The New TM6: What ALL Travelers Need To Know About The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
In 2025, Thailand’s immigration system will see a major update with the TM6 form returning in a fully digital format, now called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). This shift aims to strengthen security, streamline entry procedures, and reduce processing times at immigration checkpoints. while also “modernizing entry procedures.”
What Is the TM6 Form?
The TM6 form was a mandatory document that foreign visitors filled out upon arrival in Thailand. It collected details such as the individual’s name, passport information, flight number, and accommodation address in Thailand. Immigration officials used this data to track entries and exits, screen individuals, and enhance security measures in the country.
For visitors, the form was also used when departing from Thailand to avoid incurring fines. Furthermore, the form was necessary for various immigration procedures, including the 90-day report, meaning that it affected both tourists and foreign residents.
However, in April 2024, the government suspended the requirement to boost tourism and prepare for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which has now been postponed in favor of implementing the new digital TM6 form system, the TDAC.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) System
The TDAC replaces the physical TM6 form with an online version that visitors can complete before entering Thailand. The system aims to improve efficiency in managing arrivals to Thailand and reduce immigration processing times.
The TDAC will integrate with relevant government agencies, such as the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Department of Consular Affairs. This collaboration will make the TDAC more accessible to travelers, as it can be completed through several existing online platforms, including:
- The Department of Disease Control’s disease-screening system
- The Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Thailand tourism tax collection system
- The Department of Consular Affairs’ Thailand E-Visa system
The Immigration Bureau has also prepared informational materials to help travelers use the system properly upon its launch. These materials will be available in the following languages:
- Chinese
- English
- Japanese
- Korean
- Russian
The TDAC will be available to the public starting May 1, 2025. From that date, all foreign visitors, regardless of visa type or method of entry (land, sea, or air), must use the system to fill out and submit a digital TM6 form before entering Thailand. The entire process should take no more than a few minutes to complete and will be free of charge.
Tourism Tax and Electronic Travel Authorization Delayed
With the introduction of the TDAC, the government has shared that it will postpone the launch of the ETA and implementation of the Thailand tourism tax, both of which were initially scheduled for 2025.
The Thailand ETA
The government first announced the ETA in 2024 as part of Thailand’s effort to strengthen border security. Under this system, all visa-exempt travelers will be required to complete an online form through the E-Visa system before arriving in Thailand.
Though the initial plan was to launch the ETA in December 2024 and have it become mandatory by June 2025, the ETA has been postponed indefinitely for reasons related to the TDAC. These reasons are:
- Introducing two electronic travel requirements within a similar timeframe could create confusion among incoming visitors; and
- Tourism officials are prioritizing the smooth operation of the TDAC when it becomes available to the public.
For the time being, visa-exempt travelers may continue to enter Thailand without prior approval so long as they meet the standard passport and entry requirements. However, like all foreign visitors, they will be required to complete the TDAC before entry once the system goes live.
Thailand Tourism Tax
While it has not been officially confirmed at the time of this writing, a source from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports indicated that the Thailand tourism tax, which was originally planned for later in 2025, will likely be postponed due to the introduction of the TDAC.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand imposed a tourism tax on all foreign visitors upon arrival. This requirement was then suspended to boost tourism, but the resulting loss of government revenue has prompted officials to reconsider its reinstatement.
The tourism tax plans have been revised several times in recent years, but in 2024, officials confirmed their return in 2025. If implemented, all visitors must pay a tourism tax fee of 300 THB through the E-Visa system. The revenue earned would then be allocated to improving tourism infrastructure and increasing the country’s visitor capacity.
Despite confirming its return, the tourism tax will likely be postponed again to prevent confusion among incoming visitors with several immigration requirements, similar to the case with the ETA.
Professional Assistance in Entering Thailand
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand in 2025 and are uncertain as to how you should navigate all these new immigration requirements and procedures, get in touch with Siam Legal International.
We are a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience in helping clients from all around the world enter Thailand swiftly and smoothly. Because of this, we are equipped with both the knowledge and skills to help you make sense of and meet Thailand’s travel regulations.
Whether you’re briefly visiting the country or planning a long-term stay, we’ll also help you apply for the Thai visa that best suits your needs, so you can focus on making the most out of your time in Thailand free of visa-related concerns.
For professional assistance in understanding Thailand’s immigration requirements and procedures or visa applications, do not hesitate to contact Siam Legal to book a consultation!
Category: Travel to Thailand
