2026 ETA & Digital Arrival Cards for Indians: Official Links & Step-by-Step Guide

Ultimate 2026 Guide: ETA & Digital Arrival Cards for Indian Passport Holders – All Essential Links, Step-by-Step Processes & Pro Tips Published on TheGlobalRoamer.com | Updated as of April 2026

As an Indian passport holder, planning international travel has never been easier—or more digital. Gone are the days of filling out crumpled paper arrival cards on the plane. Most popular destinations now require pre-arrival electronic forms (ETA, Digital Arrival Cards, or similar declarations) to streamline immigration, enhance security, and speed up your entry.

These forms are free, mandatory in most cases, and must usually be completed within 72–96 hours before arrival. Submitting them correctly gives you a QR code or confirmation that immigration officers scan instantly—saving you hours in long queues.

Important disclaimer: Completing an ETA or Digital Arrival Card does not guarantee entry. Final admission is always at the discretion of immigration authorities at the port of entry. Requirements can change based on your travel history, visa type, or global health situations—always double-check official websites 48 hours before departure.

Below is the most comprehensive, up-to-date list specifically tailored for Indian passport holders, with expanded details, step-by-step guides, required documents, and insider tips I’ve added from the latest official sources and traveler reports.

1. Thailand – TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card)

Mandatory for ALL foreign nationals (including Indians on visa-exempt entry) since May 1, 2025. Replaces the old paper TM6 form.

• When to submit: Exactly 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date.
• Fee: Completely free.
• Official link: https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home
• What you need: Valid passport (6+ months validity), flight details, accommodation address in Thailand, basic health declaration.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Visit the link → Select “Foreign Visitor”.
  2. Enter passport details, personal info, travel itinerary, and Thailand address.
  3. Complete health questions.
  4. Submit → Receive confirmation (save QR code or screenshot).
• Pro tip for Indians: Thailand offers 60-day visa exemption (extendable). Complete TDAC even if transiting. Families must submit separately for each member. Carry hotel booking proof—officers sometimes ask.

2. Sri Lanka – ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Indian nationals enjoy visa-free entry for tourism/business (30 days, double entry) but must obtain a free ETA in advance.

• When to submit: Before departure (no strict 72-hour window, but recommended early).
• Fee: Free for Indian tourists (on a reciprocity basis).
• Official link: https://eta.gov.lk (or the direct application portal at eta.gov.lk/slvisa).
• What you need: Valid passport (6+ months), return/onward ticket, accommodation proof. No photos or documents to upload in most cases.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Go to the site → Select “Apply” → Choose “Tourist” or “Business”.
  2. Fill personal & travel details.
  3. Submit → Receive approval notice via email (print or save digitally).
• Pro tip: Children under 12 may have exemptions in some cases. Business visitors need invitation letters. Recent policy tweaks (Oct 2025 announcement revoked) mean the old free process continues—avoid third-party paid sites.

3. Malaysia – MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card)

Mandatory for all foreign visitors (Indians get 30-day visa-free stay until end-2026).

• When to submit: 3 days before arrival.
• Fee: Free.
• Official link: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
• What you need: Passport details, flight itinerary, accommodation in Malaysia.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Visit link → Register/Login.
  2. Enter passport + travel info.
  3. Submit declaration → Save confirmation.
• Pro tip for Indians: Visa-on-arrival is available from certain countries, but MDAC is still required. Use only the official site—scam portals charge fees. Print or screenshot the confirmation.

4. Singapore – SG Arrival Card (SGAC)

Mandatory for all travelers (except those in pure transit or land-entry residents). Includes electronic health declaration.

• When to submit: Within 3 days before arrival (including day of arrival).
• Fee: Free.
• Official link: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard (or MyICA mobile app).
• What you need: Passport details, flight info, Singapore address, health declaration.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Visit link → Submit arrival details.
  2. Update if plans change.
  3. Receive acknowledgement.
• Pro tip: Indians still need a separate Singapore visa. Submit SGAC even with visa. Use the app for convenience.

5. Indonesia – All Indonesia Digital Arrival Card

Mandatory integrated form (immigration + customs + health) for all incoming passengers since late 2025.

• When to submit: Within 72 hours before arrival.
• Fee: Free.
• Official link: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id
• What you need: Passport, flight details, Indonesia address, customs declaration.
• Step-by-step:
  1. Select “Foreign Visitor”.
  2. Fill personal/travel info + declarations.
  3. Submit → Get QR code via email.
• Pro tip: Works at all airports/ports. Present QR code at immigration & customs.

6. Hong Kong – Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) for Indian Nationals

Mandatory for visa-free 14-day visits/transit (not all applications succeed).

• When to submit: As early as possible (valid 6 months).
• Fee: Free.
• Official link: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/pre-arrival_registration_for_indian_nationals.html
• What you need: Indian passport valid 6+ months.
• Step-by-step: Online form → Submit → Print Notification Slip (present at check-in & immigration).
• Pro tip: Re-apply if you get a new passport. Carry the slip physically.

7. Japan – Visit Japan Web (for faster immigration & customs)

Highly recommended (not strictly mandatory but saves massive time).

• When to submit: Before departure.
• Fee: Free.
• Official link: https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001
• Covers: Immigration (disembarkation card) + Customs declaration + Tax-free shopping.
• Step-by-step: Register → Add trip → Fill details → Generate two QR codes (immigration & customs).
• Pro tip: Use on smartphone at the airport. Indians on short-term visa-free or e-Visa benefit hugely.

8. Philippines – eTravel Information System (eGOVPH)

Mandatory for all arriving passengers.

• When to submit: Within 72 hours before arrival.
• Fee: Free.
• Official link: https://etravel.gov.ph
• Step-by-step: Create profile → Add passport photo → Submit arrival declaration → Get QR code.
• Pro tip: Indians currently enjoy 14-day visa-free entry in many cases—confirm latest rules.

9. Maldives – Traveller Declaration (IMUGA)

Mandatory for all travelers.

• When to submit: Within 96 hours (4 days) before flight.
• Fee: Free.
• Official link: https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller
• Step-by-step: Upload passport scan → Enter flight & accommodation → Submit → Receive QR code by email.
• Pro tip: Indians get visa-on-arrival (30 days). Carry hotel confirmation.

10. South Korea – Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card)

Mandatory e-entry declaration from 2026 (K-ETA exemption extended till Dec 31, 2026).

• When to submit: Within 3 days before arrival.
• Fee: Free.
• Official link: https://www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr/portal/main/index.do
• Step-by-step: Agree to terms → Enter passport & itinerary → Submit.
• Pro tip: Check the “navigator” on the site to confirm if required.

General Pro Tips & Important Notes (Must-Read for Indians)

• Timeline rule: Most forms open only 72–96 hours before arrival—don’t submit too early.
• Free only on official sites: Never use third-party apps/sites that charge ₹500–2000.
• Carry proof: Screenshot or print QR codes/confirmations + hotel bookings + return tickets.
• Family/group travel: Submit individually for each person (including infants).
• Common pitfalls: Mismatched names/dates, late submission, using VPN (can cause glitches).
• No internet at airport? Complete on flight Wi-Fi if allowed, or use airport free Wi-Fi immediately on landing (risky).
• Health/travel history: Some forms still ask about recent countries visited or symptoms.
• Policy changes: Double-check 48 hours before travel. Indian embassies often post advisories on X or their websites.
• Bonus add-on destinations popular with Indians (quick mentions):
  • UAE: No pre-arrival card (just visa if needed).
  • Vietnam: e-Visa + possible digital declaration—check latest.
  • Turkey: e-Visa only.

Final admission is at the discretion of immigration officers. These digital steps simply make the process faster and paperless.

FAQs

Q: Do I need these even on a transit flight? Usually no, if you don’t clear immigration.

Q: What if I miss the deadline? You may face delays or be asked to fill paper forms (if allowed).

Q: Can I use the MyICA app or similar? Yes—official apps are safe and faster.

Q: Are children exempt? Rarely—check country-specific rules.

Safe travels, fellow roamers! Complete these formalities before departure and enjoy seamless journeys across Asia and beyond. Drop your experiences in the comments—I read every one.

Safe & happy wandering, TheGlobalRoamer.com Team

Always verify links and rules directly on official government websites before travel.