TDAC Guide

5 Most Common TDAC Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) became mandatory in late 2025, replacing the old paper TM6 form. While the system is straightforward, thousands of travelers still face unnecessary delays or secondary inspection at immigration because of simple errors.

1. 1. Incorrect passport details (especially number and name order)

   The most common issue is typing the passport number with spaces, missing a digit, or confusing zero (0) with the letter O. Another frequent error is swapping given name and surname order.

   Solution: Always copy-paste the passport number directly. Check name order against the machine-readable zone (two bottom lines) of your passport.

2. 2. Wrong arrival date or flight information

   Many people enter their departure date from home instead of the actual arrival date in Thailand. Others type the flight number without the airline prefix (e.g. "1234" instead of "FR1234").

   Solution: Use your boarding pass. The arrival date must match exactly what Thai immigration sees when scanning your passport.

3. 3. Incomplete list of countries visited in the last 14 days

   The TDAC asks for every country you've been in during the previous two weeks — including short layovers and transit zones.

   Solution: List every country, even if you never left the airport. Write "transit only" if applicable.

4. 4. Vague or missing accommodation details

   Writing "Bangkok" or "hotel" is not enough. Immigration expects a full hotel name + address.

   Solution: Include street name, house number (if known), city and province. Booking confirmation screenshot is helpful if you're unsure.

5. 5. Timing errors — submitting too early or after arrival

   TDAC can only be submitted from 3 days before arrival up to a few hours before landing.

   Solution: Submit between 72 hours and 3–4 hours before your flight lands in Thailand.

Visa on Arrival vs E-Visa – Key Differences

Thailand offers several ways to enter as a tourist. Two popular options are Visa on Arrival (VoA) and the Electronic Visa (E-Visa).

Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation 2026 – What Travelers Need to Know

As of February 2026, the border between Thailand and Cambodia remains fully open for tourists, despite periodic diplomatic tensions and localized military incidents.

From Paper TM6 to TDAC – What Changed?

For decades, arriving passengers in Thailand filled out a green paper form called TM6. In mid-2025 the Thai Immigration Bureau completed the transition to a fully digital system: the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC).

7 Biggest Mistakes in Thailand Visa Applications

Applying for a Thai visa can be simple — or stressful if you make these common errors.

1. 1. Using fake or overpriced "visa agencies" — Many unofficial websites charge $80–200 for a visa that costs ~2,000 THB officially.
2. 2. Poor quality document uploads — Blurry passport photo page, wrong file format or missing pages lead to automatic rejection.
3. 3. Wrong port of entry — Writing "Bangkok" instead of "BKK – Suvarnabhumi" or guessing the airport code.
4. 4. No proof of onward travel — Even refundable tickets are usually required — many get refused without one.
5. 5. Applying too early or too late — Most visas must be used within 90–180 days from issuance date.
6. 6. Forgetting to print e-visa confirmation — Digital version on phone is often not enough — print is safer.
7. 7. Inconsistent information — Different address, purpose or dates than in TDAC or passport.

Overstaying in Thailand – Fines, Consequences & How to Prevent It

Overstaying your visa exemption, visa or extension is one of the most common immigration problems in Thailand.

Visa-Free Stay in Thailand – Rules & Extensions

59 nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand: 60 days if arriving by air, 30 days by land or sea.

Goodbye TM6 – How the New TDAC Works

The green paper TM6 arrival card has been completely phased out. Since late 2025, the only accepted system is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — a fully online mandatory pre-arrival declaration for all non-Thai nationals.

Most Frequent TDAC Errors and Quick Fixes

Small inaccuracies cause the majority of problems at Thai immigration. Here are the errors we see most often.

1. 1. Mixing up given name and surname order — Look at the bottom two lines of your passport — copy the name format precisely.
2. 2. Incorrect flight number format — Always include the two-letter airline code from your ticket (e.g. "FR1234").
3. 3. Hotel name only — no full address — Enter full details: hotel name, street, number, district, city, province.
4. 4. Forgetting separate TDAC for children — Each person needs an individual TDAC, even infants.
5. 5. Wrong or missing countries from last 14 days — List every country, even transit-only.
6. 6. Submitting outside the allowed window — Submit only between 72 hours before arrival and a few hours before landing.

Tourist Visa or VoA – Which One Should You Choose?

10 Tips to Extend Your Stay in Thailand

1. 1. Go early — Arrive at 7:30–8:00 AM. Offices get crowded quickly.
2. 2. Bring all documents — Passport + photocopy of photo page, arrival stamp, TM.30 receipt.
3. 3. Have proof of onward travel — Cheap bus/train ticket or flight out of Thailand.
4. 4. Prepare cash — Extension fee is 1,900 THB — exact change helps.
5. 5. Dress appropriately — No beachwear, flip-flops or shorts. Shoulders and knees covered.
6. 6. Apply in time — 7–15 days before your current stay expires. Never after expiry.
7. 7. Know your limit — Visa-free and tourist visa: one extension only. VoA: only 7 days extra.
8. 8. Be honest — Clearly state tourism purpose. Have hotel bookings ready.
9. 9. Keep the receipt — The extension stamp and receipt stay in your passport.
10. 10. Choose the right office — Any provincial immigration office works. Smaller offices are often faster.

TDAC + Visa Types – Avoid Border Problems

No matter your entry permission — visa-free, Visa on Arrival, tourist visa or e-visa — every non-Thai national must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival.

Land Border Crossings into Thailand – Rules & Practical Tips

Many travelers enter Thailand by land from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia or Myanmar. The rules differ slightly from air arrivals.

Traveling to Thailand by Boat – Ferry, Cruise & Private Yacht Rules

Arriving in Thailand by sea (ferry, cruise ship, private yacht) is less common but perfectly possible.