Phuket Arrival Card Guide: How to Complete the Thailand TDAC

Planning a trip from the Philippines to Phuket? Before your flight, complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which replaces the old paper TM6 arrival card. This guide explains when and how to submit it, which documents Filipino travelers need, and what to expect upon arrival at Phuket International Airport for a smoother entry.

What Is the Phuket Arrival Card?

Source: Thailand Digital Arrival Card Official Website

The Phuket arrival card is not a separate form used only in Phuket. It is part of Thailand’s nationwide Digital Arrival Card system, known as TDAC.

Thailand introduced the TDAC on May 1, 2025, replacing the paper TM6 arrival card. All non-Thai travelers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must generally complete it before reaching immigration. The form collects your passport details, travel plans, accommodation address, contact information, and recent travel history.

The TDAC is only an arrival registration. It is not a visa and does not guarantee permission to enter Thailand. Immigration officers still make the final entry decision.

Do Filipino Travelers Need the Phuket Arrival Card?

Yes. Filipino passport holders must complete the TDAC before entering Thailand, even when traveling under the visa exemption scheme.

The requirement also applies to:

• Adults traveling for holidays or business
• Infants and children
• Travelers holding Thai tourist or long-term visas
• Travelers entering by air, land, or sea
• Travelers returning to Thailand after visiting another destination

Families can submit information for up to 10 travelers in one group application. However, each person will still receive an individual TDAC record.

Who Does Not Need a TDAC?

The TDAC is generally not required for:

• Thai nationals
• Airline or transport crew
• Airside transit passengers who do not pass through Thai immigration

Travelers holding a Thailand Privilege Card are still foreign nationals and should complete the TDAC.

Do Filipinos Need a Visa for Phuket?

As of July 22, 2026, Filipino ordinary passport holders remain eligible to enter Thailand without a visa for stays of up to 60 days. However, Thailand has approved a new visa framework that may reduce the visa-exempt stay to 30 days. The change is still awaiting publication in the Royal Gazette and will take effect 15 days after publication.

Filipino travelers should check the latest Thai Embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement shortly before departure.

Remember that visa-free entry and TDAC registration are separate requirements. Even if you do not need a Thai visa, you must still submit the TDAC.

Phuket Entry Requirements for Filipino Travelers

Prepare the following documents before flying to Phuket:

• Philippine passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date
• Completed TDAC with the confirmation QR code
• Visa or proof of visa-exempt eligibility
• Confirmed return or onward ticket
• Phuket hotel reservation or accommodation details
• Full address of your first accommodation in Thailand
• Evidence of sufficient travel funds, if requested
• Supporting documents showing the purpose of your visit, when applicable

Thai immigration officers may request proof of funds during entry screening. For certain visa-exempt entries, the stated amount is THB10,000 per person or THB20,000 per family. Children below 12 years old are excluded from this requirement.

When Should You Complete the Phuket TDAC?

Submit the TDAC within three days before your arrival in Thailand, including your arrival date.

For example, if you will arrive in Phuket on July 22, you may complete the form on July 20, 21, or 22. Completing it one or two days before departure is recommended so you have time to check your information and save the confirmation.

Kiosks and Wi-Fi may be available at Phuket International Airport for travelers who cannot complete the form beforehand. However, filling it in after landing may delay your immigration clearance.

The TDAC form cannot be saved halfway. Prepare all your information before starting.

Information Needed for the Phuket Arrival Card

Keep these details ready:

• Passport
• Full name exactly as shown in your passport
• Passport number and nationality
• Date of birth
• Country and city of residence
• Phone number
• Arrival date and flight number
• Country where you boarded your flight to Thailand
• Purpose of travel
• Departure information, if available
• Phuket hotel name and complete address
• Countries visited during the 14 days before arrival
• Valid email address

How to Fill In the Phuket TDAC Online

Step 1: Visit the Official TDAC Website

Go to tdac.immigration.go.th and select your preferred language. Click “Arrival Card” to begin an individual or group submission.

TDAC registration is completely free. Avoid third-party websites that request processing or application fees.

Step 2: Enter Your Passport Information

Enter your information exactly as printed on your Philippine passport. This includes your:

• Family name
• Given name and middle name
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Gender

You can enter the details manually or use the MRZ scanner to read the machine-readable lines at the bottom of your passport information page.

Always check the scanned information. The MRZ reader may occasionally enter a name, passport number, or date incorrectly.

Step 3: Complete Your Personal Information

Provide your country of residence, city or state of residence, occupation, and phone number where requested.

Enter all required details in English. Avoid adding titles such as Mr., Ms., Dr., or Attorney unless the form specifically asks for them.

Step 4: Enter Your Travel Details

Provide the details of the flight that brings you into Thailand, including:

• Arrival date
• Mode of travel
• Flight number
• Country where you boarded
• Purpose of visit
• Departure date and flight, if available

If you are flying directly from Manila to Phuket, enter the Philippines as the country where you boarded.

If you have a connecting flight, enter the country where you boarded your final flight to Thailand. For example, if you fly from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and then Kuala Lumpur to Phuket, select Malaysia.

If your journey is Manila to Bangkok to Phuket and you clear Thai immigration in Bangkok, Bangkok is your first entry point into Thailand.

Step 5: Enter Your Phuket Accommodation

Enter the name and complete address of your first hotel or accommodation in Thailand.

You may need to select:

• Accommodation type
• Province
• District
• Subdistrict
• Postal code
• Street address

Select Phuket as the province when staying on the island. Copy the address directly from your hotel confirmation to avoid spelling mistakes.

If you will stay at several hotels, use the address of your first accommodation.

Step 6: Complete the Health Declaration

Enter the countries or territories you visited during the 14 days before arriving in Thailand.

The system may request additional health information depending on your nationality, flight, or recent travel history.

Step 7: Add Other Travelers

If you are traveling with family or friends, select “Add Other Travelers.” A group application can include up to 10 people.

Parents or guardians must complete the form for infants and children.

Step 8: Review and Submit

Check every detail carefully, especially your:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Arrival date
• Flight number
• Hotel address

Enter a valid email address, accept the declaration, and submit the form.

Step 9: Download Your TDAC QR Code

After submitting, download your TDAC confirmation containing the QR code. A copy will also be sent to your email.

Save a screenshot that can be opened without internet access. You may show the digital copy at immigration, but printing one paper copy is useful if your phone runs out of battery.

What If You Make a Mistake?

Use the “Update Arrival Card” option on the official TDAC website if your flight, hotel, or other editable information changes.

You will need your TDAC number, date of birth, and nationality to find the submission.

Some important details, including your full name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth, cannot be changed through the update function. If one of these details is incorrect, submit a new TDAC. The system will use your most recent valid submission.

Phuket Arrival Process at Phuket International Airport

1. Follow the International Arrivals Signs

After leaving the aircraft, follow the signs for International Arrivals and Passport Control. Keep your passport and TDAC confirmation ready.

2. Proceed to Immigration

Filipino travelers entering under the current visa exemption scheme do not need to visit the Visa on Arrival counter. Proceed to the immigration lanes indicated by airport staff.

Present your:

• Passport
• TDAC QR code, if requested
• Return ticket or hotel booking, if requested
• Proof of funds, if requested

Phuket introduced automated passport channels for international departures on June 13, 2026. The official announcement did not confirm that all foreign visitors could use automated gates for arrival clearance. Follow the latest airport signs and instructions instead of assuming you can use an arrival e-gate.

3. Collect Your Baggage

After immigration, check the airport information screens for your flight number and baggage carousel. Free luggage trolleys are normally available in the baggage claim area.

4. Clear Customs

Choose the green channel if you have nothing to declare and are within Thailand’s duty-free limits.

Choose the red channel if you have restricted goods, commercial items, excess alcohol or tobacco, or anything that requires declaration.

Customs officers may scan or inspect baggage based on risk assessment.

5. Enter the Arrivals Hall

After customs, you will reach the public arrivals area. Taxi counters, airport transfer desks, SIM card shops, ATMs, and currency exchange services are available inside the terminal.

Phuket Customs Rules

Travelers using the green channel should carry only reasonable personal belongings that are not prohibited, restricted, or intended for sale.

Thailand’s duty-free allowances include:

These allowances apply per passenger. Excess tobacco or alcohol may lead to confiscation or prosecution if not properly handled.

Cash Declaration

Declare foreign currency or negotiable monetary instruments exceeding USD15,000 or its equivalent.

This is different from the proof of funds that immigration officers may request. The cash declaration rule is a customs requirement for travelers physically carrying a large amount of money.

Prohibited Goods

Do not bring the following into Thailand:

• Illegal drugs or narcotics
• Electronic cigarettes, vapes, and related devices
• Hookahs or baraku
• Pornographic materials
• Counterfeit products
• Fake banknotes or coins
• Protected wildlife and related products

Thailand prohibits the importation of electronic cigarettes and vaping products. Do not pack a vape in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Restricted Goods

Some items may require prior approval or supporting documents, including:

• Prescription medicines and supplements
• Firearms and ammunition
• Drones
• Plants, seeds, and agricultural products
• Animals and animal products
• Certain cosmetics and food products

If you are unsure whether an item needs a permit, use the red channel and ask a customs officer.

Tips for Filipino Travelers

• Submit the TDAC one or two days before your flight.
• Enter your name exactly as shown on your passport.
• Copy your hotel’s complete address from your booking confirmation.
• Save the TDAC QR code for offline viewing.
• Keep both your TDAC and Philippine eTravel QR codes on your phone.
• Bring a printed backup if you are traveling with children or elderly family members.
• Do not pay anyone to complete the official TDAC form.
• Do not bring vape devices or e-cigarettes into Thailand.
• Keep your return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds easy to access.
• Submit a new TDAC every time you enter Thailand.