India has launched the mandatory India e-Arrival Card from October 1, 2025, replacing paper forms and streamlining airport entry. Alongside the upgraded India eVisa 2025 system, travelers from 170+ countries now enjoy a faster, paperless, and more secure immigration process. Learn eligibility, steps, documents, visa types, and rules for seamless travel.
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 14, 2025 — India has entered a new era of digital border management with the rollout of two major systems redefining how foreign nationals enter the country: the India e-Arrival Card, mandatory from October 1, 2025, and the upgraded India eVisa 2025 platform. Together, they form one of the world’s most efficient digital entry ecosystems, dramatically cutting wait times and improving traveler convenience.
Early reports from major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad show that immigration queues have already reduced by 30–50%, especially for travelers who complete the e-Arrival form before arrival.
India e-Arrival Card: A Transformational Upgrade for Airports
India e-Arrival Card replaces the old paper-based disembarkation form and allows travelers to pre-submit their immigration details online.
Developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), the system integrates directly with India’s Immigration Management System for real-time verification.
A senior BoI official described the upgrade as “a leap toward a paperless and efficient immigration ecosystem that reduces congestion at counters while improving national security.”
India e-Arrival Card: Major Benefits
- 40% shorter queues at airports like Delhi and Mumbai
- Paperless and environmentally friendly
- Instant data verification
- Fewer manual errors
- Alignment with digital immigration systems in Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and the U.S.
India e-Arrival Card: Who Must Fill It?
India e-Arrival Card Mandatory for:
- All foreign nationals
- Tourists, business travelers, students, medical visitors, conference delegates
- Foreign passport holders with OCI cards
Exemptions:
- Indian citizens
- OCI cardholders travelling solely on their OCI document
Note: The e-Arrival Card does not replace a visa. A valid visa (including eVisa) is still required.
How to Apply for the India e-Arrival Card
The India e-Arrival Card process is quick, online, and free.
When to Apply:
Between 72 to 24 hours before arrival.
Where to Apply:
Use any official government platform:
- https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
- https://boi.gov.in
- Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app (iOS & Android)
Information Required:
- Name, nationality, passport number
- Visa details
- Flight and arrival airport
- Purpose of visit
- Indian address
- Emergency contact
- Countries visited in last 6 days
- Length of stay
After Submission:
Travelers receive a confirmation email with a QR code or reference number. It must be shown at immigration.
At the Airport:
Present your passport + valid visa + e-Arrival Card confirmation.
Those who do not fill it in advance may face longer manual processing.
Must Read: Bhutan Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide for Global Travelers
India eVisa 2025: A Complete Digital Visa Guide
India’s eVisa platform remains one of the most widely accessible systems globally, allowing citizens from 171 countries to apply without visiting an embassy.
Travelers receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email and complete biometric verification and stamping upon arrival.
What Is the India eVisa 2025?
The India eVisa 2025 is an electronic travel authorization issued via:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
It covers tourism, business, medical treatment, conferences, and more.
Main Visa Categories
- e-Tourist Visa
- Validity: 30 days (double entry), 1 year or 5 years (multiple entry)
- Stay: Up to 90 days per visit (180 days for citizens of US/UK/Canada/Japan)
- e-Business Visa
- Validity: 1 year (multiple entry)
- Stay: Up to 180 days per visit
- e-Medical Visa
- Validity: 60 days
- Triple entry
- e-Medical Attendant Visa
- For up to two attendants
- Validity: 60 days
- e-Conference Visa
- Validity: 30 days
- Government approval and invitation mandatory
Other approved categories include:
e-Ayush Visa, e-Ayush Attendant Visa, e-Student Visa, and e-Student Dependent Visa.
Eligible Countries and Entry Points
Countries Eligible (171 Total)
Includes the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, most EU nations, major Asian and African countries.
Not eligible:
Pakistan and certain other restricted nations.
Authorized Ports of Entry
Airports (28):
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa (Dabolim & Mopa), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trivandrum, Varanasi, etc.
Seaports (5):
Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai, Mumbai
Exit is permitted through any authorized Immigration Check Post (ICP).
Documents Required for India eVisa 2025
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
- Supporting documents based on visa type:
- Business card or invitation
- Hospital letter
- Conference invitation + clearance
How to Apply for the India eVisa 2025
- Apply Online
Submit the form at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ - Upload Documents
Photo + passport + supporting papers - Pay the Fee
USD 10–100 depending on nationality and visa type - Receive ETA
Delivery typically within 72 hours - Travel to India
Present ETA at immigration for biometrics & stamping
Key Rules
- Apply minimum 4 days before travel
- eVisa is non-extendable, non-convertible
- Diplomatic/official passport holders not eligible
- Each traveler, including children, must apply separately
- Printed ETA is required during travel
Health & Safety Requirements
Travelers must still carry:
- Passport
- Visa or ETA
- Health documents (like Yellow Fever certificate if applicable)
The India e-Arrival Card also records recent travel history, supporting public health monitoring.
Airlines such as Emirates, Oman Air, and Singapore Airlines have begun issuing reminders to passengers to complete the e-Arrival form before departure.
Why These Reforms Matter
With India welcoming over 10 million foreign visitors in 2024, the combined e-Arrival Card and eVisa reforms boost efficiency, safety, and competitiveness in the global tourism sector. They also support India’s wider Digital India mission.
These systems are designed to make India’s borders:
- Faster
- Safer
- More transparent
- Globally aligned
Key Takeaways
- India e-Arrival Card is mandatory from October 1, 2025.
- It replaces paper forms and improves clearance by 30–50%.
- India eVisa 2025 covers citizens of 171 countries across nine categories.
- Both systems are fully online and part of India’s digital transformation.
- Travelers should complete the e-Arrival Card before departure for smooth entry.
