The India e-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital form that all non-Indian passport holders — including OCI cardholders — must complete online before arriving in India. It replaced the paper disembarkation card on October 1, 2025, and is completely free to submit up to 72 hours before travel. Missing this requirement can lead to delays at immigration — and since April 2026, paper cards are no longer available as a backup.
What Is the India e-Arrival Card?
The India e-Arrival Card is India’s mandatory online arrival declaration form, introduced by the Government of India’s Bureau of Immigration effective October 1, 2025. It permanently replaced the traditional paper disembarkation card that travelers previously filled out during their flight or at the airport on arrival.
The India e-Arrival Card is a free, electronic form submitted through the official Indian immigration portal or the Su-Swagatam mobile app. Once submitted, it generates a digital confirmation that travelers must print or save and present at immigration counters.
This digital shift is part of India’s broader Immigration Management Systems upgrade, enabling real-time tracking of foreign arrivals and strengthening border data security. As of April 1, 2026, the paper disembarkation card was permanently discontinued — there is no physical backup option for travelers arriving in India today.
From Paper Disembarkation Card to Digital Form
For decades, foreign travelers to India filled out a paper disembarkation (landing) card — either handed out during the flight or available at airport counters. This manual process was a well-known source of delays, long queues at immigration, and data inconsistencies.
India’s shift to the e-Arrival Card system rolled out in three key stages:
- October 1, 2025: The India e-Arrival Card system launched and became mandatory for all foreign nationals.
- October 4, 2025: A regulatory update extended the requirement to include Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, who were initially exempt.
- April 1, 2026: The physical paper disembarkation card was permanently discontinued. No airport in India accepts or distributes paper cards anymore.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mandatory since | October 1, 2025 |
| Who must submit | All non-Indian passport holders + OCI cardholders |
| Cost | Free |
| Submission window | Up to 72 hours before arrival |
| Official portal | indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ |
| Mobile app | Indian Visa Su-Swagatam |
| Paper card status | Permanently discontinued April 1, 2026 |
Who Needs to Complete the India e-Arrival Card?
Every non-Indian passport holder — tourists, business travelers, students, transit passengers, and OCI cardholders — must submit the India e-Arrival Card before arriving in India. There is one exemption: Indian citizens (Indian passport holders) are not required to complete the form.
Foreign Nationals
All foreign nationals entering India must complete the India e-Arrival Card, regardless of:
– Nationality — no country is exempt
– Visa type — tourist visa, business visa, student visa, medical visa, and all others
– Purpose of travel — tourism, business, study, family visit, medical treatment, transit
– Length of stay — even short transit stops require completion
This requirement applies equally to first-time visitors and frequent travelers.
OCI Cardholders
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders have a specific history with this requirement worth understanding. When the India e-Arrival Card was first introduced on October 1, 2025, OCI holders were initially exempt from the requirement. However, just four days later, on October 4, 2025, the Government of India updated the regulation to include OCI cardholders — making it mandatory for them as well.
If you hold an OCI card and read early guidance saying you were exempt, that information is now outdated. As of October 4, 2025, all OCI cardholders must complete the India e-Arrival Card like any other foreign national before traveling to India.
Who Is Exempt?
The only category exempt from the India e-Arrival Card requirement is Indian citizens — those holding Indian passports. All other travelers, regardless of visa status, origin, or residency arrangement, must complete the digital form before arrival.
When and Where to Submit the India e-Arrival Card
Complete the India e-Arrival Card online up to 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in India, using the official Indian government portal or the Su-Swagatam mobile app — available from anywhere in the world, anytime before your flight.
The 72-Hour Submission Window
The India e-Arrival Card can be submitted within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in India. Some official sources have mentioned a window of up to 120 hours (5 days), but the most commonly cited and confirmed window is 72 hours.
Key timing guidance:
– Do not wait until the airport — the form must be completed before reaching immigration
– Recommended: Complete 24–48 hours before your flight departure for maximum flexibility
– After submission: A digital confirmation is immediately generated — save it digitally and print a copy to carry with you
The India e-Arrival Card process typically takes just 5–10 minutes from start to finish.
Official Portals and the Su-Swagatam App
There are three official ways to complete the India e-Arrival Card:
- Indian Visa Online Portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ — the primary official portal from the Bureau of Immigration
- Bureau of Immigration Portal: boi.gov.in — alternative government portal
- Indian Visa Su-Swagatam Mobile App: Available on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) — convenient for travelers on the go
Quick Fill Feature: If you’ve previously submitted an India e-Arrival Card, the official portal offers a “Quick Fill From Existing Data” option using your passport number and nationality. This saves time for repeat visitors to India.
After submitting the form through any of these platforms, a digital confirmation is generated. Print this confirmation and carry it with you during travel — immigration officers may request to see it.
What Information Does the India e-Arrival Card Require?
The India e-Arrival Card form requires basic traveler information, including passport details, contact information, purpose of visit, and your accommodation address in India — typically completed in 5–10 minutes without any document uploads.
Required Fields
The India e-Arrival Card collects the following information:
- Passport details: Passport number, passport expiry date, issuing country/nationality
- Contact information: Phone number and email address
- Purpose of visit: Category selection — tourism, business, education, medical, transit, other
- Address in India: Hotel name and city, or host’s residential address
- Travel details: Estimated arrival date, port of entry (airport), duration of stay
No document uploads are required. You do not need to scan or attach your passport, visa, or any other documents when submitting the India e-Arrival Card. This makes the process quick and accessible even with a slow internet connection.
Is the India e-Arrival Card Free?
Yes — the India e-Arrival Card is completely free of charge. The official government portal describes it explicitly as a “free of cost service of Indian Immigration.” There are no processing fees, government levies, or payment portals during the application.
You will not be asked for a credit card number, bank transfer, or any payment to submit the India e-Arrival Card through the official channels.
Important warning: Be cautious of unofficial third-party websites that charge fees for “assistance” with the India e-Arrival Card submission. These sites are not affiliated with the Indian government. Always use the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ or the Su-Swagatam app — both are completely free.
India e-Arrival Card vs e-Visa: What’s the Difference?
The India e-Arrival Card is an arrival declaration form, not a visa — you still need a valid e-Visa (or physical visa) separately, and you need both documents to enter India.
| India e-Arrival Card | India e-Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Arrival declaration form | Permission/authorization to enter India |
| Who needs it | All foreign nationals + OCI holders | Eligible nationalities only |
| Cost | Free | Paid (varies by visa type) |
| Issued by | Bureau of Immigration | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| When to submit | Up to 72 hours before arrival | Before booking/travel, often weeks ahead |
| Both required? | ✓ Yes — both needed together | ✓ Yes — both needed together |
The UK Government’s travel advice for India states it explicitly: “The e-arrival card is not a visa, and you will still need a separate valid visa or OCI card to enter India.”
Even if you have a valid India e-Visa already approved, you must still complete the India e-Arrival Card separately within 72 hours before your arrival. These are two completely different documents serving different functions.
What Happens If You Don’t Submit the India e-Arrival Card?
Travelers who fail to complete the India e-Arrival Card before arriving in India risk delays at immigration and, since April 2026, possible denial of entry — because paper backup cards are no longer available at any Indian airport.
According to immigration advisory firm Vialto Partners, “Failure to complete the e-Arrival Card in advance may cause delays at entry and potentially disrupt their schedules.” Furthermore, they note that “it is likely that after the transition period, entry may not be allowed without the e-Arrival Card.”
Envoy Global adds that the India e-Arrival Card form “is now integrated into India’s immigration clearance process and may be cross-verified with visa and travel records.”
Since April 1, 2026, the transition period has ended and paper disembarkation cards are no longer printed or accepted at any Indian airport. There is no on-site workaround. Travelers who arrive without having completed the India e-Arrival Card face:
- Significant delays at immigration counters
- Disruption to onward travel plans (missed connections, hotel arrivals)
- Potential denial of entry at the discretion of immigration officers
The safest approach: complete your India e-Arrival Card at least 24–48 hours before your scheduled flight departure.
Tips for a Smooth India e-Arrival Card Submission
Complete your India e-Arrival Card at least 24–48 hours before departure, use only the official government portal, have your passport and India accommodation address ready, and always save your confirmation.
Seven practical tips to avoid problems:
- Use only the official portal: Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ — avoid any third-party sites
- Complete 24–48 hours before your flight — not just at the 72-hour mark
- Have your passport open: You’ll need the number, expiry date, and nationality
- Know your India accommodation address: Hotel name + city, or host’s full address — have it ready before you start
- Download the Su-Swagatam app as backup: Useful if the website is slow or unavailable
- Print or screenshot your confirmation: Keep it accessible in your phone gallery and as a printout
- Use the quick-fill feature: If you’ve previously submitted an India e-Arrival Card, select “Quick Fill From Existing Data” to save time
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to fill an e-Arrival Card for India?
All non-Indian passport holders — including tourists, business travelers, students, transit passengers, and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders — must complete the India e-Arrival Card before arriving in India. Indian citizens (Indian passport holders) are exempt.
Is the India e-Arrival Card mandatory?
Yes. The India e-Arrival Card became mandatory for all foreign nationals on October 1, 2025, and for OCI cardholders on October 4, 2025. As of April 1, 2026, the paper disembarkation card alternative was permanently discontinued.
How can I get the India e-Arrival Card online?
Visit the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/, or use the Bureau of Immigration site at boi.gov.in, or download the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app (iOS and Android). The process is free and takes 5–10 minutes.
Is the India e-Arrival Card free?
Yes. The India e-Arrival Card is completely free — the official site describes it as a “free of cost service of Indian Immigration.” Never pay any fee to any third-party website for this form.
Is the India e-Arrival Card the same as an e-Visa?
No. The India e-Arrival Card is an arrival declaration form that all foreign travelers must complete. The e-Visa is a separate document that authorizes eligible travelers to enter India. Both are required: a valid visa (or OCI card) plus a completed India e-Arrival Card.
Do US citizens need an e-Arrival Card for India?
Yes. US citizens traveling to India must complete the India e-Arrival Card, in addition to obtaining a valid India e-Visa or physical visa. The e-Arrival Card and the e-Visa are separate requirements.
What happens if I don’t fill out the India e-Arrival Card?
Failing to complete the India e-Arrival Card before arrival can result in significant delays at immigration, disruption to travel plans, and potentially denial of entry. Since April 1, 2026, paper cards are no longer available at Indian airports, so there is no on-site alternative.
When should I complete the India e-Arrival Card?
The official submission window is up to 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in India. It is recommended to complete the form 24–48 hours before your flight departure to allow for any technical issues.
