Given how the two countries border each other, it is not surprising that Thailand is a popular vacation spot for many Malaysians. Not just Malaysians, for the record, given how Thailand is a top international tourist destination. However, if you are planning to head up north, you should be that you will need a Thailand Digital Arrival Card, aka TDAC.
Bye, TM6. Hey, TDAC!
The Land of Smiles is introducing new measures to streamline the entry process for international visitors this year. The traditional TM6 paper immigration form is no more, replaced by the TDAC. This online system will offer convenience to travellers entering Thailand by air, land or sea.
Rules to follow
There are certain rules regarding the TDAC. For one, visitors must complete it three days before their arrival. They must provide essential personal and travel information, including passport details and a Thai address. After submitting the TDAC, visitors will receive an acknowledgement e-mail with a QR code, which must be presented to immigration officers upon arrival.
Easy guide to the TDAC
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Here is a step-by-step guide to completing the TDAC:
- Visit the TDAC Portal: Go here.
- Start Registration: Select “Arrival Card” to begin.
- Enter Personal Information: Provide full name, nationality, contact details, and passport details.
- Fill in Trip Details: Include flight number, purpose of travel, and a Thai address (e.g., hotel or residence).
- Health Declaration: Declare any recent travel to flagged countries as required.
- Add Travelers (if applicable): For group travelers, repeat the process for each person.
- Review and Submit: Confirm all details, agree to terms, and submit the form.
- Receive Acknowledgment: Check your email for a QR code or confirmation, which you must present at immigration.
- Present at Immigration: Show the QR code along with other travel documents for verification.
Special exemptions
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Not all Malaysians will have to follow this new measure though. Those who have a Border Pass or are transiting through Thailand without passing immigration control are exempt from this tourist requirement.
Tourism tax delayed
Additionally, a 300-baht tourism tax, initially scheduled for mid-2025, has been postponed to focus on the implementation of the TDAC system. For now, the fee is likely to be introduced in late 2025 and will apply to all foreign visitors entering Thailand.
New system planned
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There are also plans to launch an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in December 2025 for travellers from 93 countries. This requirement, thankfully, does not apply to Malaysians. However, Malaysians should note that visa-free stays have been reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
What do we think?
Thailand expects to receive around 40 million international visitors this year. It is thus unsurprising that Thailand is starting these initiatives to make travelling easier for everyone involved. Hopefully, the roll out goes on without a hitch.
You should also check out: Hoping to visit Japan? Be prepared to pay RM148, as the tourist tax may be raised from RM30 soon
Feature Image Credit: Canva
