommodation in Thailand
- Name of your hotel, resort or host
- Address of your first night’s accommodation
Contact details
- Email address (used to receive confirmation)
- Mobile number
Declaration questions
You may be asked simple declaration questions relating to travel or health information.
How Australians Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (Step-by-Step)
The exact screen layout may change over time, but the general process remains consistent.
Always complete the TDAC through the official Thai immigration system, not third-party websites that charge fees.
Step 1 – Access the official TDAC website
Open the official TDAC website in your browser and start a new arrival card submission.
Check the website address carefully to ensure you are using the official system.
Step 2 – Select language and start the form
Choose English if it is not already selected and begin a new TDAC submission.
If travelling with family, you can usually submit multiple travellers together.
Step 3 – Enter your personal details
Provide your:
- Full name exactly as in your passport
- Passport number
- Date of birth
- Nationality (Australian)
- Passport expiry date
- Email and mobile contact details
Double-check these details before continuing.
Step 4 – Enter travel information
Provide:
- Arrival date in Thailand
- Flight number or travel method
- Country you are travelling from before arriving in Thailand
Make sure the arrival date falls within the 72-hour submission window.
Step 5 – Enter accommodation details
Provide the address of where you will stay on your first night in Thailand.
If staying in multiple locations during your trip, only the first accommodation is required.
Step 6 – Complete the declaration section
Answer the short declaration questions and confirm that your information is correct.
Step 7 – Review and submit the form
Carefully check your details, especially:
- Passport number
- Name spelling
- Arrival date
- Flight number
Submit the form once everything is correct.
Step 8 – Save your confirmation
After submitting the TDAC, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code or reference number.
Save the QR code on your phone or print a copy as backup.
What Happens After You Submit the TDAC
After submitting the TDAC:
- Your details are stored in Thailand’s immigration system.
- The information is linked to your passport.
- Immigration officers can retrieve your record when you arrive.
On arrival in Thailand you may be asked to show your QR code confirmation, either on your phone or printed.
You will then proceed through the standard immigration process, including passport inspection and entry stamp.
Common TDAC Mistakes Australians Should Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
Submitting too early
Submitting more than 72 hours before arrival may invalidate the form.
Using unofficial websites
The TDAC is free. Third-party websites may charge unnecessary fees.
Passport spelling errors
Names and passport numbers must match your passport exactly.
Incorrect arrival date
Ensure the date reflects when you actually land in Thailand.
Not saving the QR code
Keep the confirmation accessible on your phone or printed.
Forgetting to complete a new TDAC for re-entry
Each entry into Thailand requires a new submission.
What Happens If You Arrive in Thailand Without Completing the TDAC?
If you arrive without completing the TDAC, airport staff may ask you to complete the form before you proceed to immigration.
Some airports provide kiosks or Wi-Fi access to allow travellers to submit the form on arrival.
However, completing the TDAC at the airport may cause delays, particularly when arrival halls are busy.
Completing the form before leaving Australia is the simplest approach.
FAQs
Is the TDAC the same as a visa?
No. The TDAC is an arrival declaration and does not replace a visa or visa-exemption entry.
Does the TDAC cost anything?
No. The official TDAC is completely free.
Do children need their own TDAC?
Yes. Each traveller, including infants, requires their own submission.
When should Australians complete the TDAC?
Within 72 hours before arriving in Thailand.
Can I complete the TDAC on my phone?
Yes. The TDAC website works on mobile browsers.
What if I make a mistake?
You can usually submit a new TDAC with corrected details before arrival.
Do I need a new TDAC if I leave and return to Thailand?
Yes. The TDAC is valid for one entry only.
Final summary + practical reminder before departure
For Australians travelling to Thailand, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is now a standard entry requirement that replaces the old paper arrival card.
Before flying:
- Have your passport details ready
- Know your arrival flight number and date
- Have your first accommodation address available
- Complete the TDAC within 72 hours before arrival
- Save the QR code confirmation on your phone
Completing the TDAC only takes a few minutes and helps ensure a smooth arrival through Thai immigration when your flight lands.