{"id":1432,"date":"2025-11-13T12:17:50","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T12:17:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/?p=1432"},"modified":"2025-11-13T12:18:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T12:18:07","slug":"e-arrival-card-india-now-mandatory-for-all-visitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/e-arrival-card-india-now-mandatory-for-all-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Update 2025: e-Arrival Card India Now Mandatory for All Visitors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quick takeaway: From 1 October 2025, India replaced the paper disembarkation card with a mandatory online <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arrival_card\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>e-Arrival Card<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 \u2014 so you can travel with confidence.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cgisf.gov.in\/news_detail\/?newsid=288&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is the e-Arrival Card and why this change matters<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Who needs to fill the e-Arrival Card?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cgisf.gov.in\/news_detail\/?newsid=288&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Where to submit the e-Arrival Card<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can complete the e-Arrival Card using official channels:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The official Indian visa website\u2019s e-Arrival page (use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/india-visa-online\"><b>India Visa Online<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bureau of Immigration (official government portal) or linked official pages.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government mobile app \u201cSu-Swagatam\u201d, which offers arrival and visa services.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always use these official sources when you fill the e-Arrival Card \u2014 third-party sites may charge extra or give wrong instructions. If you need visa steps too, consult India Visa Online for full <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/visa-information\"><b>India Visa Information<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/indianvisaonline.gov.in\/earrival\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>When to fill the e-Arrival Card<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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) \u2014 immigration officers may scan or ask for the reference number.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indembassybern.gov.in\/docs\/e-arrival-card.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>What information you will need<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The e-Arrival Card asks for basic, familiar details \u2014 the same kind of questions the old paper form did. Typical fields include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full name exactly as on passport<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passport number, nationality, and passport expiry date<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visa type and visa number (if you already have one)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flight number, arrival date, and arrival airport<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, medical)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Address in India (hotel, friend\u2019s address, or host)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emergency contact, email, and phone number<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Double-check everything. Errors in passport number or name spelling are the most common problems that slow people down at immigration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Step-by-step \u2014 a friendly walkthrough<\/b><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open the official e-Arrival page on India Visa Online or the Bureau of Immigration site.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose \u201cStart new e-Arrival Card\u201d and type your passport name exactly.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enter visa details (if you have a visa) or choose the correct visa category.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add flight details and where you\u2019ll stay in India.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the form carefully \u2014 especially passport number and dates.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit and save the confirmation email or screenshot of the e-Arrival reference.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep it handy on arrival and show it to immigration staff if asked.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you prefer your phone, use the \u201cSu-Swagatam\u201d app to fill the e-Arrival Card and manage other visa services.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eoiriyadh.gov.in\/section\/public-advisories\/the-government-of-india-has-launched-su-swagatam-mobile-app-to-facilitate-visitors-intending-to-visit-india\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Common questions \u2014 quick answers<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Is the e-Arrival Card the same as a visa?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/indianvisaonline.gov.in\/earrival\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>What if I forget to fill it?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may face delays because officials will have to collect the details manually. To avoid queues, complete the e-Arrival Card before departure.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Are there exceptions?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian passport holders are exempt. Some country-specific guidance for OCI cardholders varies, so check your local Indian mission.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Final checklist before you fly<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fill the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of arrival.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your visa (if required) and passport valid and handy. Check India Visa Online for visa status and India Visa Information resources.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Save the e-Arrival confirmation on your phone and take a screenshot.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know the address where you will stay in India.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If unsure, contact your local Indian embassy or the Bureau of Immigration for the latest help.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>A final friendly note<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019ll likely move through immigration faster and with less stress. Safe travels \u2014 and enjoy your time in India!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 \u2014 so you can travel with confidence.\u00a0 &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/e-arrival-card-india-now-mandatory-for-all-visitors\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Travel Update 2025: e-Arrival Card India Now Mandatory for All Visitors&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1433,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1432","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"featured_image":"https:\/\/my-tours.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com\/evisaindians-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/13121722\/Travel-Update-2025-e-Arrival-Card-India-Now-Mandatory-for-All-Visitors.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1432","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1432"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1432\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1434,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1432\/revisions\/1434"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1432"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1432"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.evisaindians.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}