Thailand is taking a major step toward modernizing its immigration process with the introduction of the digital TM6 form for all foreign visitors. Starting on May 1, 2025, this new digital arrival card will replace the previously suspended paper TM6 card. Designed to streamline the entry process, the digital form aims to enhance tourist tracking, improve security, and ensure a more efficient travel experience for everyone entering Thailand.
Thailand to Require Digital TM6 Form for All Foreign Visitors Starting May 2025
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the digital TM6 form and what it means for your upcoming travels to Thailand.
What is the Digital TM6 Form?
The digital TM6 form is an online arrival card that foreign visitors to Thailand will be required to complete before their arrival. This form collects essential details like personal information, travel dates, passport details, and the address where you’ll be staying in Thailand. It replaces the traditional paper TM6 form that was used in the past and was temporarily suspended in 2022.
This new initiative, set to launch on May 1, 2025, is part of Thailand’s efforts to modernize its immigration system and provide a more seamless entry experience for international travelers. The digital TM6 form will be mandatory for all foreign visitors, including those from visa-exempt countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore.
Who Needs to Fill Out the Digital TM6 Form?
As of May 1, 2025, the digital TM6 form will be required for:
| Visitor Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Foreign visitors | Must fill out the digital TM6 form |
| Visa-exempt countries | Includes countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore |
| Thai passport holders | Exempt from filling out the form |
Foreign visitors must ensure that they submit their digital TM6 form online before arriving in Thailand. This new requirement applies to all travelers, regardless of whether they need a visa to enter Thailand.
Why the Shift to a Digital Format?
Thailand’s decision to switch to a digital TM6 form is primarily driven by the goal of enhancing tourist safety and improving travel efficiency. By moving the form online, Thailand hopes to ease congestion at immigration checkpoints and improve the overall entry process for travelers.
Mongkon Wimonrat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, emphasized that the digital form would help reduce delays and streamline immigration procedures, ultimately leading to a faster and smoother entry experience. This change will make the process more efficient, both for travelers and for Thai immigration officials.
How Will the Digital TM6 Form Improve Tourist Tracking?
One of the key benefits of the digital TM6 form is enhanced tourist tracking. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports believes that the digital format will make it easier to monitor visitor numbers and their movements within Thailand. This enhanced tracking system aims to improve safety and provide more accurate data for both government officials and tourism stakeholders.
Natthriya Thaweevong, the chief of the Ministry of Tourism, also noted that the new digital TM6 form will foster greater trust among international visitors, ensuring that their arrival and stay in Thailand is recorded efficiently and securely.
Easing Immigration Congestion with Digital Solutions
The digital TM6 form is a key part of Thailand’s broader efforts to improve the immigration process. The suspension of the paper-based form in 2022 was an initial step to reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints, and the introduction of the digital form will continue to build on these efforts. By eliminating the need for paper cards, the new system will speed up the processing time for travelers, helping to avoid long waits at immigration lines.
Potential Postponement of the Tourism Fee
In addition to the digital TM6 form, Thailand has been planning to introduce a tourism fee of 300 baht ($9) to fund infrastructure and services for foreign visitors. However, some sources within the Ministry of Tourism have suggested that the introduction of the digital TM6 form could delay the implementation of this fee. This delay may provide a reprieve for tourists while the country continues to modernize its tourism infrastructure.
Thailand’s Tourism Goals: Aiming for 40 Million Visitors in 2025
Thailand is expecting to receive 40 million foreign visitors in 2025, a target driven by the country’s strong tourism industry. In 2024, Thailand welcomed over 35.5 million tourists, who contributed approximately 1.6 trillion baht to the economy. The introduction of the digital TM6 form is seen as part of Thailand’s broader effort to maintain this momentum and enhance the travel experience for all visitors.
| Tourism Targets | Details |
|---|---|
| Visitor Goal for 2025 | 40 million foreign visitors |
| Tourism Revenue (2024) | 1.6 trillion baht from 35.5 million visitors |
| Focus | Improving tourist tracking and security |
By improving immigration procedures, Thailand hopes to attract more visitors while ensuring their safety and a smoother entry process.
Preparing for Thailand’s Digital Future
Starting May 1, 2025, the digital TM6 form will be a mandatory requirement for all foreign travelers to Thailand. This digital upgrade is a significant step toward improving the immigration process and enhancing tourist safety. Travelers planning to visit Thailand in 2025 should prepare by completing the online form before their arrival.
With a streamlined immigration process and improved security measures, Thailand is making it easier for travelers to enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer. Be ready for a hassle-free entry experience when you arrive in Thailand, thanks to the digital TM6 form.
By following these new guidelines and ensuring that you complete the digital TM6 form in advance, your travel experience in Thailand will be smoother and more secure, aligning with Thailand’s goal to become a top destination for millions of international visitors each year.
