India’s e-Arrival Card for Foreign Nationals: Must-Knows

In a move to streamline the immigration process at major Indian international airports, the Bureau of Immigration has introduced the e‑Arrival Card for foreign nationals. This significant change replaces the old paper Disembarkation Card.

From October 1, 2025, onwards, all non-Indian travelers need to submit an online application form. The paper-based system is being phased out, and digital submissions are now the standard procedure. Here’s a detailed guide to familiarize you with this new system for hassle-free travel to India.

New e-Arrival Card & Old Disembarkation Card: What's the Difference?

The new e-arrival card is nothing but an upgraded version of the disembarkation card. Earlier, foreign nationals used to fill out their travel details on paper after arriving in India. The old process was time-consuming, resulting in delayed immigration clearance. However, with the digitization of this process, travelers can now submit their travel details online before traveling to India.

This pre-arrival data enables faster processing at immigration. This results in significantly reduced airport clearance times. The system mirrors procedures used internationally by countries like Singapore and Malaysia. India has now adopted similar technology to enhance the overall travel experience.

Who Needs to Fill This Digital Immigration Card?

All non-Indian citizens must mandatorily complete the e-arrival card process before entering the country, regardless of their visa type. This requirement applies to:

• Tourists exploring India's rich heritage
• Business professionals attending meetings or conferences
• Students pursuing education
• Medical tourists seeking treatment
• Anyone holding an e-Visa or a regular visa

Important Exemptions

As of October 4, 2025, OCI cardholders must also submit the e-Arrival Card. The previous exemption is no longer applicable. You can now follow the same process as any other foreign national. Just submit the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival, save the QR code on your phone, and show it at check-in and immigration. Don't leave this one for the airport, as the failure to show proof of submission can result in boarding denial. 

How to Submit an Indian Immigration Card Online?

Filling out the e-Arrival Card takes just a few minutes if you have your documents ready. Here's exactly what you need to do:

1. Timing Matters

The digital process must be completed online via the Indian Bureau of Immigration website between 24 to 72 hours before the flight. You can't submit it earlier than three days before departure or later than one day before your flight.

2. Where to Apply?

To apply for India’s e-Arrival Card, visit one of these official government platforms:

• Bureau of Immigration website: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
  
• Indian Visa Online portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
• Su-Swagatam mobile app

Note: Stick to official government websites only. Avoid third-party sites that may charge unnecessary fees or compromise your personal information.

3. What About Documents?

Good news, you don't need to upload any supporting documents for the e-Arrival Card itself, just accurate information typed into the form.

4. How Much Fee Do You Need to Pay?

The e-Arrival Card is completely free. If any website asks you to pay for this service, that's a red flag that you're on an unofficial site.

5. Information You’ll Be Asked For

The online form collects information very similar to the old Disimberkation card:

• Personal details: full name, DOB, nationality, passport number.
• Travel info: flight number, arrival date, port of entry, purpose of visit.
• Contact details: email, phone, and emergency contact.
• Where you’ll stay: hotel address, friend/family address, or hospital details.
• Recent travel history: countries visited in the last six days.

6. After Submission

Once you complete the form, you'll receive confirmation via email or text message. Authorities say a digital copy of the e-Arrival Card is sufficient but recommend visitors have a printed version "for ease during inspection. "
Save it on your phone and consider printing a backup copy; having both options ensures you're covered regardless of technical issues at the airport.

7. Post-landing in India

When you arrive at the immigration counter, officers already have your details in their system. They can verify your entry instantly without manually entering data from a paper form.

You will experience shorter queues, fewer delays, and faster clearance through immigration. You'll spend less time waiting in lines and more time beginning your Indian journey.

Does the e-Arrival Card Replace Your Visa?

No, and this is crucial to understand. The e-Arrival Card is separate from your visa requirements. You still need a valid Indian visa to enter the country. The e-Arrival Card is an additional immigration formality, not a visa substitute.

Which Airports Are Using This System?

From October 1, 2025, foreign visitors at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were the first to experience this new system. However, the e-Arrival Card is expected to play a key role in easing entry processes and reducing administrative burdens at major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

Transition and Practicalities

Authorities are allowing a transition period for the initial months; physical cards might still be accepted. Don’t treat that as permission to skip the online form. If you arrive without the e‑Arrival Card, you may be routed to a manual counter.

The implementation follows a phased approach. While Delhi was the launch site, the system is expanding to other international airports across India. Physical cards will be available during a transition period (that will last up to six months), but travelers are encouraged to use the digital option for a faster experience.

Note: Regardless of which Indian airport you're flying into, complete the e-Arrival Card before your trip. Airlines are already treating this as a mandatory requirement for all foreign passengers, and some may check for completion before boarding.

Advantages of the e-Arrival Card

For Foreign Nationals:

• No more hunting for pens at the airport
• Less stress after long flights
• Fewer errors from rushed, handwritten forms
• Faster immigration processing

For Immigration Authorities:

• Better data accuracy and management
• Reduced paperwork and administrative burden
• Enhanced security through advanced passenger information
• More efficient use of immigration officer time

Final thoughts

This change is a tidy example of how small digital upgrades can make a big difference to travel comfort. India is catching up with other countries that have gone digital at the border, and for visitors, the benefits are immediate: faster processing, clearer information, and fewer minor stresses. If you’re planning to travel to India, take five minutes to fill out the form before departure for a smoother travel experience.

Discover your next adventure in India with Travelopod, your go-to travel companion for easy bookings, expert tips, and unforgettable experiences worldwide. Get up to 30% off on flights to India with our exclusive phone-only deals. Call Now!

FAQs 

What if the e-Arrival Card portal isn't working when I try to submit?

Technical glitches can happen at the last minute. So, always have a backup plan. If the airport WiFi isn't reliable, try to switch to Chrome or Firefox, clear your browser cache, or use an incognito window. But if the website is still slow, the Su-Swagatam app is an official alternative. So, try to fill 2–3 days early, giving yourself a full day to troubleshoot if needed. 

Are there fake websites charging fees for the e-Arrival Card?

Yes, there are. Always use official government websites only and avoid third-party sites that ask you to pay. It's a clear sign you're on a fake or unofficial site. Bookmark the official legitimate platforms before you travel: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ and the Su-Swagatam app. 

Can one person fill out the e-Arrival Card for the whole family?

Yes, one person can fill the form for up to five people. You need to have everyone's passport details ready and then enter details for everyone together. Once you have filled out the form, you can download all cards as a single PDF. Please do this within the 72-hour window so you have time to fix any detail errors before the airport.

What happens if I made a mistake on my e-Arrival Card after submitting it?

There is an easy fix. You just correct the mistake and then resubmit. The system uses your most recent submission linked to your passport number. The corrected resubmission simply replaces the earlier one. You need to make sure the updated details match your passport and visa exactly before resubmitting.

Do transit passengers need to fill out the e-Arrival Card?

Transit passengers who remain airside for a connecting flight are exempt from the e-Arrival Card requirement. The moment you step through immigration, even briefly, the form becomes mandatory. Even for a same-day transfer, you need to fill out the card. But always verify your airline's transit policy before assuming exemption.