If you intend to travel to Thailand by air or by road from Malaysia, you should be aware that there is a form that needs to be completed before you can enter Thailand. In the past, prior to arrival in Thailand, the traditional arrival form had to be filled out by visitors which people normally recognized as TM6 forms. However, the new digital arrival form has replaced the original arrival form and is referred to as the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, short for TDAC.
For Malaysians who are driving to Thailand or are arriving by air, proper submission of the TDAC application would facilitate smooth immigration clearance at a faster rate, particularly during peak periods for holiday-making.
The following is a guide on what TDAC is, its requirements, and how Malaysians can proceed to submit it.
What Is Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is an immigration form that every foreigner is expected to complete before their arrival in Thailand. This form asks a series of questions, including a range of travel details, as well as some aspects of their travel documents and accommodation.
You may submit your TDAC online here
TDAC applies to:
- Malaysian motorists in Thailand
- Malaysians traveling into Thailand
- Entry through land borders, airports, and seaports
There are no charges for submitting a TDAC, and it takes only a couple of minutes.
Who Needs to Submit TDAC?
If you're a Malaysian citizen and wish to enter and/or leave Thailand through land and/or air routes on a short visit, whether it is a trip, a sightseeing trip, or a visit, submission of TDAC is a requirement even on a short trip to Hat Yai."
When Should Malaysians Submit TDAC?
TDAC should be submitted before you reach Thai immigration. Best practice:
- Submit 1–3 days before departure
- Ensure all details match with your passport.
- Save a digital copy or screenshot on your phone
TDAC submission beforehand prevents delays at busy checkpoints along border sites in Malaysia–Thailand.
Step-by-Step: How to Submit TDAC (Malaysia Guide)
First, the following information needs to be
- Passport data
- Travel Date
- Entrance point (airport or land border)
- Thailand: Housing and Accommodation
Next, please follow these steps:
You will be directed to the TDAC Official Submission webpage, where you'll submit to TDAC. You may click on the CTA button Arrival Card and you will be routed to Personal Information Page.
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Personal Information Page
After entering your name and nationality, you will be prompted to provide information as it appears on your passport, including your occupation, place of residence, gender, date of birth, and phone number.
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Trip Information Page
Next, you will be asked to provide details on your travels, including when you are arriving and through which border or airport. Finally, details on where you will be staying will be required. In this case, it could be the name of your hotel, homestay, or residence.
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Health Declaration Page
The health declaration page will appear next. Fill out the form, then carefully check all the information provided before submitting it. Upon submission, you will get a TDAC confirmation; save it on your phone or print out a copy. Immigration officers may ask for the same at the time of your entry to Thailand.
TDAC for Malaysians Driving to Thailand
When entering Thailand by car or motorbike, TDAC is inspected together with:
- Passport
- Vehicle documents
- Thailand Motor Insurance
If you have a busy border to pass through, especially places such as Bukit Kayu Hitam and Padang Besar, it is therefore useful to have your TDAC document with yourself to reduce the amount of time taken to pass through immigration and to avoid having to fill up this form as well.
Common TDAC Mistakes to Avoid
Many travellers face delays due to simple errors. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Typing passport numbers incorrectly
- Using the wrong entry date
- Forgetting to save the confirmation page
- Submitting TDAC too late (at the border)
Double-check all details before submission to ensure a smooth entry.
Before You Cross the Border
Apart from TDAC, foreign vehicles entering Thailand also need to have Thailand’s ‘motor insurance. To ensure smooth customs clearance, it is best to arrange everything beforehand, especially when preparing for one’s Thailand road trip from Malaysia. Learn more about documents required when you are entering Thailand from Malaysia's borders here.
With Drive2Thai, you can get Thailand Compulsory Insurance (CI) and TM2 and TM3 forms as well as obtain your e-policy immediately via your email. The easy way for you to remain compliant and have a hassle-free journey into Thailand! Get ready and enter Thailand with confidence!
