BANGKOK, Thailand — A redesigned immigration process and fresh safety guidance from the U.K. government are changing the way Britons plan holidays to Thailand, one of Southeast Asia’s most-visited destinations.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card now mandatory
Thailand quietly replaced its long-standing paper TM6 arrival form with the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in May 2025. All foreign nationals, including the more than 700,000 U.K. citizens who enter the country each year, must now submit the document before they line up at passport control. Helen Wheat, Asia destination manager at specialist tour operator Travelbag, called the form “a simple step that saves time at immigration,” Wheat said in a statement. Key facts travelers need to know:
- One TDAC is required per passenger, regardless of age.
- There is no government fee for filing the form.
- Authorities recommend submitting the TDAC at least 72 hours before landing, though there is no formal deadline.
- Travelers who arrive without a completed card must use self-service kiosks in the arrivals hall, a process that can add significant wait times.
- Screenshots or e-mail confirmations of the approved card are accepted proofs; hard copies are optional.
Why the change matters
Thailand’s Department of Immigration says the shift to a digital system is meant to speed queues and improve data security. During high season—November through February—outbound bookings from the United Kingdom to Thailand climb more than 158 percent, according to internal data compiled by Travelbag. A surge that large amplifies the risk of bottlenecks if even a modest share of visitors forget to file the online form.
FCDO issues regional safety warnings
While most of the country remains open, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to several areas because of periodic violence and political tension:
- Pattani Province
- Yala Province
- Narathiwat Province
- Southern Songkhla Province—specifically the territory south of the A43 highway between Hat Yai and Sakom, and south of the rail line connecting Hat Yai and Padang Besar
- Within 50 kilometers of the land border with Cambodia
The advisory also applies to the Hat Yai–Padang Besar rail route, which cuts through several of the affected zones. Travel insurance policies often exclude coverage in areas placed under government warnings, so British travelers should double-check their itineraries if they plan overland excursions or sleeper-train rides that graze these southern provinces.
What remains safe—and spectacular
Thailand still draws more than 35 million international arrivals annually, thanks to postcard-ready islands such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi, along with cultural hotspots like Chiang Mai and Ayutthaya. None of those popular holiday zones fall under the current FCDO restrictions.
Tips for Travelers
- Submit early: File the TDAC as soon as your flight and lodging are confirmed. Airport Wi-Fi in Thailand can be patchy, making on-site registration risky.
- Have details ready: The online form asks for passport information, flight number, first night’s address, and travel dates.
- Save proof offline: Keep a local copy of the TDAC confirmation—screenshots are quicker to retrieve than digging through e-mail folders while in line.
- Watch your route: If you’re planning a cross-border road trip to Cambodia or Malaysia, map distances carefully to stay outside the 50-kilometer advisory zone.
- Mind insurance clauses: Verify that your policy covers medical or evacuation costs in Thailand; many exclude government advisory areas.
- Stay updated: The FCDO app offers real-time push alerts for any changes to regional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TDAC needed for every entry?
Yes. Tourists making multi-leg journeys—such as hopping to Laos and returning by air—must file a new card each time they cross a Thai border.
How long does TDAC approval take?
Immigration officials state that most applications receive confirmation e-mails within minutes. High-season traffic or incomplete data can slow processing, hence the 72-hour safety buffer.
What happens if I land without a completed TDAC?
Arriving passengers are directed to touchscreen kiosks near baggage claim. Expect an additional queue and be prepared to type in the same details that could have been submitted online.
Is there a mobile app?
[Not specified in release] The Thai government has not publicly launched a dedicated TDAC app; the form is currently web-based.
Do children need to file?
Yes. Each passport holder, regardless of age, requires a separate submission.
Are airlines checking TDACs before boarding?
Some carriers departing from London Heathrow, Manchester and other U.K. gateways have begun spot checks, but the final authority remains immigration officers in Thailand.
Bottom line for British holidaymakers
The TDAC is now an indispensable pre-departure chore, as routine as securing travel insurance or booking a beachside bungalow. Filing early can save precious island-time that would otherwise be spent feeding passport details into an airport kiosk. Meanwhile, those tempted by off-the-beaten-path adventures in Thailand’s far south or along the Cambodian frontier should weigh the FCDO’s warnings carefully and adjust itineraries—or insurance policies—accordingly. For most travelers, however, the new rules amount to a minor digital detour on the way to turquoise seas, fragrant curries and the signature Thai welcome that keeps millions coming back year after year.
