India Launches e-Arrival Card: Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel

India has started the e-arrival card India to make coming into the country faster and easier for foreign visitors. If you plan to visit India, this friendly guide will explain what the e-arrival card India is, who must fill it, how and when to submit it, and common questions travelers ask. Read through and you will have clear, step-by-step answers so you can travel with less worry.

What is the e-arrival card India?

The e-arrival card India is a digital form that replaces the old paper arrival card travellers used to fill out at the airport. Instead of filling a paper card on the plane or at the gate, foreign nationals submit their arrival details online before landing. The goal is simple: fewer lines, less paper, and faster checks at immigration. The e-arrival card India asks for basic travel and contact information so immigration officers can process people more quickly.

Who needs to fill the e-arrival card India?

Most foreign nationals arriving in India must complete the e-arrival card India before they land. The rule applies to tourists, business visitors, students, and many other categories of travellers. If you are not an Indian citizen, assume you need to fill the e-arrival card India unless an official source says you are excluded. Many travellers found this change helpful because it reduces time at the airport and makes the whole arrival process smoother.

When and where to submit the e-arrival card India

You should complete the e-arrival card India online before your flight. The recommended window is usually up to 72 hours (three days) before your arrival. Filling it early gives you time to check your details and correct any mistakes. Official portals where you can submit the form include the government visa portal and the Bureau of Immigration pages. If you look for help on visas, see India Visa Online and pages that provide India Visa Information for clear steps on visas and entry rules.

What information will you need?

The e-arrival card India asks for straightforward but important details:

Full name exactly as in your passport
Passport number, nationality, and passport expiry date
Flight number and arrival airport in India
The address where you will stay in India (hotel or friend’s address)
Recent travel history (places you visited in the last 30 days)
Purpose of your visit and planned length of stay

All these details help immigration officers check and welcome visitors more quickly. Be careful to type everything exactly as on your passport to avoid delays.

Is the e-arrival card India the same as a visa?

No. The e-arrival card India is not a visa. It is a simple arrival form that works alongside visa rules. If your nationality requires a visa to enter India, you must still get the correct visa (for example, an e-Visa) before you travel. For visa steps and to apply online, visit the India Visa Online portal and look for reliable India Visa Information so you know which visa you need and how to get it.

Will airports still accept the paper arrival card?

During the early rollout, some airports allowed paper cards for a short time. But the long-term plan is to use the e-arrival card India only. To avoid confusion or delays, complete the e-form online before your trip rather than relying on a paper card.

Common problems and easy fixes

Here are simple tips to avoid trouble with the e-arrival card India:

Use official websites or apps. Only fill the form on official government sites or trusted portals to avoid scams.
Match your passport exactly. Your name and passport number must match your passport. Even small spelling differences can cause delays.
Keep proof of submission. After you submit the e-arrival card India, save the confirmation screen or take a screenshot. Immigration may ask to see it.
Fill it within the 72-hour window. Don’t wait until the last minute; websites can be busy before a flight.
Check your contact address. If your accommodation changes, update the address if the authorities allow it before arrival.

Who can you contact for help?

If you have doubts about filling the e-arrival card India, contact official help centers. The government visa portal, the Bureau of Immigration, and the official immigration contact pages have the latest guidance. For visa guidance and step-by-step help, check India Visa Online and reliable India Visa Information sources. They usually offer FAQs, contact emails, and phone numbers to help travellers.

Why this change matters

Moving from paper to the e-arrival card India is a step toward a faster, more modern border process. For travellers, it means less time filling forms at the airport and more time starting your trip. For officials, it helps manage arrivals in a cleaner, more organized way. If you want a calm and quick entry into India, do the small step of completing the e-arrival card India correctly and on time.

Quick checklist before you fly

Passport in hand and passport details ready.
Hotel or host address in India.
Flight number and arrival airport.
Recent travel history details.
Submit the e-arrival card India within 72 hours before arrival.
Save confirmation (screenshot or print).
If you need a visa, apply through India Visa Online and read official India Visa Information.