Cover image via Syaiful Redzuan/Anadolu/AFP & Mohd Rasfan/AFP
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International travel in 2026 no longer starts at the airport, even for Malaysians
Before you even check in, there's a growing list of mandatory digital forms you need to complete. Miss them, and airlines can deny you boarding on the spot.
As of April 2026, more than 30 countries now require some form of pre-arrival registration, even for travellers who don't need a visa.
Malaysians are not exempt anymore
For years, Malaysian passport holders have enjoyed relatively easy, visa-free travel.
That's still true — but there's a catch.
Many of these destinations now require digital approvals or arrival forms before you fly.
For example, if you're heading to the UK, you now need to apply for the UK ETA in advance, even if you don't need a visa.
Planning a Europe trip? The European Union is rolling out its ETIAS system later in 2026, which Malaysians will also need before entering Schengen countries.
Even in Asia, places like South Korea already require a K-ETA for visa-free travellers.
Passengers use trolleys to carry their luggage at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Image via Mohd Rasfan/AFPCloser to home, the rules have already changed
This isn't just happening in the West — it's already affecting travel within the region.
Malaysia now requires foreign visitors to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before entering.
Neighbouring Singapore has its SG Arrival Card, while Thailand has replaced its paper TM6 form with a fully digital arrival system.
If you're flying to Japan, using the Visit Japan Web platform can significantly speed up immigration clearance.
And in the Philippines, the eTravel QR code is mandatory for both arrival and departure.
New systems are rolling out fast in 2026
The list is still growing.
As of April 2026, Vietnam has started requiring a Pre-Arrival Declaration for travellers entering Ho Chi Minh City, with expansion expected nationwide.
Meanwhile, Europe has launched its Entry/Exit System (EES), under which travellers will need to register biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial scans, at digital kiosks upon arrival.
It's not just forms anymore; some locations require payment
Some destinations now tie these digital systems to entry fees.
In Bali, travellers must pay a tourist levy online and show a QR code before entering.
Other countries, including parts of the Caribbean, have similar systems combining arrival forms with mandatory fees.
Why Malaysians need to pay attention
The biggest shift is this: visa-free doesn't mean hassle-free anymore.
Airlines are now required to verify that passengers have completed all necessary digital forms before allowing them to board.
If your ETA or arrival form isn't approved — or you don't have the QR code ready — you may not even make it onto the plane.
What to do before your next trip
At a minimum, Malaysians travelling abroad should:
- Check entry requirements as soon as you book your flight
- Complete any required forms at least 72 hours before departure
- Use only official government websites to avoid scams
- Save a screenshot or an offline copy of your QR code
Because in 2026, the easiest way to ruin your trip isn't a delayed flight — it's missing a form you didn't know existed.
A general view from Kuala Lumpur International Airport as passengers gather and wait.
Image via Syaiful Redzuan/Anadolu/AFPFull list of countries requiring digital entry forms or pre-arrival approval in 2026 (ETA, Arrival Cards & QR Codes)
Here's a breakdown of destinations that now require Malaysians (or visa-free travellers) to complete digital forms before arrival.
Electronic Travel Authorisations (Apply before flying)
These usually require approval at least 72 hours before departure.
- UK — UK ETA (mandatory as of 2026)
- European Union — ETIAS (rolling out late 2026)
- US — ESTA
- Canada — eTA
- Australia — ETA (Subclass 601)
- New Zealand — NZeTA
- South Korea — K-ETA
- Sri Lanka — ETA
- Kenya — eTA
Digital Arrival Cards (Submit before landing)
These replace the old paper forms and are usually free.
Asia & Nearby
- Singapore — SG Arrival Card
- Thailand — Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
- Vietnam — Pre-Arrival Declaration (rolling out)
- Cambodia — e-Arrival Card
- Japan — Visit Japan Web
- Philippines — eTravel QR
- India — e-Arrival Card
- Maldives — IMUGA Traveller Declaration
- Indonesia — Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD)
- Brunei — E-Arrival Card
Americas & Caribbean
- Dominican Republic — e-Ticket
- Aruba — ED Card (+ sustainability fee)
- Jamaica — C5 Immigration Form
- Barbados — Online ED Card
- Bermuda — Travel Authorisation
- Colombia — Check-Mig
- Chile — SAG Declaration
Africa & Middle East
- Mauritius — All-in-One Travel Form
- Seychelles — Travel Authorisation
- Qatar — Hayya Platform Entry Permit
- China — Customs Health Declaration
Entry Fees & Digital Travel Taxes (Also required before arrival)
- Bali — Tourist Levy (QR code required)
- Bhutan — Sustainable Development Fee
- Bonaire — Entry Tax
- Montserrat — Access Declaration
Why this list matters
This list is expanding quickly, and different rules apply depending on your passport, entry point, and even airline.
The safest assumption now is simple: If you're flying internationally, there's probably a form you need to fill out.
