India E-Arrival Card: Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals & OCI Travelers

India has taken a major step toward modernizing its border control system with the introduction of the mandatory E-Arrival Card, effective October 1, 2025. This digital-first system replaces the old paper disembarkation form that passengers used to fill out during flights or upon landing. The new approach aims to streamline the immigration process, reduce wait times, and provide a smoother airport experience for millions of travelers arriving in India each year.

The E-Arrival Card must be completed by both foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders before proceeding to immigration counters at any international airport in India. This shift reflects India’s commitment to enhancing passenger convenience, improving data accuracy, and strengthening border security.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of what the E-Arrival Card is, who needs it, and how to complete it, along with a full explanation of why this change matters and how it benefits travelers.

Visitors should take the India e-Arrival Card after obtaining an e-visa

What Is the India E-Arrival Card?

The India E-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital entry form that visitors must complete before arriving in the country. It replaces the outdated paper-based disembarkation card and enables immigration authorities to process travelers’ information electronically.

The digital form collects essential information such as:

• Personal details
• Passport information
• Purpose of visit
• Address and stay details in India
• Flight and travel information
• Contact details
• Basic declarations

By digitizing this step, Indian authorities can efficiently record and verify information, shorten arrival queues, and reduce errors that commonly occur with handwritten forms.

Travelers must apply for the E- Arrival Card India before entering this country

Why Did India Introduce the E-Arrival System?

The move to a digital E-Arrival Card is part of India’s broader border modernization initiative, led by the Bureau of Immigration (BoI). The goals of this transformation include:

• Streamlining airport procedures: With millions of international travelers arriving each year, digital submissions help speed up processing at immigration counters.
• Eliminating paper-based forms: The E-Arrival Card removes the need to fill out forms on airplanes, search for pens, or complete paperwork when tired after long flights.
• Improving accuracy and efficiency: Digital forms reduce manual errors caused by unclear handwriting or incomplete entries.
• Enhancing border security: Authorities can collect and store traveler data electronically, allowing for faster verification and risk assessment.
• Creating a seamless travel experience: By using the E-Arrival Card, travelers enjoy faster clearance, shorter queues, and a more organized arrival process.

Who Must Complete the E-Arrival Card?

The E-Arrival Card is compulsory for:

• All foreign nationals entering India, and
• All OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders

Whether traveling for tourism, business, employment, study, medical treatment, or family visits, all non-Indian citizens must complete the form.

This requirement applies even if the traveler:

• Already holds an India e-Visa
• Is eligible for the Visa on Arrival
• Has a long-term visa
• Is traveling under bilateral exemptions
• Is an OCI returning to India

That means all foreign visitors must have an e-visa or visa in hand before applying for the e-Arrival Card.

When Should the E-Arrival Card Be Completed?

Travelers can submit the E-Arrival Card anytime within a 72-hour window before entering India.

To avoid delays or invalid submissions:

• Do not complete it too early. That means you must ensure you have an e-visa to enter India.
• Avoid submitting it at the last minute at the airport.

Completing the form ahead of time ensures a smooth and stress-free entry.

How to Submit the E-Arrival Card

The E-Arrival Card is not a visa. Travelers must hold a valid visa to enter India, and both the visa and the E-Arrival Card may be required during immigration checks upon arrival.

Foreign travelers can submit the E-Arrival Card using one of the following options.

Submit the E-Arrival Card with the India eVisa Service

Travelers who apply for their visa through the India eVisa Service may choose an optional assistance service to prepare and submit the E-Arrival Card. This service is available for a service fee of USD 39.

With this assistance, travelers can benefit from:

• No need to re-enter information already provided in the visa application,
• Reduced repetitive data entry and fewer potential mistakes,
• Time savings during the preparation process,
• 24/7 support from visa specialists if assistance is needed,
• Verification to help ensure the form is completed correctly before travel.

Using this service, the E-Arrival Card can be prepared and submitted on the traveler’s behalf to help ensure all arrival requirements are completed before departure.

Note:The government fee for the E-Arrival Card is USD 0. Travelers can submit the form themselves for free or choose the optional assistance service.

Submit by yourself via Government platform

Travelers can complete the form by themselves through either of these official platforms:

• Official E-Arrival Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
• Su-Swagatam Mobile App: Available on Android and iOS for secure submission of the E-Arrival Card.

For official updates or additional information, travelers can visit the Bureau of Immigration website: https://boi.gov.in/boi/. Both platforms are official and fully integrated with India’s immigration systems.

Fill out the India E-Arrival Card on the Government platform

Here’s the step-by-step process:

• Visit the Official Portal or App: Go to the Bureau of Immigration’s E-Arrival portal or open the Su-Swagatam app.
• Enter Personal Details: Full name, Passport number, Nationality, Date of birth, Purpose of visit.
• Add Arrival & Contact Information
• Review and Submit: Double-check the information for accuracy, then submit the form securely.
• Proceed to Immigration Upon Confirmation: Once you receive confirmation (via email or on-screen), you can move directly to immigration upon arrival—without filling out any paper forms.

Conclusion

The India E-Arrival Card represents a major advancement in the country’s commitment to modernizing border operations. By replacing traditional paper forms with a secure, user-friendly digital system, India ensures a faster, cleaner, and more convenient arrival experience for all international visitors and OCI cardholders.

Whether you are traveling for tourism, business, education, or family reasons, completing the E-Arrival form in advance is essential. It saves time, reduces stress, and helps you begin your journey in India smoothly.