OCI cardholders must complete the India e-Arrival Card before every trip to India. The requirement became mandatory for OCI holders on October 4, 2025 — just four days after the initial launch that temporarily exempted them. The process is the same as for any foreign national: free, online, within 72 hours before arrival.
Are OCI Cardholders Required to Fill the India e-Arrival Card?
Yes — OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are required to complete the India e-Arrival Card before every trip to India. This has been mandatory since October 4, 2025.
The India e-Arrival Card applies to OCI cardholders the same way it applies to all other non-Indian passport holders:
- OCI cardholder traveling to India? → Must complete the India e-Arrival Card
- Regardless of how frequently you travel to India, what visa/OCI you hold, or how long you’re staying
- Indian citizens (Indian passport holders) → The ONLY category exempt
There is no OCI-specific exemption from the India e-Arrival Card. As the Government of India’s own announcement states and as the US Embassy confirmed: the requirement applies to “all foreign national travelers to India,” with OCI holders explicitly included.
Why OCI Holders Were Initially Exempt (October 1, 2025)
When the India e-Arrival Card system launched on October 1, 2025, OCI cardholders were not included in the mandatory requirement — creating brief but significant confusion in the Indian diaspora community.
On October 1, 2025, the Government of India introduced the electronic arrival card system to replace paper disembarkation cards. In the initial rollout, the notification appeared to indicate that OCI cardholders were exempt from the new requirement — a logical interpretation, since OCI cards already function as a long-term visa equivalent.
This led many OCI cardholders, their employers, and travel agencies to advise that the India e-Arrival Card was not required for OCI holders. Some travelers boarded flights to India without completing the form, believing they were exempt.
However, this exemption was short-lived.
The October 4, 2025 Regulatory Update: OCI Now Included
On October 4, 2025, the Government of India issued an updated regulation that extended the mandatory India e-Arrival Card requirement to all OCI cardholders, effective immediately.
According to immigration law firm Fragomen, which tracks India’s immigration regulations closely: “Per a change in government regulation on October 4, 2025, Overseas Citizen of India card holders must now submit an e-Arrival Card and are no longer exempt from the requirement.”
This created a new wave of confusion: travelers who had read the October 1 guidance — saying OCI holders were exempt — needed to update their understanding within days.
The clear current position as of today:
– ✅ OCI cardholders: MUST complete the India e-Arrival Card
– ✅ All foreign nationals: MUST complete the India e-Arrival Card
– ❌ Indian citizens: EXEMPT (the only exemption)
If you read any guidance from before October 4, 2025 suggesting OCI holders are exempt, that information is outdated and incorrect.
How OCI Holders Apply for the India e-Arrival Card
OCI cardholders apply for the India e-Arrival Card through the exact same official process as all other foreign nationals — the form, portal, and requirements are identical.
Application options:
- Official Indian Visa Online Portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
- Bureau of Immigration Portal: boi.gov.in
- Indian Visa Su-Swagatam Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android
Step-by-step process for OCI holders:
- Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ (no login required)
- Enter your foreign passport details (not OCI card number — use your British, US, Australian, or other foreign passport)
- Enter flight and arrival details
- Enter your contact details and emergency contact
- Enter your India address and purpose of visit
- Complete the health declaration
- Submit and download your QR code confirmation
- Present the QR code at the departure gate and at Indian immigration
Timing: Complete within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival. Completing 24–48 hours in advance is recommended.
Cost: Completely free of charge.
Do OCI Holders Need Both an OCI Card and an India e-Arrival Card?
Yes — OCI cardholders need both: their valid OCI card (as their entry authorization) AND a completed India e-Arrival Card (as their mandatory arrival declaration). These are two entirely different documents serving different purposes.
| Document | Purpose | Who Issues | Required For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCI Card | Entry authorization (visa equivalent) | Indian High Commission | Proving right to enter India |
| India e-Arrival Card | Arrival declaration | Bureau of Immigration | Pre-arrival data submission |
As the UK Government’s travel advice for India states: “The e-arrival card is not a visa, and you will still need a separate valid visa or OCI card to enter India.”
Common misconception: Some OCI cardholders assume their OCI card covers all entry requirements and that no additional form is needed. This is incorrect since October 4, 2025. Both documents must be valid and ready when you travel.
PIO Cardholders and the India e-Arrival Card
PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders have a slightly different situation that requires attention.
The PIO card scheme was discontinued by the Government of India in 2015, and PIO cardholders were encouraged to convert to OCI cards. According to the UK Government’s guidance, OCI cardholders can use their OCI card along with their valid foreign passport to visit India. PIO cardholders who have not yet converted to an OCI card should:
- Check their current card status with the Indian High Commission
- Convert to an OCI card if required
- Ensure they complete the India e-Arrival Card regardless of which status applies
Whether you hold an OCI card or are in the process of conversion, the India e-Arrival Card requirement applies to you as a non-Indian passport holder. Contact your nearest Indian Consulate or High Commission for PIO-specific guidance.
Practical Tips for OCI Cardholders
Six tips for OCI cardholders to ensure smooth travel to India:
- Complete the India e-Arrival Card 24–48 hours before departure — not at the last minute
- Use your foreign passport details, not your OCI card number, when filling the form
- Have both documents accessible during travel: OCI card AND e-Arrival Card QR code
- Note the form has changed — early October 2025 guidance that said OCI was exempt is outdated
- If traveling for work, notify your employer’s travel department — they may assist with compliance for business trips
- Returning OCI holders after long absences should double-check the latest requirements at boi.gov.in before traveling
Frequently Asked Questions for OCI Holders
Do OCI cardholders need to fill an India e-Arrival Card?
Yes. OCI cardholders must complete the India e-Arrival Card before every trip to India. The requirement became mandatory for OCI holders on October 4, 2025, just four days after the initial launch.
When did the India e-Arrival Card become mandatory for OCI holders?
The India e-Arrival Card became mandatory for OCI holders on October 4, 2025. When the system first launched on October 1, 2025, OCI holders were initially exempt, but this changed with a regulatory update on October 4.
Why were OCI holders initially exempt from the India e-Arrival Card?
The initial launch notification on October 1, 2025 appeared to exempt OCI holders. However, within four days the Government of India clarified that all foreign nationals including OCI cardholders must comply, and updated the regulation accordingly.
Do I need both my OCI card and the India e-Arrival Card?
Yes. The OCI card serves as your entry authorization (visa equivalent), while the India e-Arrival Card is a mandatory arrival declaration. Both documents are required for entry into India.
Is the India e-Arrival Card process different for OCI holders?
No. OCI cardholders follow the exact same process as all other foreign nationals — submit the free form at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ or via the Su-Swagatam app, within 72 hours before arrival.
Are NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) required to fill the India e-Arrival Card?
It depends on their passport. NRIs who hold foreign (non-Indian) passports must complete the India e-Arrival Card. NRIs who hold Indian passports (Indian citizens) are exempt.
Do PIO cardholders need the India e-Arrival Card?
PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders who have converted to an OCI card should follow OCI guidance — the India e-Arrival Card is required. Those who haven’t converted should contact their nearest Indian High Commission or Consulate for current guidance.
