Digital Arrival Cards and E-Visas: Every Country That Requires Pre-Registration in 2026
Not long ago, international travel meant one predictable ritual: the paper arrival card. You'd find it tucked into the seat pocket on the plane, fill it out with a borrowed pen somewhere over the ocean, and hand it to an immigration officer who barely glanced at it before stamping your passport.
That era is ending. Fast.
In 2025 and 2026, a wave of countries replaced paper arrival cards with mandatory digital pre-registration systems. Some require completion days before departure. Some generate QR codes that immigration officers scan instead of reading handwritten forms. Some are tied directly to your visa application. And all of them represent a new layer of pre-travel preparation that catches unprepared travelers off guard — often at the airport, often at the worst possible moment.
This guide covers every major country that now requires a digital arrival card, e-visa, or travel authorization in 2026 — what each system is called, when to complete it, and what happens if you don't.
Why This Matters for Travelers With One-Way Tickets
Digital arrival cards and onward travel requirements often intersect in ways travelers don't anticipate. Many of these systems ask for your departure flight details as part of the registration form. If you're traveling on a one-way ticket and haven't arranged onward documentation, you may find yourself unable to complete the arrival card — before you've even reached the airport.
This makes pre-departure documentation planning more important than ever. A verifiable onward flight reservation solves both problems simultaneously: it satisfies the airline check-in requirement and gives you the departure details needed to complete digital arrival forms. For the full picture on how verifiable reservations work, see our guide to proof of onward travel.
Southeast Asia
🇹🇭 Thailand — Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Launched: April 2025 Required: All foreign nationals entering Thailand Deadline: Within 72 hours before arrival Cost: Free Where: Official Thai immigration portal or mobile app
Thailand replaced its paper TM6 arrival card with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card in April 2025. The form captures passport details, flight information, accommodation address, and purpose of visit. A QR code is generated upon completion — immigration officers scan this at the border.
The TDAC does not replace visa requirements. Travelers who need a visa to enter Thailand must obtain it separately. The arrival card is a declaration, not an authorization.
Important for one-way travelers: The form asks for your departure flight details. If you're entering on a visa exemption without a confirmed exit booking, this section can create problems before you even reach check-in.
🇻🇳 Vietnam — Vietnam Digital Arrival Card
Launched: April 2026 (currently SGN/Ho Chi Minh City only) Required: Most foreign arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) Deadline: Before arrival — recommended 24-48 hours in advance Cost: Free Where: Official Vietnam immigration portal
Vietnam introduced its Digital Arrival Card in April 2026, currently mandatory for arrivals at Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City). Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi is not yet covered. The form does not replace the Vietnam e-visa — travelers who require a visa must obtain it separately.
Transit passengers who remain in the sterile zone without clearing immigration are exempt.
🇮🇩 Indonesia / Bali — Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD)
Launched: September 2025 Required: All foreign nationals entering Indonesia Deadline: Within 72 hours before arrival Cost: Free Where: "All Indonesia" app or official portal
Indonesia launched its digital arrival declaration system in September 2025. The form covers customs and immigration information and generates a QR code for scanning at the border. Paper forms are no longer accepted at major international airports including Ngurah Rai (Bali), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), and others.
The e-VOA (electronic Visa on Arrival) for eligible nationalities is a separate process and must be completed in addition to the arrival declaration.
🇵🇭 Philippines — eTravel System (formerly KETA replaced by eTravel)
Required: All foreign nationals entering the Philippines Deadline: Within 72 hours before arrival Cost: Free Where: etravel.gov.ph
The Philippines requires all arriving passengers to complete the eTravel registration before landing. The form captures health, travel, and personal information. A QR code is generated and must be presented at arrival. The system has gone through several iterations — the current version is the eTravel portal.
This is separate from any visa requirements. Travelers entering visa-free still need to complete eTravel.
🇸🇬 Singapore — SG Arrival Card (SGAC)
Required: All visitors (Singapore citizens and PRs exempt) Deadline: Within 3 days before arrival Cost: Free Where: ICA official portal or MyICA app
Singapore's SG Arrival Card replaced paper disembarkation cards and is now mandatory for all visitors. The form must be completed within 3 days before arrival. Singapore's immigration system is among the most digitally advanced in the region — officers scan arrival card QR codes at automated gates.
🇲🇾 Malaysia — Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Required: Most foreign nationals (some exemptions apply) Deadline: Within 3 days before arrival Cost: Free Where: Official Malaysia immigration portal
Malaysia introduced its digital arrival card system requiring pre-registration before entry. The form covers standard arrival declaration information.
🇰🇭 Cambodia — e-Arrival Card
Required: All foreign nationals Deadline: Before arrival Cost: Free Where: arrival.gov.kh
Cambodia requires pre-arrival registration through its e-Arrival Card system. The Cambodia e-Visa (for nationalities that require it) is a separate process.
East Asia
🇯🇵 Japan — Visit Japan Web
Required: Strongly recommended, not fully mandatory Deadline: Before arrival Cost: Free Where: vjw-lp.digital.go.jp
Japan's Visit Japan Web system allows travelers to pre-register customs and quarantine information, generating a QR code that speeds up immigration processing. While not technically mandatory for all travelers, most airports now process Visit Japan Web arrivals faster than paper-based ones.
🇰🇷 South Korea — K-ETA + Digital Arrival Card
K-ETA: Required for most visa-exempt nationalities (some exemptions through 2026) Deadline: At least 72 hours before departure Cost: Approximately USD 10 Where: k-eta.go.kr
South Korea's K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is required for most visa-exempt nationalities. A temporary exemption for certain passport holders has been extended through December 2026 — check current requirements for your nationality before travel. A separate online arrival card must also be completed within 72 hours of arrival.
🇨🇳 China — e-Arrival Card
Required: All foreign nationals Deadline: Before arrival Cost: Free Where: Official China immigration portal
China introduced mandatory electronic arrival card pre-registration replacing paper forms. The system is integrated with China's broader border management infrastructure.
🇹🇼 Taiwan — Digital Arrival Declaration
Launched: October 2025 Required: All arriving passengers Deadline: Before arrival Cost: Free Where: Official Taiwan customs portal
Taiwan rolled out mandatory digital arrival declarations in October 2025, replacing paper customs forms.
South Asia
🇮🇳 India — e-Arrival Card (Su-Swagatam)
Launched: April 1, 2026 — LIVE NOW Required: All foreign nationals + OCI cardholders Deadline: Within 72 hours before arrival Cost: Free Where: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or Su-Swagatam app
India launched mandatory e-Arrival Cards for all foreign nationals on April 1, 2026, replacing the paper disembarkation card that had been in use since the 1960s. OCI cardholders are also required to complete the form. The form captures passport details, flight information, purpose of visit, and accommodation address. A QR code is generated and must be presented at immigration.
The e-Arrival Card does not replace the Indian visa or e-Visa — both are required where applicable.
Middle East
🇦🇪 UAE / Dubai — UAE Digital Arrival Card
Required: Most foreign nationals Deadline: Before arrival Cost: Free Where: ICP smart services portal
The UAE requires digital pre-arrival registration for most nationalities. Dubai's immigration infrastructure is among the most advanced globally — the digital arrival process integrates with Emirates and other carriers' check-in systems.
🇶🇦 Qatar — Hayya Platform / Arrival Registration
Required: Most foreign nationals Deadline: Before arrival Cost: Free Where: Hayya platform or Discover Qatar portal
Qatar requires pre-arrival registration for most visiting nationalities through its digital portal.
Africa
🇰🇪 Kenya — e-Visa (replaced arrival card system)
Required: All foreign nationals Cost: USD 30-50 depending on nationality Where: evisa.go.ke
Kenya replaced its visa on arrival system with a mandatory e-visa system. All visitors, including previously visa-exempt nationalities, must apply online before travel.
🇷🇼 Rwanda — e-Visa
Required: Most nationalities Cost: Free for many African nationalities, USD 30 for others Where: irembo.gov.rw
Rwanda operates a fully digital visa and arrival system.
🇬🇭 Ghana — Electronic Visa System
Launching: 2026 Where: Official Ghana immigration portal
Ghana is transitioning from paper visa-on-arrival to an electronic visa system in 2026.
Americas
🇲🇽 Mexico — Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM)
Required: Most non-visa-exempt nationalities, and all air arrivals Cost: Included in airline ticket for air arrivals Where: Digital form completed on arrival or via airline
Mexico's FMM (Multiple Migration Form) is required for most international arrivals. For air travelers, it's increasingly handled digitally through the airline check-in process.
🇨🇴 Colombia — Check-Mig
Required: All foreign nationals Deadline: Within 24 hours before arrival Cost: Free Where: migracioncolombia.gov.co
Colombia's Check-Mig system requires all arriving and departing international travelers to complete a digital migration form within 24 hours before their flight. Failure to complete it can result in delays at immigration.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica — Digital Immigration Form
Required: All foreign nationals Deadline: Before arrival Cost: Free Where: Official Costa Rica immigration portal
Costa Rica requires digital pre-arrival form completion replacing paper arrival cards.
🇵🇦 Panama — Formulario de Salud / Digital Arrival Form
Required: All arriving passengers Cost: Free Where: Official Panama health and immigration portal
Panama requires digital arrival declaration for all international passengers.
🇧🇷 Brazil — e-Visas for many nationalities
Required: Varies by nationality Where: gov.br/pt-br/servicos/obter-visto-eletronico
Brazil operates an e-visa system for nationalities that previously required consular visas.
Europe & Oceania
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
Required: Most non-visa nationals (rolled out by nationality through 2024-2025) Cost: GBP 10 Where: UK Visas and Immigration portal
The UK's ETA system requires pre-authorization for most nationalities that previously traveled visa-free. The ETA is linked to your passport and must be obtained before travel. It does not replace a visa for nationalities that require one.
🇪🇺 Schengen Area — ETIAS
Expected launch: Late 2026 Required: Visa-exempt nationalities entering Schengen Cost: EUR 7 Where: ETIAS official portal (to be confirmed)
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require pre-authorization for all visa-exempt travelers entering the Schengen Area. Full implementation is expected in late 2026. Once active, travelers from countries currently enjoying visa-free Schengen access — including many nationalities — will need to apply online before departure.
🇦🇺 Australia — ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)
Required: Several nationalities including UK, US, Canada (others use eVisitor) Cost: AUD 20 Where: Australian ETA app or official portal
Australia's ETA system requires pre-authorization for eligible nationalities. The eVisitor visa (free) covers European nationalities. Both must be obtained before travel — paper applications are no longer accepted.
🇳🇿 New Zealand — NZeTA
Required: Visa-waiver nationalities Cost: NZD 23 (online) or NZD 17 (app) Where: immigration.govt.nz
New Zealand's NZeTA must be obtained before departure. It is linked to your passport and is valid for multiple trips over two years.
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea — Digital Arrival Card
Launched: October 2025 Required: All arriving passengers Deadline: Within 72 hours before arrival Where: Official PNG immigration portal
Papua New Guinea introduced mandatory digital arrival cards in October 2025.
What This Means for Your Pre-Departure Checklist
The practical reality of 2026 travel is that documentation preparation starts days before departure, not at the airport. For each destination, you now need to verify:
Visa requirement — do you need a visa, e-visa, or are you visa-exempt?
Digital arrival card — is pre-registration required, and what's the deadline?
Travel authorization — UK ETA, Australia ETA, NZeTA, or ETIAS?
Onward travel documentation — does the arrival card or visa application ask for departure flight details?
That last point is particularly relevant for flexible travelers and digital nomads. Several of these systems specifically request your onward flight details as part of registration. A one-way ticket without a confirmed exit booking can create friction at this step — before you've even reached the airline check-in counter.
A verifiable flight reservation with a real PNR solves this cleanly. You enter the departure details into the arrival card form, complete your pre-registration, and arrive at check-in with documentation that satisfies both the digital system and the airline's onward travel requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete a digital arrival card even if I'm visa-exempt? Yes, in most cases. Digital arrival cards are separate from visa requirements. Even if your nationality doesn't need a visa for a destination, the arrival card pre-registration is mandatory. Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India all require this regardless of visa status.
What happens if I forget to complete the digital arrival card? Consequences vary by country. In some cases, airlines may refuse boarding if the form wasn't completed. In others, you can complete it at the airport but face delays. In a few cases, completion at the airport is no longer possible. The safest approach is to complete every required form at least 24 hours before departure.
Are these systems free? Most digital arrival cards are free. Travel authorizations (UK ETA, Australia ETA, NZeTA, K-ETA, ETIAS) carry fees ranging from approximately USD 7 to USD 20. E-visas have their own fee structures depending on nationality and destination.
Do these forms replace my visa? No. Digital arrival cards are declarations of arrival information — they don't authorize entry. If you need a visa for a destination, you still need to obtain it separately.
How long does approval take? Most digital arrival cards are processed instantly or within minutes. Travel authorizations (ETA, NZeTA, ETIAS) typically take from minutes to a few days, with rare cases requiring longer review. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
Does the digital arrival card ask for onward travel details? Some do. Thailand's TDAC and several others include fields for your departure flight information. If you're traveling on a one-way ticket, having a confirmed onward booking ready before completing the form avoids complications at this step.
Written by the iReturnTicket Travel Team — frequent travelers who have personally navigated one-way ticket check-ins, border crossings, and visa documentation requirements across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Need a verifiable flight reservation for your arrival card or onward travel documentation? iReturnTicket provides real PNR-backed reservations delivered in minutes.