India has launched the mandatory India e-Arrival Card from October 1, 2025, replacing paper disembarkation forms. Foreign travellers can now submit entry details online for faster immigration clearance. Learn how to apply, eligibility rules, and benefits of India’s new digital immigration system.
News Delhi– In a landmark step toward digital transformation, India has officially launched the mandatory e-Arrival Card system (India e-Arrival Card) for all foreign nationals entering the country. Effective October 1, 2025, this paperless process replaces traditional disembarkation cards at airports, marking a major upgrade in India’s border management and travel facilitation efforts.
Early reports suggest that the India e-Arrival Card is already speeding up immigration clearance and improving traveler convenience, particularly at major airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
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A Game-Changer for India’s Immigration System
The India e-Arrival Card, developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in partnership with the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), allows travelers to pre-submit their details online before arrival. The digital entry form integrates directly with India’s Immigration Management System, enabling real-time data verification and faster processing at entry points.
“This initiative is a leap toward a paperless and efficient immigration ecosystem,” said a senior Bureau of Immigration official. “It reduces congestion at counters while enhancing national security through digital data integration.”
Within the first week of implementation, airports like Indira Gandhi International (Delhi) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (Mumbai) have reported up to 40% shorter queues for passengers who completed the e-Arrival Card in advance.
Who Needs to Submit the India e-Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals—including tourists, business travelers, students, medical visitors, and conference attendees—must fill out the India e-Arrival Card before entering the country. The rule applies to travelers with e-Visas, sticker visas, or any other valid entry permit.
This includes:
- Foreign passport holders with OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards
- Visitors for tourism, business, or study purposes
Exemptions
- Indian citizens
- OCI cardholders using their OCI card as primary travel document
Importantly, the India e-Arrival Card does not replace the visa requirement. A valid visa is still mandatory for entry.
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How to Apply for the India e-Arrival Card
The application process is quick, entirely online, and free of charge. Here’s a simple guide:
- When to Apply:
Submit the form between 72 to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival in India. - Where to Apply:
Visit the official portals:- https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
- https://boi.gov.in
- Or use the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
- What You Need:
- Full name, nationality, and passport number
- Visa category and validity details
- Flight number, date, and airport of arrival
- Purpose of visit and Indian address
- Contact details and emergency contact information
- Countries visited in the last six days
- Planned duration of stay
- After Submission:
You’ll receive an email confirmation with a QR code or reference number. Keep it on your phone or print it. Immigration officers may scan or verify it upon arrival. - At the Airport:
Present your passport, valid visa, and e-Arrival Card confirmation at the immigration counter for quick clearance.
Travelers who fail to complete the India e-Arrival Card beforehand may face longer manual processing times.
Benefits of the India e-Arrival Card
The new digital arrival card offers multiple advantages:
- Faster Immigration Clearance: Average wait times reduced by 30–50%.
- Eco-Friendly: Eliminates millions of paper forms annually.
- Error Reduction: No more handwritten mistakes or incomplete entries.
- Enhanced Security: Data is verified instantly through centralized systems.
- Global Standards: Aligns India with nations like Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and the U.S., which already use similar electronic entry systems.
The initiative complements India’s Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), which provides even quicker clearance for pre-registered travelers.
Health and Safety Compliance
While the India e-Arrival Card simplifies immigration, travelers must still carry:
- Valid passport and visa
- Required health documents (such as yellow fever vaccination, if applicable)
- Proof of return or onward travel
The digital form also records recent travel history, helping authorities manage public health screenings when necessary.
Tips and Transition Period
Since the rollout is new, authorities are allowing a brief transition period at select airports. However, officials strongly advise all travellers to use the online system to avoid delays.
Airlines such as Oman Air, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines have started notifying passengers via email and during check-in to ensure compliance.
With India’s international tourism recovering strongly—crossing 10 million foreign arrivals in 2024—the India e-Arrival Card is set to make border entry faster, smoother, and more secure.
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