Digital Arrival Card: What It Is, Countries Using It & How to Apply?

International travel has evolved rapidly in recent years, with digital solutions replacing many once-familiar airport routines. The frantic search for a pen to fill out paper forms mid-flight is slowly becoming a thing of the past. One of the most important changes driving this shift is the introduction of the digital arrival card, which allows travellers to submit their entry details online before landing, making the arrival process far more efficient and convenient.

Understanding this system is now essential for anyone planning an overseas trip. It directly affects how you prepare before departure and how quickly you move through immigration on arrival. In this blog, we will explore what a digital arrival card is, highlight the countries that require it, and guide you through the process so you can complete it confidently and travel stress-free.

What Is a Digital Arrival Card?

A digital arrival card is simply an electronic version of the traditional immigration form. Instead of writing your personal details on a narrow slip of paper during your flight, you submit your passport information, travel dates, and health declaration online before you travel. This creates a digital record in the immigration system. When you arrive at your destination, the officers can pull up your data instantly by scanning your passport or a QR code.

What Is the Difference Between a Digital Arrival Card and an E-Visa?

Many travellers confuse these two documents because they are both digital and required before you fly. However, they serve completely different purposes. One grants you legal permission to enter a country, while the other simply records your arrival details for the authorities.

Why Countries Are Adopting Digital Arrival Cards?

Governments are moving away from paper for practical reasons that benefit both the airport authorities and the travellers. The transition to a DAC system is not just a trend but a permanent upgrade to border security and management.

Speed and Efficiency

Paper forms are slow to process. Immigration officers have to read different handwriting styles, which often leads to questions and delays at the counter. Digital data is instant and accurate. When you scan your passport, the officer sees your information immediately on their screen. This reduces the time you spend standing in line at immigration and helps airports manage large crowds during peak seasons.

Enhanced Health Safety

The shift toward digital forms accelerated rapidly during the global pandemic. Authoritiesrealisedd they needed a better way to track health declarations. Digital forms allow health authorities to screen travellers for potential risks before they even board the plane. It also makes contact tracing much faster if a health concern arises after you arrive.

Sustainability

Millions of travelers mean millions of paper cards every year. This creates a massive amount of waste. Switching to a digital system saves a significant amount of paper and reduces the environmental footprint of the tourism industry. It eliminates the need for governments to print, store, and destroy physical records.

Improved Security Screening

A DAC allows authorities to screen passengers before they arrive. With paper forms, the screening happens only when the passenger stands at the desk. Digital submission gives border control time to run background checks against security databases. This ensures that any potential security risks are identified early, keeping borders safer for everyone.

Which Countries Require a Digital Arrival Card?

The list of countries using this system grows every year. Some major tourist hubs have made it strictly mandatory, meaning you cannot enter without it. Others use it as an optional service to speed up entry.

How To Apply For A Digital Arrival Card?

The application process is generally consistent across different country platforms. It is designed to be user-friendly, but you must follow the steps carefully to ensure the data matches your passport exactly.

Step 1: Locate the Official Portal

• Use a search engine to find the official immigration website of the country you are visiting.

• Avoid third-party websites that appear as ads at the top of search results. These sites often charge a high service fee for a form that is actually free on the official government site.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

• Have your physical passport ready on your desk. You will need the number, expiry date, and issuance date.

• Keep your flight itinerary open. You need the specific flight number and your arrival time.

• Know your accommodation details. You must provide the full address of your hotel or the residence where you will stay. A generic city name is usually not accepted.

Step 3: Fill in the Details

• Enter your personal information exactly as it appears on the bottom strip of your passport photo page.

• Input your travel details, including the date of arrival and your mode of transport.

• Complete the health declaration honestly. 

• Upload a photo of your passport bio-page if the system requires it. 

Step 4: Submit and Save

• Review all information for typos before clicking submit.

• Once approved, you will receive a confirmation on the screen and via email.

• This confirmation usually contains a QR code or a unique reference number.

Essential Tips for A Smooth and Stress-Free Travel Experience

Getting your Digital Arrival Card (DAC) is only one part of travel preparation. A few extra steps can help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth journey in today’s digitally driven travel environment.

Check Passport Validity

Your DAC approval does not override passport rules. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Always verify this before booking flights or accommodation.

Secure Internet Access Early

You’ll need internet access as soon as you land for maps, transport apps, and digital documents. Buying an eSIM before departure allows you to install it at home and activate it immediately upon landing, saving time at the airport.

Carry Backup Cash

Even though digital payments are common, cash is still essential in many situations. Visa-on-arrival counters often accept only cash, and small transport services may not take cards.

Have Proof of Return or Onward Travel

Immigration officers may ask for a return or onward ticket to confirm your intention to leave the country. Keep a PDF copy on your phone. If travelling on a one-way ticket, be ready with proof of funds or onward travel plans.

Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Entry documents help you enter a country, but they do little once your trip begins. Since domestic health insurance usually does not cover overseas travel, having appropriate travel coverage can be reassuring if unexpected situations arise, allowing you to focus more on the journey itself.

Also Read : What Is the SG Arrival Card and How to Apply for It?

Wrapping Up

The move from paper forms to digital arrival cards reflects how modern travel is becoming faster and more efficient. Although it adds a small task to your pre-flight checklist, completing it in advance can save valuable time at immigration and help you begin your trip on a smooth, stress-free note.

To make the most of this system, review entry requirements before you fly, complete your digital forms early, and keep all documents easily accessible. Travel is meant to be enjoyed, and being prepared allows you to focus on the experience. For added peace of mind, securing comprehensive travel insurance can help protect you against unexpected medical issues or travel disruptions while abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do transit passengers need a Digital Arrival Card?

Usually, no. If you remain in the airport’s transit area, you don’t need to submit the form. It’s only required if you pass through immigration, exit the airport, or collect and re-check your luggage.

2. Do children and infants need their own card?

Yes. Every traveller needs a digital record, regardless of age. Children with passports must have a separate submission, though many systems allow group or family submissions under one trip.

3. Do I need to submit a new card if I leave and re-enter?

Yes. The card is valid for one entry only. If you leave the country and return later, even after a short trip, you must submit a new form.

4. Is a digital arrival card required for land or sea entry?

Yes. The rule usually applies to all entry points, including land borders and seaports. Whether you’re driving in or arriving by ferry, the form must be submitted before reaching immigration.