For decades, the journey to Asia for American travelers followed a familiar rhythm: a long-haul flight, a nap, a movie, and the rustle of flight attendants handing out paper landing cards just before descent. That final, pen-and-paper ritual was a staple of international travel.
But as more Asian nations pivot to digital-first entry systems, that ritual is being replaced by a patchwork of online forms, apps, and QR codes. At the forefront of this shift is South Korea, where the once-optional “Q-Code” has become a source of confusion and significant delays for unprepared US travelers touching down at Seoul’s bustling Incheon International Airport.
The system is designed for efficiency but a communication gap leaves many Americans discovering the requirement for the first time at the immigration counter. Travelers report being pulled out of line, struggling to connect to airport Wi-Fi, and hastily filling out the online form on their phones while their more prepared counterparts breeze through. What should be a seamless entry into the land of K-pop and kimchi has become a lesson in the new rules of modern travel.
The Korea arrival card is just one piece of a much larger, continent-wide puzzle. As countries across Asia modernize their borders, US travelers are faced with a dizzying array of different requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the current landscape.
East Asia: The Digital Vanguard
The countries of East Asia have been among the quickest to adopt digital entry systems, often integrating health and customs declarations into a single, streamlined process.
South Korea: The Q-Code system is South Korea’s all-in-one digital arrival card. It combines what used to be a health declaration and an arrival card into a single online form. It must be completed before your flight, after which you receive a QR code. While it was initially focused on health during the pandemic, it’s now a standard part of the entry process. The most common mistake is assuming you can fill out a paper form on arrival but that option is being phased out and is a recipe for delay.
Japan: A pioneer in digital efficiency, Japan uses the Visit Japan web platform. This is a comprehensive system where travelers can pre-register their immigration and customs information. After completing the forms, you get separate QR codes for immigration and customs. While paper forms are often still available, using the Visit Japan Web platform is significantly faster and is the method immigration officials strongly encourage. First-time visitors who are unaware of this can easily add an extra 30-45 minutes to their arrival process as they scramble to fill out paper forms.
Taiwan: Taiwan has also moved its arrival card online. Travelers can go to the National Immigration Agency’s website to fill out the form before their trip. It’s a straightforward process that asks for your personal details, flight number, and accommodation address. While you can still technically fill out a paper form on arrival, completing the digital version beforehand allows you to use the much quicker e-Gate or expedited lanes.
Southeast Asia: A Mixed Bag of Rules
Southeast Asia presents a more varied landscape. Some nations are fully digital, some are in transition, and others still rely on the classic paper-and-pen method.
Singapore: As one of the world’s most efficient travel hubs, it’s no surprise that Singapore has completely digitized its entry process. The paper-based disembarkation/embarkation card is a thing of the past. All foreign visitors must complete the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) online within three days prior to their arrival. This is a non-negotiable requirement, and there is no paper alternative. The system is linked to your passport, and failure to complete it will result in being denied entry at the immigration checkpoint.
Indonesia: Much like the traveler confusion in Korea, Indonesia’s mandatory All-Indonesia Arrival Card has caught many off guard. It replaces three separate paper forms and must be completed within 72 hours of arrival. The system generates a QR code that is required for entry, and the old paper forms are no longer in use at major airports like Bali and Jakarta. US travelers must also remember this is separate from the Visa on Arrival (VOA), which is also required.
Malaysia: Malaysia operates a dual system that can be confusing. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) was introduced and is now required for most foreign nationals. Travelers need to complete the online form within three days before arriving. However, reports from travelers suggest that paper forms are sometimes still available, creating uncertainty about which process to follow. The official guidance is clear: fill out the MDAC online to avoid any potential issues.
Thailand: For now, Thailand remains one of the few major destinations in the region to stick with the traditional method for most entries. The TM.6 arrival/departure card, which was temporarily suspended for years, has been reinstated at certain border crossings but is not currently required for air travel at major international airports like Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. This makes entry relatively simple, but travelers should always check the latest rules, as the situation has been fluid.
Vietnam: Vietnam is another destination that has kept things simple. There is currently no digital or paper arrival card required for US travelers entering the country for tourism. After clearing immigration with the appropriate visa or visa exemption, you can proceed directly to baggage claim.
Assume Nothing, Check Everything
The key takeaway for any American planning a trip to Asia is that the old assumptions no longer apply. The continent is in a state of rapid transition, and entry requirements can differ dramatically from one country to the next, changing with little notice. Before you fly, make it a standard part of your pre-travel checklist to visit the official immigration or embassy website for your destination country. A few minutes of research to complete an online form from your couch can save you hours of stress in an airport queue thousands of miles from home.
