Arrival card deadlines: when to submit for 20 countries

The table below shows the exact window for each country, whether the form is mandatory, and any notes that affect how you count the days.

Arrival card deadlines

The 72-hour rule, and how countries count it

"3 days" sounds simple, but it is not counted the same way everywhere. Thailand's official guidance gives a clear example: if you arrive on 5 May, you can submit from 2 May. That is a straightforward count back from your arrival date.

Malaysia and Singapore both use a 3-day window, but they count it differently. Malaysia's rule includes the day you submit the form as one of the three days. Singapore's rule includes the day you arrive as one of the three days. The practical effect is that the exact earliest moment you can file shifts slightly depending on which country you're entering.

Because these counting methods differ, and because portals can be strict about rejecting early submissions, it is worth building in a buffer. A safe practice is to submit your arrival card one to two days before you fly, once you're confident your travel plans and flight details are locked in.

Countries with longer windows

Four countries in this dataset give you more breathing room than the standard 72 hours. Cambodia, Taiwan and Aruba all open their arrival card windows 7 days before arrival. Curaçao also opens its window 7 days out, though British government advice recommends filing at least 48 hours before you land.

This longer window is particularly useful if you're on a long-haul trip with connections, or if you simply prefer to get paperwork done well ahead of departure rather than scrambling in the final days before you fly. With 7 days to work with, you have more flexibility to submit the form

Last verified: 28 Oct 2026