US citizens traveling to India must complete the India e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival — in addition to a valid India e-Visa or physical visa. The India e-Arrival Card is free, takes 5–10 minutes, and is completely separate from your visa application.
Do US Citizens Need the India e-Arrival Card?
Yes — all US citizens visiting India must complete the India e-Arrival Card before arriving. The requirement applies to all non-Indian passport holders, and US passports are not exempt.
As confirmed by the US Embassy in India, which began advising American travelers in October 2025: US citizen travelers must have both a valid e-Visa (or physical visa from an Indian embassy/consulate) and a valid e-Arrival form. The US Embassy states explicitly: “this arrival form change is separate from the e-visa application process.”
Quick summary for US citizens:
– India e-Arrival Card: ✓ Required (all US passport holders)
– India e-Visa: ✓ Required (US citizens are eligible for India e-Visa)
– Both needed together: ✓ Yes — both documents must be ready when you travel
– Indian citizens: ✗ Exempt (not applicable to US passport holders)
– Cost: Free (e-Arrival Card) + Paid (e-Visa fee applies separately)
The India e-Arrival Card became mandatory on October 1, 2025, for all foreign nationals. US travelers who visited India before this date will need to comply with this new requirement on future trips.
US Citizens and India e-Visa Requirements
US citizens are eligible for the India e-Visa and must obtain one before traveling — the India e-Arrival Card does not replace the visa requirement.
The India e-Visa for US citizens:
- Application portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
- Eligibility: US citizens are eligible for India e-Tourist, e-Business, and e-Medical visas
- Processing time: 3–5 business days typically (apply well in advance)
- Fee: Paid — varies by visa type and validity period
- Types available: e-Tourist Visa (30 days, 1 year, or 5 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa
Important: Getting your India e-Visa approved does NOT automatically satisfy the India e-Arrival Card requirement. These are two completely separate steps. US travelers must:
1. Apply for India e-Visa (at /evisa/) — weeks before travel
2. Submit India e-Arrival Card (at /earrival/) — within 72 hours of arrival
How US Citizens Apply for the India e-Arrival Card
US citizens apply for the India e-Arrival Card through the same process as all other foreign nationals — using the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ or the Su-Swagatam mobile app, for free, within 72 hours of arrival.
Step-by-step for US citizens:
- Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ (or download Su-Swagatam app)
- Enter your US passport details (passport number, issue/expiry dates, nationality: United States)
- Enter your flight details (arrival date, flight number, entry airport in India)
- Enter your contact information (US phone with country code +1, email)
- Enter your emergency contact’s details (name, US or other phone number, relationship)
- Enter your purpose of visit (Tourism, Business, etc.) and India accommodation address
- Complete the health declaration
- Submit — receive your QR code instantly
- Download/print your India e-Arrival Card confirmation
Recommended timing: Complete 24–48 hours before your flight departs the US (not just 72 hours before landing in India — account for travel time).
Cost: Completely free for US citizens, as for all travelers.
US Citizens: Complete India Entry Checklist (2025–2026)
Use this checklist to ensure you have everything required as a US citizen traveling to India.
| Requirement | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid US passport | ✓ Required | Must have 6+ months validity beyond arrival date; 2+ blank pages |
| India e-Visa OR physical India visa | ✓ Required | US citizens eligible for India e-Visa online |
| India e-Arrival Card (QR code) | ✓ Required | Free; within 72 hours before arrival |
| Travel health insurance | Recommended | Not mandatory but strongly advised |
| India accommodation address | ✓ Needed | For e-Arrival Card form; book hotel in advance |
| Emergency contact information | ✓ Needed | For e-Arrival Card form |
Passport validity: India requires your US passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. It must also have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. Renew your passport before travel if it doesn’t meet these requirements.
Travel Advisory: As of 2026, the US State Department rates India at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to crime and terrorism in some areas. Review current advisories at travel.state.gov before departure.
Tips for US Citizens Traveling to India
Six practical tips for US citizens completing the India e-Arrival Card:
- Apply for your India e-Visa first — it takes 3–5 business days; don’t leave this until the last minute
- Complete the India e-Arrival Card 24–48 hours before your US departure, not just before landing in India
- Use your US phone number with country code +1 in the contact details field
- Confirm your India hotel address before starting the form — the field is mandatory
- Download the Su-Swagatam app as a backup in case the website is slow during peak travel periods
- Keep both confirmations accessible: e-Visa approval letter + India e-Arrival Card QR code
Frequently Asked Questions for US Citizens
Do US citizens need an India e-Arrival Card?
Yes. All US citizens traveling to India must complete the India e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. This requirement applies to all non-Indian passport holders, including US citizens. The process is free and takes 5–10 minutes.
Do US citizens need an India e-Visa in addition to the e-Arrival Card?
Yes. US citizens need both: an India e-Visa (or physical visa) for permission to enter, AND the India e-Arrival Card as the arrival declaration. The US Embassy in India confirms: “U.S. citizen travelers are now able to travel to India with a valid e-visa AND a valid e-arrival form.”
Is the India e-Arrival Card free for US citizens?
Yes. The India e-Arrival Card is free for all travelers, including US citizens. There are no nationality-based fees.
How do US citizens apply for the India e-Arrival Card?
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/, enter your US passport details, flight info, contact information, India address, and health declaration. Submit to receive your QR code instantly. The Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app is also available as an alternative.
What is the visa requirement for US citizens visiting India?
US citizens must obtain an India visa before traveling. US citizens are eligible for the India e-Visa (available online at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/) for tourism, business, and medical purposes. Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your trip as processing takes 3–5 business days.
