From October 2025, India has rolled out its new e-Arrival Card, marking a big leap towards digitizing the immigration process for overseas travelers. This modern system replaces the traditional paper disembarkation form with a fully online version that can be completed before landing. The goal is to speed up airport entry, reduce paperwork, and make the process more traveler-friendly.
For the first six months, passengers will have the choice between the old paper forms and the new digital version. However, authorities strongly encourage online submission to avoid delays as India moves towards a fully paperless entry system. Indian citizens and OCI cardholders are exempt, but all other foreign nationals must complete the e-Arrival Card.
What is the e-Arrival Card and Who Needs It?
The e-Arrival Card is essentially a digital disembarkation form that travelers can fill out online before their trip. It asks for basic details such as passport information, flight number, purpose of travel, and duration of stay in India.
Introduced nationwide from October 1, 2025, the system is designed to simplify immigration checks. Indian embassies and the Bureau of Immigration have advised travelers to prioritize online submissions, as physical cards will be phased out entirely over time.
How to Submit the Form
Passengers can fill out the e-Arrival Card on the Indian Visa Online Portal, the Bureau of Immigration’s official website, or via the Su-Swagatam mobile app. It can be submitted up to 72 hours before departure, and travelers should keep the digital confirmation handy for airport checks.
Airlines have also recommended completing the form in advance to reduce waiting times at immigration counters. Major international airports, including Delhi, have already adopted the system to offer a smoother arrival experience.
