Do I need an e-Arrival Card for India?
Starting 1 October 2025, most foreign nationals traveling to India will be required to complete an e-Arrival Card prior to arrival, with exemptions for Indian passport holders and OCI cardholders. To modernize border control practices and enhance the efficiency of immigration, the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) has officially introduced a digital e-Arrival Card system to replace the traditional paper disembarkation card.
This new rule applies to all foreigners irrespective of their entry into India through a regular visa, e-Visa, tourist visa, business visa, student visa, medical visa, or any other category. Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are currently exempt from completing the e-Arrival Card.
What You Must Do Before Traveling to India
Travelers must complete the e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arriving in India. The form can be completed on the official Indian immigration or visa website/app. The process is simple and usually takes only a few minutes. The information that is required is:
- Passport details
- Nationality
- Flight number and arrival date
- Your accommodation address in India
- Contact details
- Purpose of travel
- Recent travel history
After the form has been submitted, travelers will receive a digital confirmation containing a QR code. Printing it is not mandatory, but keeping a screenshot or digital copy is recommended
Why the e-Arrival Card Matters
The e-Arrival Card has become a compulsory pre-arrival document for anyone visiting India, be it on a tourist, business, educational, medical treatment, family visit, or pilgrimage. Completing the form correctly helps avoid delays at immigration checkpoints. The digital system is designed to:
- Reduce paperwork
- Speed up immigration processing
- Minimize long queues
- Enhance security and monitoring of incoming travelers
Make sure all the information matches your passport and visa details. Any inconsistencies can lead to further inquisition or time wasted at the airport.
Conclusion
To conclude, starting 1 October 2025, foreigners will be required to fill out an e-Arrival Card to be allowed entry into India. This requirement is mandatory for most foreign nationals traveling to India, including e-Visa holders, while Indian citizens and OCI cardholders are exempt. This form should be completed online within 72 hours before arrival, and the travelers are supposed to have their online confirmation at hand for inspection by immigration officers. The completion of the e-Arrival Card makes the entry process into India much easier, faster, and more efficient
