Most Southeast Asian and island destinations now require a digital arrival card before you land, in addition to any visa you may need. Miss it, and you could face delays or extra questions at immigration. Here’s Trippova’s checklist for six of our most-booked destinations, plus exactly how to fill each country’s arrival form.
🇲🇾 Malaysia🇹🇭 Thailand🇲🇻 Maldives🇮🇩 Bali🇻🇳 Vietnam🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Your Pre-Trip Checklist (Every Destination)
✓Passport valid for at least 6 months from your return date, with 2+ blank pages
✓Visa or eTA approved and saved/printed, if your destination requires one
✓Return or onward flight ticket — most digital arrival cards ask for this
✓Hotel confirmation for your first few nights
✓Travel insurance — increasingly checked for destinations like Vietnam and Bali
✓Screenshot / QR code of your arrival card confirmation
✓Local currency or a forex card for arrival taxis and incidentals
✓Universal adapter + photocopy of your passport, stored separately from the original
Country by Country
🇺🇦
MALAYSIA
Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)
Who needs itAll foreign travelers. Indian passport holders can currently enter Malaysia visa-free for stays up to 30 days.
When to fillWithin 3 days before arrival.
Whereimigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac — the official portal, and it is free. Avoid third-party sites that charge a “processing fee.”
What you needPassport details, flight number, your first hotel address, and a short health declaration.
Save the confirmation screenshot — immigration officers may ask to see it on arrival.
🇹🇭
THAILAND
Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Who needs itAll foreign arrivals. Indian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days.
When to fillWithin 72 hours before arrival — this replaced the old paper TM6 form.
Wheretdac.immigration.go.th — free, official government site only.
What you needPassport details, flight and accommodation info, and a health declaration.
Keep the QR code you receive — you will show it at immigration on landing.
🇲🇻
MALDIVES
IMUGA Traveller Declaration
Who needs itAll travelers. Indian passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival, so no advance visa application is needed.
When to fillWithin 96 hours before arrival.
Whereimuga.immigration.gov.mv — free.
What you needPassport details, flight info, and your confirmed resort/hotel booking — immigration can ask for proof of accommodation and funds.
The old departure form was discontinued in August 2024 — you only need the arrival form now.
🇮🇩
BALI (INDONESIA)
All Indonesia Arrival Card
Who needs itAll foreign travelers. Indian passport holders need a visa on arrival or e-visa for Indonesia — check the current fee before you fly.
When to fillWithin 72 hours before arrival, via the official immigration portal or the All Indonesia mobile app.
What you needPassport details, flight info, your accommodation address in Bali, and a customs declaration if carrying restricted or high-value items.
Confirm the exact official link close to your travel date — Indonesia immigration systems have changed more than once recently.
🇻🇳
VIETNAM
E-Visa + Health Declaration
Who needs itIndian passport holders need a visa — Vietnam is not visa-free for India. Apply for an e-visa (single entry, up to 90 days) online in advance.
Whereevisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — apply a few working days before departure; processing is slower in peak season.
New from 1 Jul 2026An additional online health declaration is required within 7 days before arrival, alongside the e-visa.
What you needPassport scan, passport-style photo, flight details, and accommodation address for the e-visa application.
🇱🇰
SRI LANKA
ETA + Digital Arrival Card
Who needs itAll foreign travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying to Sri Lanka.
Whereeta.gov.lk — apply only on the official site.
Good to knowFrom 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka introduced free ETAs for travelers from around 40 countries. Confirm the current fee for Indian passport holders on the official portal before applying.
A separate Digital Arrival Card is also required shortly before landing at Bandaranaike International Airport — check the current requirement window on the official site.
Quick Reference
Destination
Form
Fill Within
Cost
Malaysia
MDAC
3 days before
Free
Thailand
TDAC
72 hours before
Free
Maldives
IMUGA
96 hours before
Free
Bali (Indonesia)
All Indonesia Arrival Card
72 hours before
Free
Vietnam
E-visa + Health Declaration
E-visa: days ahead; health form: 7 days before
E-visa fee applies; health form free
Sri Lanka
ETA + Digital Arrival Card
Before departure
Free for some nationalities; check for India
Visa and entry requirements change without much notice — always verify on the official government portal for your nationality shortly before you travel.
The Trippova Tours Advantage
Planning a trip to Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, Bali, Vietnam or Sri Lanka? Trippova packages to all six destinations come with our own pre-departure checklist shared directly with you, so you are never scrambling to find the right portal at the last minute. Ask Captain Voya, our AI travel assistant, if you have questions about any of these destinations.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Vacation?
Chat with a Travel Specialist and let us help you plan a hassle-free trip, arrival card and all.
Group Tours vs Private Tours: Which One is Right for Your Next Vacation?
By Trippova Tours Team · 6 min read
Planning an international holiday is exciting, but one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to choose a group tour or a private tour. Both offer unique advantages, and the best option depends on your budget, travel style, and expectations.
At Trippova Tours, we offer both options to help every traveler enjoy the perfect holiday. Here’s everything you need to know before making your choice.
What is a Group Tour?
A group tour is a trip where you travel with other tourists following a fixed itinerary. Transportation, sightseeing, hotels, and activities are planned in advance, making it a convenient and affordable way to explore a destination.
Advantages of Group Tours
1. Budget-Friendly Group tours are usually more economical because transportation, guides, and activities are shared among all travelers.
Best for: First-time international travelers, students, families on a budget, and solo travelers looking to save money.
2. Meet New People One of the biggest benefits is meeting travelers from different cities and backgrounds. Many lifelong friendships begin on group tours.
3. Stress-Free Planning Everything is arranged for you:
Hotels
Airport transfers
Sightseeing
Entry tickets (where included)
Local transportation
You simply relax and enjoy your vacation.
4. Local Tour Guides Most group tours include experienced guides who explain the history, culture, and attractions of each destination.
5. Better Value Since services are booked in bulk, group tours often include attractions at a lower overall cost than planning independently.
Things to Consider with Group Tours
Fixed schedules
Less flexibility
Shared transportation
Waiting for the entire group
Limited customization
If you’re someone who likes spontaneous plans or spending extra time at certain attractions, a group tour may feel restrictive.
What is a Private Tour?
A private tour is designed exclusively for you and your travel companions. Every aspect of the trip can be customized according to your preferences. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience with greater flexibility.
Advantages of Private Tours
1. Complete Flexibility Want to spend more time at the beach? Prefer skipping museums? Want to start your day later? With a private tour, the schedule revolves around you.
2. Personalized Itinerary Choose exactly what interests you:
Adventure activities
Romantic experiences
Luxury stays
Shopping
Local food tours
Nature escapes
Family-friendly attractions
Every trip is tailored to your interests.
3. Privacy Perfect for:
Honeymoon couples
Families with children
Senior travelers
Groups of friends
Corporate travel
No strangers, no waiting, and no crowded buses.
4. Comfort Private vehicles mean more space, more comfort, flexible pickup times, personalized stops, and a better travel experience overall.
5. Travel at Your Own Pace Spend an hour taking photos. Relax at a café. Explore hidden streets. Enjoy the freedom to travel without rushing.
Things to Consider with Private Tours
Private tours generally cost more because transportation, guides, and services are arranged exclusively for your group. However, for families or larger groups, the price difference may be smaller than expected.
Quick Comparison
Feature
Group Tour
Private Tour
Cost
Lower
Higher
Flexibility
Limited
Excellent
Privacy
Shared
Exclusive
Meet New People
Yes
No
Customization
Minimal
Fully Customizable
Pace
Fixed
Your Choice
Best For
Budget Travelers
Couples, Families, Friends
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a Group Tour if:
You want the most affordable option
You enjoy meeting new people
You’re comfortable following a fixed itinerary
It’s your first international trip
You prefer everything organized for you
Choose a Private Tour if:
You want complete flexibility
You’re celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary
You’re traveling with family or friends
You value privacy and comfort
You want a personalized experience
The Trippova Tours Advantage
Whether you choose a group tour or a private holiday, Trippova Tours ensures a seamless travel experience with carefully planned itineraries, trusted hotel partners, reliable transportation, and dedicated support throughout your journey.
From the pristine beaches of the Maldives to the vibrant streets of Thailand, the cultural wonders of Vietnam, the scenic beauty of Bali, or the modern attractions of Malaysia and Singapore, we’ll help you discover the world in the way that suits you best.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Vacation?
Our travel experts are here to help you choose the perfect tour based on your budget, travel style, and preferences. Contact Trippova Tours today and let us create your next unforgettable journey!