1
Check who must submit
Review exemptions and confirm whether each adult, child or family group needs a separate declaration.
Travel document guide
What is an arrival card?
Learn how arrival declarations work, what information they may request and why they do not normally replace a visa.
Check what you need for your trip
Select your passport country and destination to review the travel-document route available for your journey.
Requirements can vary by passport, destination, purpose of travel and length of stay.
Know what you need
Check visa and entry requirements based on your passport and destination.
Official requirements, simplified
Clear guidance based on current government sources.
Official application routes
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Clear government fees
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Ready-to-apply checklist
Know what information and documents to prepare before you start.
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All your global visas in one place.
Understand visas, arrival forms and supporting documents before you start. Then check the route that applies to your passport and destination.
Check requirementsThe essentials
A declaration for your arrival details
An arrival card is an immigration, customs or health declaration completed before or around arrival. It is usually separate from any visa or travel authorisation required for the trip.
An arrival card records information the destination needs for immigration, customs, health or border processing. Digital systems may replace a paper card that was previously completed during the journey.
The form can request passport details, travel dates, transport information, accommodation, contact details and declarations. The submission window and exemptions are set by each destination.
When travellers may need an arrival card
Some destinations require most arriving travellers to submit a declaration, while others exempt citizens, residents, transit passengers or particular arrival routes.
A traveller may need both a visa or authorisation and an arrival card. Completing the declaration does not by itself establish permission to travel or enter.
Compare common travel documents
The name of a document does not determine whether it is right for your trip. Always check the destination rules for your passport and travel purpose.
| Document | Main difference | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival card | A traveller declaration for immigration, customs or health information. | Before or at arrival |
| eVisa | A visa applied for online before travel. | Before departure |
| Visa on Arrival | A visa route issued or completed at an eligible border. | At arrival |
| Invitation letter | Supporting evidence from a host, not an entry declaration. | Before applying |
What you may need to prepare
This is a practical starting point. The destination authority may request different or additional information.
Passport and personal details
Arrival and departure dates
Flight, vessel or other transport information
Accommodation or destination address
Contact details
Customs, health or travel-history declarations where requested
A typical journey
The exact arrival card process varies by destination. These steps help you prepare for the official route.
2
Confirm the submission window
Some official systems accept the form only within a set period before arrival.
3
Use the official channel
Open the government website or app named by the destination authority.
4
Enter trip details carefully
Match passport, transport and accommodation information to your travel plans.
5
Save the confirmation
Keep the receipt, PDF, email or reference number in the format provided.
Before you travel
Confirm whether the declaration is required for every traveller
Submit within the official time window
Use the official government website or app
Keep the confirmation accessible during travel
Check separately whether you need a visa or authorisation
Official guidance used for this guide
These sources support the general distinctions on this page. Use the destination checker for the rules that apply to your trip.
Checked 10 August 2026.
eVisa Immigration is an independent travel-document service and is not affiliated with any government.
Explore related travel documents
Common questions
Answers to common questions about arrival card.
No. It is normally a declaration. If your trip requires a visa or travel authorisation, the arrival card does not replace it.
Know what you need before you apply
Check the travel-document route for your passport and destination, then continue with the relevant official authority.