Thailand 2026: New Passport Scanning Requirements in the THIM App for the Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

Main change: Since June 2026, the Immigration Bureau of Thailand has been testing a new mobile app, THIM (Thailand Immigration Management), which allows travelers to scan their passport to automatically fill out the mandatory Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). The official full launch of the app is scheduled for August 2026.

What has changed

The Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) completely replaced the old paper TM6 form back in May 2025. Until now, travelers had to enter all their data manually on the official web portal. In 2026, the Thai government introduced the THIM app, which significantly simplifies this process thanks to Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology.

Now, it is enough to point the smartphone camera at the passport photo page and the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). The system automatically extracts the name, passport number, date of birth, and other biometric data, encrypts them, and transmits them to the national immigration database. Thanks to this, the time to fill out the card is reduced to 3 minutes.

Who this affects

These requirements apply to all foreign citizens, including Ukrainians, entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. This rule applies regardless of whether you are traveling visa-free, with a tourist visa, or have a long-term visa (for example, the Destination Thailand Visa - DTV).

What to do now

1. Choose a platform: Download the official THIM app (available for iOS and Android) or use the TDAC web portal (tdac.immigration.go.th).
2. Follow the deadlines: Submit your application no earlier than 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in Thailand. The system will not accept the application before this time.
3. Scan your passport: In the THIM app, grant permission to use the camera and take a photo of the main page of your international passport. Ensure the photo and text are clear, without glare.
4. Add trip details: Enter your flight number and the address of your first place of residence in Thailand (hotel or apartment).
5. Save the QR code: After successful submission, you will receive a QR code. Save it to your phone or print it to present at immigration control.

Common mistakes

• Confusion between THIM and TDAC: THIM is just a mobile tool for filling out the TDAC. You do not need to fill out both forms. If you have already submitted an application through the web portal, there is no need to duplicate it in the app.
• Waiting for the ETA system: The previously announced Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system was canceled in favor of the TDAC. In 2026, you only need the TDAC (and a visa, if required for your citizenship).
• Paying for the service: Processing the TDAC through the official website or the THIM app is completely free. Any websites demanding payment are fraudulent.
• Last-minute submission: Although the process takes a few minutes, do not postpone it until you arrive at the airport in Thailand, as a stable internet connection is required to fill it out.

Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.