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Arrival cards (also known as landing cards or disembarkation cards) are official forms that some countries require travelers to complete upon entry. They’re usually handed out on the plane or available at immigration checkpoints, and they serve as a record of your entry into the country. Many countries like the US, UK, Canada, and EU nations no longer require physical arrival cards because data is collected electronically via e-passports, ETAs, or visas.
Arrival cards are official documents that travelers may be required to fill out when entering a foreign country. These cards, often issued by immigration or customs authorities, collect essential information such as personal details, travel purpose, intended length of stay, and accommodation address. Some cards also include declarations related to health, customs, and cash being carried. Whether in paper or digital format, arrival cards serve as a vital first step in the entry process and are typically reviewed at passport control or customs upon arrival.2. Eligibility and Validity:
Governments use arrival cards to manage border control, ensuring travelers are properly screened before entry. The information provided helps immigration officers determine whether a traveler meets the conditions of entry based on visa requirements, health status, or declared goods. Arrival cards also help authorities track movements in and out of the country, contributing to national security and public health efforts. In many cases, they support customs enforcement by requiring visitors to declare items such as food, plants, or large sums of currency.
Several popular travel destinations still require arrival cards, though many are transitioning to digital versions. For instance, Thailand recently launched the mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for all foreign visitors. Indonesia requires travelers to submit an electronic customs declaration and a health pass prior to entry. In Australia, the traditional Incoming Passenger Card is still required for most travelers, while some may use a digital version. New Zealand mandates the Traveller Declaration online before arrival, and Singapore requires the SG Arrival Card, which includes a health declaration and must be submitted electronically before entering the country. Understanding and completing these forms accurately is key to a smooth arrival experience.
Arrival cards allow immigration officers to assess a traveler’s purpose of visit and determine eligibility for entry before stamping the passport.
They provide a paper or digital trail of each traveler’s entry and exit, helping authorities monitor immigration flows.
The forms include declarations about goods, health status, and other risks to ensure compliance with national laws and safety protocols.
Several countries have implemented Arrival Cards to simplify travel for visitors:
All incoming travelers are required to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before reaching passport control. This digital form collects personal, travel, and customs information and can be submitted online or via the NZTD app.
Most travelers entering Australia must complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC), a paper form provided during the flight. However, Australia is gradually introducing a digital Australia Travel Declaration (ATD), which allows eligible passengers to submit their information online before arrival.
Foreign visitors must submit the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with an electronic health declaration within three days (including the day of arrival) before entering Singapore. This requirement excludes transiting passengers not seeking immigration clearance and residents entering via land checkpoints.
Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at least three days before arrival. This digital form replaces the previous paper TM6 card and is mandatory for all non-Thai nationals entering by air, land, or sea.
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