India E-Arrival Card: Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals & OCI Travelers
Updated: December 16, 2025
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 It replaces the outdated paper-based disembarkation card and enables immigration authorities to process travelers’ information electronically...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 e-Visa
- Is eligible for 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 and remember that your card is also submitted at least 3 days before your travel date in India
When Should the E-Arrival Card Be Completed?
Travelers must submit the E-Arrival Card up to 72 hours (three days) 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.
Where to Submit the E-Arrival Card?
Before submitting, visitors must ensure they have an India e-visa because the e-Arrival Card does not represent an e-visa to enter India. You also need both an e-Arrival Card and a visa to show for Immigration.
Travelers can complete the form through either of these official platforms:
Official E-Arrival Portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Su-Swagatam Mobile App
Available on Android and iOS, the app allows easy and secure submission of the E-Arrival form.
For additional clarification or updates, visitors can check: https://boi.gov.in/boi/ (Bureau of Immigration official website)
Both platforms are authorized, official, and fully integrated with India’s immigration systems.
How to Fill Out the India E-Arrival Card (Simple 5-Step Process)
Completing the India E-Arrival card form is quick and straightforward. 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.
Why Use the E-Arrival Card?
The E-Arrival Card enhances the travel experience in several ways:
- Save time at the airport: No more waiting in long queues or filling paper forms after landing.
- Avoid last-minute stress: The form can be completed any time before travel within the allowed 72-hour window.
- Official, secure, and compliant: The system is fully aligned with India’s immigration procedures.
- Convenience and peace of mind: Once the form is submitted, travelers can proceed directly to immigration counters with confidence.
Important Reminder for Travelers
Travelers should complete their E-Arrival Card at least 3 days before boarding their flight. Failing to fill out the card in advance may result in:
- Delays at immigration,
- Required completion at airport kiosks,
- Longer queues,
- Potential missed connections.
By completing this one simple step, travelers can enter India efficiently and avoid unnecessary wait times.
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 ahead of time is essential. It saves time, reduces stress, and helps you begin your journey in India smoothly.
