Indonesia Joins South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Antigua & Barbuda, and British Virgin Islands in a Travel Shake-Up With New Mandatory Electronic Entry Permit

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Indonesia joins South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Antigua & Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands in a travel overhaul with a new required electronic entry permit as governments seek faster and more secure border control. The shift aligns with a global pattern focusing on enhanced security, reduced immigration wait times, and increasing tourist traffic using digital mechanisms. These countries strive to strengthen border control while maintaining smooth travel. Visitors are required to come with pre-approved clearance.

Arrivals to South Korea have already demonstrated the benefits of using electronic entry permit, with Thailand launching its own version soon after. Indonesia’s travel reforms now puts the country in the same electronic entry permit passport requirement with Thailand, Taiwan, Antigua & Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands. The travel industry adopts frequent changes. Each country aims to better border control, reduce delays, boost safety, and ensure visitors have pre-checked approvals.

This alteration in travel also exemplifies the evolution in tourism. Countries such as South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Antigua and Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands are not only accepting more tourists but are also fostering smoother processes. Through an electronic entry permit, these countries balance trust and control while maintaining an organized flow of tourism. Indonesia awaits the travel shake-up just as global travel is undergoing a transformation centered on efficiency and digital evolution.

Indonesia goes digital with All Indonesia

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Indonesia has made the news again in August 2025 for introducing the All Indonesia Arrival Card. It integrates immigration, customs, and health declarations into one form. It has to be done no more than 72 hours before the flight. After submission, a QR code is generated and emailed to the traveller. This code is required for both immigration and customs checks. Consolidating multiple declarations into one has greatly simplified the process of submission in Indonesia’s busiest airports.

Reasoning for the shift can be seen in the numbers from the year 2025. The country received 7.05 million international visitors in the first half of the year which reflects a 9.44% growth from the previous year. June alone saw 1.416 million arrivals which is a staggering 18.2% increase from the previous year, as reported by Statistics Indonesia. Hotels gained from this as well, with star-rated properties reporting 49.98% occupancy. Bali and Jakarta continue to be the primary gateways, and the faster digital arrival system is in line with Indonesia’s expectation of 14 million foreign tourists in 2025. With the increase in the travel demand, this positions the country as a stronger competitor in the regional tourism industry.

Regardless of visa status, the form is required from all. ASEAN nationals who opt for visa-free entry, those requesting visa on arrivals, and e-visa holders must all fill the All Indonesia form. It is 100% free and takes less than 3 minutes. Notable is the ability to register the IMEI of mobile phones which guarantees compliance with Indonesian telecom regulations. The expectation with this form is to reduce long queues at the airport and improve the first airport impression for millions of global visitors.

Indonesia: Temples, Volcanoes, and Island Magic

Places to Visit

• Bali: Ubud rice terraces, Tanah Lot Temple, Seminyak beaches
• Jakarta: National Monument, Kota Tua old town, Ancol Dreamland
• Yogyakarta: Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Malioboro Street

Things to Do

• Watch Balinese dance shows and colourful temple festivals
• Dive in Raja Ampat, home to some of the world’s best reefs
• Trek Mount Bromo at sunrise for unforgettable views
• Shop for batik and handmade crafts in Yogyakarta and Solo

South Korea launches its e-Arrival Card

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February 2025 marked the launch of Korea’s e-Arrival Card system which places South Korea among the first movers in the industry. A shift from the old paper arrival card system used in airplanes, the e-Arrival Card system now only requires visitors to provide personal and travel details within three days of their flight. The process is quick, streamlined, and cost-free. South Korea increases accuracy while decreasing manual work through transitioning to digital processes.

The tourism industry is back to almost pre-Covid numbers. South Korea received 8.83 million international travelers in the first half of 2025, which is an increase of 14.6% compared to 2024, and slightly over pre-pandemic 2019 numbers. Arrivals in June 2025 reached 1.62 million which is a 14.2% increase on a YoY basis. China and Japan are still the largest markets with 2.53 million and 1.62 million visitors respectively, followed by Taiwan and the US. This increase is a testament to the South Korea’s status as a K-culture powerhouse, shopping and wellness hub. To maintain this momentum, South Korea is embracing a digital system to improve first impressions at airports like Incheon.

The e-Arrival Card system is undergoing a gradual phase implementation. Until December 2025, the e-Arrival Card will be an optional form, allowing for a smoother transition. After the deadline, the physical form will no longer be offered. The government estimates faster processing times for immigration officers alongside enhanced security and health monitoring capabilities. Visitors can expect reduced congestion and expedited processing upon arrival. The e-Arrival Card system illustrates South Korea’s commitment to maintaining efficiency while accommodating millions of international tourists.

South Korea: K-Culture Meets Ancient Palaces

Places to Visit

• Seoul: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower
• Busan: Haeundae Beach, Jagalchi Fish Market, Gamcheon Culture Village
• Jeju Island: Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Hallasan Mountain, lava tube caves

Things to Do

• Explore K-pop and fashion streets like Myeongdong
• Relax in traditional spas known as jjimjilbang
• Taste sizzling Korean barbecue and street food
• Hike Seoraksan National Park for mountain views

Thailand rolls out TDAC nationwide

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Thailand was not far behind, rolling out its Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) in May 2025. TDAC became compulsory starting May 1 for all non-Thai nationals entering by air, land, or sea. It replaces the old paper TM6 card that passengers used to complete during the flight. The online application must be filled out no earlier than 72 hours before the scheduled entry to Thailand.

The figures for tourism point out certain problems. In the first half of the year 2025, Thailand welcomed 16.61 million international visitors which was a 4.56% decrease year on year. By the end of July the number of visitors was 18.98 million, which was an improvement, but a 6.18% decrease from 2024 figures. China and Malaysia continue to top the list of Thailand’s international visitors, with 2.25 and 2.29 million visitors respectively. This decrease is symptomatic of a weaker demand for outbound travel among the Chinese, as well as strong competition from within the region. In any case, the unmatched Thai hospitality and leisure service facilities, along with the TDAC, will aid the recovery pace in the coming months.

The TDAC does not constitute a visa, and all travelers are still required to have the appropriate visa for their nationality. The intention of the TDAC is to accelerate the entry system and ease bottleneck traffic at border points. Thailand aims to go paperless to enhance the experience of millions of tourists arriving in the country each year. Easing the entry process is critical for Thailand as tourism is a vital component of the country’s economy and looking to sustain its image as a leading global tourism destination.

Thailand: Golden Temples and Tropical Escapes

Places to Visit

• Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak Market
• Chiang Mai: Doi Suthep Temple, Old City, Elephant Nature Park
• Phuket: Patong Beach, Phi Phi Islands, Big Buddha

Things to Do

• Cruise along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
• Learn Thai cooking in Chiang Mai
• Snorkel or dive in the Andaman Sea
• Enjoy traditional Thai massage and spa rituals

Taiwan goes fully digital with TWAC

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Taiwan further digitized its processing policies with the establishment of the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) in 2025. While the TWAC existed in a digital form prior to 2025, it became fully compulsory from that date. In May, the government proclaimed that starting 1 October 2025, paper cards will no longer be accepted. From that date onwards, all travelers are required to submit the TWAC not more than three days prior to their arrival. Taiwan’s policies further aim to enhance visitor experience at airports.

Tourism recovery is continuing at Taiwan’s full steam tourism inbound visitors recorded between January and May of 2025 reached 3.59 million, with June data still pending. January records estimate an inflow of 651,000 visitors while March 778,000 and May 710,933. May saw a total of 710,933 arrivals, out of which 552,481 were foreign nationals and 158,452 were overseas Chinese. The numbers also strengthen and affirm Taiwan’s rising popularity as a holiday destination for culture, cuisine and natural scenic places. The new mandatory TWAC system also supports this recovery as it eases and speeds border procedures for travelers.

TWAC is simple and does not incur a fee. It only collects passport and visa information, along with flight numbers and accommodation details. Step by step, travelers are guided to a confirmation email that they receive post completion of the form. The confirmation email needs to be presented at immigration during Taiwan’s arrival. Taiwan intends to enhance processing time, accuracy, and visitor tracking by eliminating the use of paper cards. The complete transition to digital systems illustrates Taiwan’s intent to modernize its tourism sector.

Taiwan: Lanterns, Night Markets, and Mountain Trails

Places to Visit

• Taipei: Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Shilin Night Market
• Taichung: Rainbow Village, Sun Moon Lake
• Tainan: Chihkan Tower, Anping Old Fort

Things to Do

• Ride the Maokong Gondola for city and tea farm views
• Sample bubble tea and street snacks at night markets
• Hike trails in Taroko Gorge National Park
• Release sky lanterns in Shifen for good luck

Antigua & Barbuda introduces ArriveAntigua

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In the Caribbean region, Antigua & Barbuda introduced the ArriveAntigua platform in April 2025. The system aims to expedite arrival and exit procedures with the country’s digital arrival and departure forms. Travellers are required to fill out the form not more than 72 hours before departure. The system automates both immigration and customs declarations. Upon completion, a QR code is generated and scanned during arrival at V.C. Bird International Airport.

The numbers related to tourism support the idea of change. Antigua & Barbuda received 103,843 stayover visitors by air in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 7% year-on-year growth. The cruise industry still led, with 430,677 cruise passengers, alongside 9,519 yacht arrivals. The region had a total of 544,039 visitors in Q1 2025 which was a 3% increase year-on-year. Spending estimates indicate stayover visitors contributed approximately US$189.7 million in the first half of 2025, a meager increase of 0.7%. These figures, coupled with minimal growth in spending, support the case for the need to enhance traveler digital conveniences.

Currently, the ArriveAntigua system is in a phased implementation, as travellers are still provided with paper forms. However, the use of digital forms is highly recommended. The objectives include improving the accuracy of information required in forecasting tourism, monitoring the levels of congestion, and streamlining arrivals. Antigua & Barbuda is among the top regional tourism destinations and relies heavily on tourism as an economic driver. Supporting a smoother and faster arrival process enhances the visit and, therefore, strengthens the first impression of the country.

Antigua & Barbuda: Caribbean Charm and Hidden Beaches

Places to Visit

• St. John’s: Heritage Quay, Museum of Antigua & Barbuda
• English Harbour: Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley Heights
• Barbuda: Pink Sand Beach, Frigate Bird Sanctuary

Things to Do

• Sail around the islands during Antigua Sailing Week
• Snorkel or dive coral reefs off the coast
• Relax on one of Antigua’s 365 beaches
• Taste fresh seafood and tropical rum punch

British Virgin Islands start online ED card

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The British Virgin Islands (BVI) started 2025 off with the launch of its online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card. The system became effective on all entry points from January 1. Travelers must fill in the form not earlier than 72 hours and not later than 3 days prior to arrival. It captures biographic customs information and some immigration details. The system replaces the old paper system and is costless. All in all, the system is beneficial as it replaces the old methods which required travelers to fill out the paper forms on planes and ferries.

Tourism in 2025 appears to be more optimist than ever. In the first half of 2025, the BVI received 707,418 visitors which shows a 3.6% increase year on year. This figure consists of 191,089 overnight guests which is an increase of 3.1%, 504,665 cruise passengers which is an increase of 3%, and 11,664 day-trippers which is an increase of 52.4%. In Q2 alone, the total arrivals were 211,093 which is an increase of 13.8% relative to 2024. This makes the territory one of the most favored cruise and yachting hubs. Implementation of fully digital entry systems shows that BVI strives to continue to attract high value leisure travellers while boosting backend operational processes.

Online ED card is an integral advancement for the British Virgin Islands. For the local economy, tourism is a key contributor, and which tourism entails ensuring a streamlined imigration process. The British Virgin Islands online ED card system is beneficial not just for the economy, but it yielding reduced bureaucracy. The government is also able to gather accurate information which can be beneficial in the planning of the tourism strategies. The tourism strategies can be planned with the underlying fact of encouraging tourism in many small island nations which can aid in the local economy.

British Virgin Islands: Sailing Paradise of the Caribbean

Places to Visit

• Tortola: Cane Garden Bay, Sage Mountain National Park
• Virgin Gorda: The Baths, Copper Mine Ruins
• Jost Van Dyke: White Bay, Great Harbour

Things to Do

• Go island-hopping on a yacht or catamaran
• Snorkel at Norman Island’s caves or Anegada’s reefs
• Hike scenic trails with panoramic sea views
• Party at beach bars like the famous Soggy Dollar

Why countries are moving to digital entry

The shift to digital systems of processing arrivals reflects the global move towards smart borders. Governments seek to streamline processes, cut down on documents, and enhance security. Advanced online detail collection enables the pre-screening of travellers, immigration, and security risk assessment, as well as public health surveillance and monitoring.

From a traveller’s perspective, ease of access and convenience remains the primary advantage. Visitors no longer have to fill forms on planes or while waiting in lengthy airport queues. Reduced processing expectations and easier, stress-free arrivals are a great benefit. For many tourist-dependent economies, these measures help preserve positive competitiveness and enhance the visitor experience.

Regional competition and traveller expectations

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Asia and the Caribbean boast some of the most dynamic tourism regions around the globe. The decision of which destination to choose rests on a myriad of factors. As mentioned earlier, a country’s immigration policy and capitol gateway procedures will ultimately determine if tourism traffic will visit the country or skip it, long waits at immigration certainly hurt a destination’s reputation. Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand demonstrating a commitment to efficiency, tourism, and visitor satisfaction by implementing digital entry systems.

In the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda and the British Virgin Islands are adopting the same policies as Indonesia and Taiwan. These countries are taking the steps to ensure that entry procedures are on par with modern expectations. This aligns with the recently discussed trends emerging from Europe concerning the new EU Entry/Exit system that is expected to go online by the end of 2025.

Challenges with the new systems

Despite the ease of use and the benefits of technology, there are still challenges. Some users of the technology might be confused by the online forms as they are not used to the digital world. Some users might also struggle to fill the form due to poor internet access or a lack of time before the journey. There are some minimum requirements which governments need to fulfill such as making the form simple, stable, well-guided, and the instructions should be devoid of ambiguity.

Countries such as South Korea and Antigua and Barbuda are allowing paper options to exist concurrently. These safety nets mitigate the risk of traveler disruption, but merge the digital and physical worlds. These paperless systems, though, are incredibly beneficial as they replace the time consuming and labor intensive paperwork with automation.

Impact on global tourism recovery

Inauguration of these systems coincides with the overall recovery of global tourism. Many countries are still rebuilding due to the pandemic. Easing border controls is meant to bring in and retain more tourists. For instance, Indonesia is aiming for 14 million international visitors by 2025. Thailand is hoping for an unprecedented number of international visitors. Countries in the Caribbean are competing for high-spending tourists.

Although digital arrival cards are trivial, they shape a traveler’s initial perception. A seamless and expedient processing at the border, set the tone for the entire journey. In the international tourism market, competition is fierce, these offer and ease make competition easier.

Indonesia joins South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Antigua & Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands in a travel shake-up with a new mandatory electronic entry permit, introduced to boost border security, speed up immigration checks, and support growing tourism flows.

Final thoughts

The year 2025 represents a watershed moment for regions concerning border control the world over. Countries like Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Antigua & Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands have made major strides by implementing enforced or highly recommended digital entry systems. It is not solely about ease; it is about shaping the emotions of the travelers as they arrive. There are clear benefits for both sides. Each side is incentivized to make the transaction more seamless and enjoyable. Simultaneously, there is a significant shift for international travel in 2025.