Key points
- An arrival card collects traveler details at the border; it is not a visa and does not grant entry on its own.
- Whether you need one depends on the destination, not your nationality.
- Many countries moved to digital cards in 2026, including South Korea and India.
- Cards are usually submitted online within 72 hours of arrival, and each traveler needs their own.
What an arrival card is
An arrival card is a form immigration authorities use to collect traveler information that isn’t already in your passport. It captures who you are, why you’re visiting, how long you’re staying, and where. You may also see it called a landing card, disembarkation card, or incoming passenger card. It typically asks for passport information, contact details, travel dates, your accommodation address, and sometimes health or customs declarations.
One point matters more than any other: an arrival card is not a visa. It doesn’t grant permission to enter on its own. It sits alongside your visa or visa-exemption status rather than replacing it.
Who needs one
Whether you need an arrival card depends on your destination, not your nationality. Most countries require all arriving non-citizens to complete one, though there are exceptions. The Philippines requires its own citizens to register, and Malaysia exempts Singaporean residents.
Why countries went digital
Countries have been retiring paper forms to speed up immigration processing, cut waste, and manage border data better. South Korea rolled out its e-Arrival Card in 2026 but still accepts paper cards, and India made e-Arrival Cards mandatory on April 1, 2026.
2026 requirements by country
| Country | Card | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) | All foreign arrivals |
| Singapore | SG Arrival Card (SGAC) | Most foreign visitors |
| Malaysia | Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) | Most foreign visitors |
| India | e-Arrival Card | All foreign travelers |
| Philippines | eTravel Registration | Everyone |
| South Korea | e-Arrival Card | Most travelers |
| Taiwan | Arrival Card (TWAC) | Foreign visitors |
| Indonesia | All Indonesia Arrival Card | All international arrivals |
How the process works
Completing a digital arrival card usually involves:
- Submitting the online form within 72 hours of arrival
- Providing your passport and trip details
- Receiving a QR code confirmation
Airlines increasingly check for a completed card before boarding, and immigration officers ask to see the confirmation when you land.
Common pitfalls
The 72-hour window cuts both ways: you can’t submit too early or too late. And each family member, children included, needs their own separate card.
