Immigration forms, arrival cards, departure cards and customs declarations explained
What immigration forms and customs declarations are and how they differ, paper versus online systems, common fields, what usually needs declaring, and where to find each country's official form.
Trả lời nhanh
- Immigration form is the general name for forms used when entering or leaving a country. An arrival card is the entry card, a departure card is the exit card, and a customs declaration lists items you bring into the country, such as high-value goods, large amounts of cash, food, plants and medicine. These are separate authorities' forms, even if some countries combine them in one form or one app.
- Many countries have moved from paper to online systems or retired some forms, and conditions change. Find the latest form and rules on the destination's official government website, not on a third-party site that charges a fee.
A quick map of the forms
| Tên | Nó là gì | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration form | General term for forms about entering or leaving | Immigration authority |
| Arrival card | Traveller details, accommodation and purpose of entry | Immigration authority |
| Departure card | Details when leaving; some countries no longer use it | Immigration authority |
| Customs declaration | Declares goods you bring in, such as cash, food, valuables | Customs authority |
What is an immigration form?
Immigration form is a broad term people use for forms involved in passing immigration control. It may be an arrival card, a departure card, or a health form. Each country names them differently, such as arrival card, passenger information form, or pre-registration system. What matters is knowing which your destination uses, not memorising the name.
What is an arrival card?
An arrival card is the form foreign travellers fill in when entering a country. It typically asks for name, nationality, passport number, flight, accommodation address in the country and purpose of travel. Some countries have you fill a paper form on the plane or at the airport; others require online registration in advance, with a QR code to show at the checkpoint.
What is a departure card?
A departure card is the exit form some countries use to record information when you leave. Many have dropped the paper card and rely on electronic records instead, but some still require it. Check the official information for the country you are leaving, and keep any part of the card given at entry, since it may be needed on exit.
What is a customs declaration?
A customs declaration is where you tell customs what you are bringing into a country, so they can judge whether duty applies or whether items are prohibited, controlled or above an allowance. Many countries use a paper form, some use colour-coded channels you walk through when you have nothing to declare, and some use electronic systems. Conditions and allowances differ and change, so check with that country's customs authority.
Common fields on the forms
- Name and surname as on the passport, date of birth, nationality and passport number
- Flight or vehicle number used to enter, and the travel date
- Accommodation address or contact in the destination
- Purpose of travel, such as tourism, business or visiting family
- Health questions or recent countries visited, where asked
- Customs questions, such as whether you carry cash, food, plants, medicine or valuables that must be declared
What usually needs declaring
The general principle is to declare when you carry something the country controls: cash or financial instruments above its threshold, high-value items you may need to prove you brought from home, fresh food, meat, fruit, plants, some medicines and goods brought in for sale. Thresholds and lists differ by country. If unsure, declare or ask a customs officer rather than conceal, since failing to declare can have legal consequences in that country.
Paper forms versus online systems
The trend is toward online systems you complete in advance to get a QR code, saving time at the checkpoint, but some countries still keep both options, and the right one may differ by nationality, visa type or entry route such as air or land. So always check the destination's official website.
How to fill them in safely
- 1Use only the official siteFind it via that country's immigration or customs website. Beware of look-alike sites that charge for something normally free.
- 2Have your details readyPassport, ticket and the accommodation address in English or the local script, on your phone and on paper.
- 3Match the passport letter for letterName, surname and passport number must match. A small error can mean corrections at the checkpoint.
- 4Answer truthfully and declare when unsureAnswer customs questions truthfully. If unsure about an item, use the channel where an officer can answer questions.
- 5Save the QR code or submission proofSave it offline on your phone and screenshot it, since signal at the checkpoint can be unreliable.
Staying online while you fill in and when you land
If you must complete an online form before entry or open a QR code at the checkpoint, having data helps. A data-only eSIM can be installed before you fly and has no phone number or SMS, but always save the form and QR code offline in advance rather than relying on signal alone.
Câu hỏi thường gặp
Câu hỏi thường gặp
What is an immigration form?+
A general term for forms used when passing immigration control, such as arrival cards, departure cards or other entry and exit forms. Each country uses different names and formats.
What is an arrival card?+
A card foreign travellers fill in when entering a country, asking personal details, flight, accommodation and purpose. Some countries use paper and others ask for online registration first.
What is a departure card?+
An exit card some countries use to record information when you leave. Many have stopped using it, so check the official website of the country you are leaving.
What is a customs declaration?+
A declaration of goods you bring into a country for customs to review, such as cash above the threshold, food, plants, medicine and valuables. Thresholds differ by country, so check that country's customs authority.
Are an arrival card and a customs declaration the same thing?+
No. An arrival card belongs to immigration and asks about the traveller; a customs declaration belongs to customs and asks about goods. Some countries combine both in one form or app.
Do I fill it in beforehand or on the plane?+
It depends on the country. Some require online registration before flying, others hand out forms on the plane or at the checkpoint. Check the official website and your airline's email.
Where do I find the official form?+
On the destination's immigration or customs website, or its embassy site. Avoid agent sites that charge extra for something normally free.
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