Travel Update 2025: e-Arrival Card India Now Mandatory for All Visitors

Quick takeaway: From 1 October 2025, India replaced the paper disembarkation card with a mandatory online e-Arrival Card for most foreign travellers. This short guide explains in plain, friendly language what the change means, who must fill the form, how to do it, and where to find help — so you can travel with confidence.

What is the e-Arrival Card and why this change matters

The e-Arrival Card is a short online form visitors must submit before they reach Indian immigration. Instead of a paper form handed out on the plane, you now fill the e-Arrival Card online and show the confirmation when you arrive. The goal is simple: fewer queues, fewer mistakes in handwriting, and faster processing at airports. The government and embassies say this is part of making immigration faster and more digital.

Who needs to fill the e-Arrival Card?

Most foreign nationals arriving in India must complete the e-Arrival Card. That includes visitors with tourist, business, medical, student, and many other visa types. Some embassy notices mention that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders should also submit the e-Arrival Card; guidance can vary slightly by country, so check the official pages before travel. Indian passport holders are not required to fill it.

Where to submit the e-Arrival Card

You can complete the e-Arrival Card using official channels:

The official Indian visa website’s e-Arrival page (use India Visa Online).
The Bureau of Immigration (official government portal) or linked official pages.
The government mobile app “Su-Swagatam”, which offers arrival and visa services.

Always use these official sources when you fill the e-Arrival Card — third-party sites may charge extra or give wrong instructions. If you need visa steps too, consult India Visa Online for full India Visa Information.

When to fill the e-Arrival Card

Complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in India. Submitting it too early or too late may cause issues, so aim to do it in the three days before your flight. Save the confirmation (screenshot or email) — immigration officers may scan or ask for the reference number.

What information you will need

The e-Arrival Card asks for basic, familiar details — the same kind of questions the old paper form did. Typical fields include:

Full name exactly as on passport
Passport number, nationality, and passport expiry date
Visa type and visa number (if you already have one)
Flight number, arrival date, and arrival airport
Purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, medical)
Address in India (hotel, friend’s address, or host)
Emergency contact, email, and phone number

Double-check everything. Errors in passport number or name spelling are the most common problems that slow people down at immigration.

Step-by-step — a friendly walkthrough

Open the official e-Arrival page on India Visa Online or the Bureau of Immigration site.
Choose “Start new e-Arrival Card” and type your passport name exactly.
Enter visa details (if you have a visa) or choose the correct visa category.
Add flight details and where you’ll stay in India.
Check the form carefully — especially passport number and dates.
Submit and save the confirmation email or screenshot of the e-Arrival reference.
Keep it handy on arrival and show it to immigration staff if asked.

If you prefer your phone, use the “Su-Swagatam” app to fill the e-Arrival Card and manage other visa services.

Common questions — quick answers

Is the e-Arrival Card the same as a visa?
No. The e-Arrival Card is only an arrival information form. You still need a valid visa if your nationality requires one. See India Visa Information on the official portals for visa steps.
What if I forget to fill it?
You may face delays because officials will have to collect the details manually. To avoid queues, complete the e-Arrival Card before departure.
Are there exceptions?
Indian passport holders are exempt. Some country-specific guidance for OCI cardholders varies, so check your local Indian mission.

Final checklist before you fly

Fill the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of arrival.
Keep your visa (if required) and passport valid and handy. Check India Visa Online for visa status and India Visa Information resources.
Save the e-Arrival confirmation on your phone and take a screenshot.
Know the address where you will stay in India.
If unsure, contact your local Indian embassy or the Bureau of Immigration for the latest help.

A final friendly note

I know new rules can feel like one more thing to remember. The e-Arrival Card is quick to fill and usually takes only a few minutes. Do it within 72 hours before your flight, keep a screenshot, and you’ll likely move through immigration faster and with less stress. Safe travels — and enjoy your time in India!