Your passport and visa may no longer be the only documents you need before flying. In 2026, more destinations are using digital arrival declarations, electronic travel authorisations and other pre-arrival systems to collect traveller information before passengers reach immigration.
For outbound travellers from the UAE, this means one extra check before every international trip. Thailand, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea are among the destinations using electronic arrival processes, while countries such as the UK operate separate electronic travel authorisation systems.
Understanding these mandatory travel documents 2026 can help you avoid unnecessary airport stress, delays and problems at check-in.
What Is an Arrival Card – And Why It’s Suddenly Mandatory Everywhere in 2026
An arrival card is essentially a traveller declaration containing information such as passport details, flight information, accommodation address and travel history or health information where required.
The major difference in 2026 is that many countries have moved these forms online. Instead of completing a paper card after landing, travellers may need to submit a digital arrival card before departure.
However, not every digital requirement is an arrival card. An ETA or electronic travel authorisation can determine whether you are permitted to travel, while an arrival card normally records information for immigration clearance. Neither should automatically be treated as a replacement for a visa.
Countries That Have Made Arrival Cards Mandatory – The Complete 2026 List
Requirements vary significantly by nationality and destination, so there is no single universal digital arrival card countries list applicable to every UAE traveller. As of September 2026, these are some of the most relevant systems to know.
1. Thailand – TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)
Thailand requires foreign travellers covered by its rules to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before entry. The TDAC records passport, travel and accommodation information and is separate from any visa requirement.
For UAE travellers heading to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui, TDAC should now be part of the pre-departure checklist.
2. India – e-Arrival Card
India allows foreign nationals and OCI cardholders to complete its e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival. Importantly, the Indian government states that the e-Arrival Card is for arrival information and is not a visa.
Travellers must therefore separately ensure they hold the appropriate visa, eVisa, OCI documentation or other eligible entry permission.
3. Sri Lanka – ETA (Now Free for UAE & GCC Nationals)
Sri Lanka is slightly different because its ETA is not simply an arrival card.
As of September 2026, Sri Lanka offers a 30-day tourist ETA free of charge to nationals of 40 specified countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. Eligibility is based on nationality, not simply UAE or GCC residency.
Travellers should still check the latest entry conditions before departure.
4. Indonesia (Bali) – All Indonesia Arrival Card
Indonesia has introduced the All Indonesia digital arrival declaration, bringing key passenger information into a centralized pre-arrival process.
If Bali, Jakarta or another Indonesian destination is on your itinerary, check the current submission requirement and complete the official form within the specified period before arrival.
5. United Kingdom – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK’s ETA is not an arrival card. It is permission to travel for eligible non-visa nationals.
UAE nationals are among those requiring an ETA for eligible UK visits. Since 25 February 2026, the UK has enforced the digital permission requirement, meaning carriers can prevent passengers from boarding without the required ETA, eVisa or other valid permission.
6. Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea & China – The Rest of Asia
Malaysia operates the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), while Singapore requires the SG Arrival Card for most travellers, subject to exemptions. Singapore’s official system states that submission is free and that the SG Arrival Card is not a visa.
South Korea also operates an official e-Arrival Card, which can be submitted within three days before arrival and is free. Some travellers with other valid Korean immigration permissions may be exempt.
For Vietnam and China, requirements can differ according to entry point, nationality and current immigration procedures. Rather than assuming a universal digital arrival-card requirement applies, travellers should verify the latest official pre-arrival registration requirements before departure.
Who Is Exempt – And Who Actually Gets Caught Out Without One
Exemptions vary by country. Citizens, permanent residents, transit passengers and holders of certain residence permits or electronic authorisations may be treated differently.
The biggest mistake UAE residents make is assuming UAE residency determines international entry requirements. In most cases, your passport nationality remains critical.
Children can also be subject to arrival declaration requirements, even when travelling on the same itinerary as their parents.
Arrival Card vs Visa vs ETA – Know the Difference Before You Panic
Think of the three documents as separate layers.
A visa grants permission to seek entry under a particular travel category. An ETA is electronic pre-travel authorisation used by certain countries for eligible nationalities. An arrival card generally provides immigration authorities with details about your journey and stay.
Having one does not necessarily mean you have the others. Always check every requirement applicable to your passport before flying.
How to Fill Out an Arrival Card the Right Way – Step-by-Step
Start with the destination’s official government immigration portal. Keep your passport, flight details, hotel address and travel dates ready. Enter your name exactly as shown on your passport and ensure passport numbers and arrival dates match your bookings.
Complete the declaration within the official submission window, review everything carefully and retain the confirmation electronically.
Most importantly, avoid unofficial websites that imitate government portals.
Common Mistakes That Get Travellers Denied Boarding
Problems often arise from completing the wrong form, entering an incorrect passport number, assuming an arrival card replaces a visa, submitting outside the permitted window or failing to obtain a required ETA.
Fake websites are another growing concern. South Korea’s government, for example, specifically warns travellers about websites impersonating its official e-Arrival Card service.
Practical Tips for UAE Travellers Filing Arrival Cards in 2026
Check requirements before paying for non-refundable travel arrangements, then check again shortly before departure because immigration rules change frequently.
Keep digital and offline copies of confirmations, verify requirements for every family member and never assume rules are identical because two travellers both live in the UAE.
When arranging holiday packages from Dubai, ask your travel consultant about visa, ETA and arrival requirements at the same time as flights and accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is an arrival card the same as a visa?
No. An arrival card records traveller information for immigration purposes. A visa or ETA is a separate form of travel or entry permission.
Q2: What happens if I don't submit my arrival card before flying?
It depends on the destination. You may face check-in difficulties, delays or be required to complete the declaration before immigration clearance. Missing a mandatory travel authorisation such as the UK ETA can prevent boarding altogether.
Q3: Are arrival cards really free?
Many official systems are free, including Singapore’s SG Arrival Card and South Korea’s e-Arrival Card. Third-party websites may charge service fees, so always verify that you are using the official portal.
Q4: Do children and infants need their own arrival card?
Requirements vary, but children are not automatically exempt. Always check the destination’s rules for every traveller on the booking.
Q5: I'm a UAE resident, not a citizen – do these rules still apply to me?
Possibly, but requirements are generally determined by passport nationality as well as destination-specific rules. UAE residency alone does not guarantee the same entry conditions available to UAE passport holders.
Plan Your Trip Compliant and Stress-Free with Satguru Travel’s Global Visa Assistance Team
International travel in 2026 involves more moving pieces than ever. A traveller may need a visa, ETA, digital arrival card, travel insurance and additional destination-specific documentation – all with different deadlines.
Instead of trying to manage every requirement alone, let Satguru Travel help you navigate the process.
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As an experienced travel management company in Dubai, Satguru Travel helps make international journeys simpler from the planning stage to departure – so you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time looking forward to your trip.
