India is set to digitize its post-arrival process fully. Following an announcement on 1 October 2025, the Indian Government began phasing out physical disembarkation forms for foreign nationals and citizens. In its place, a digital e-Arrival Card was introduced to speed up entry and reduce crowding at airports.
The transition is now nearing completion. Since its rollout, the e-Arrival Card has become a standard requirement for foreign nationals traveling to India. From 1 April 2026, paper disembarkation forms will be discontinued entirely and all foreign passport holders will be required to submit their arrival details online before arriving in India.
In this guide, Tripbeam, the best travel booking platform for cheap flights from USA to India, explains what is the new e-Arrival Card in detail. It also includes how to apply, who is eligible, possible exemptions and whether OCI cardholders need to complete it before entering India.
What is India e-Arrival card?
India’s e-Arrival Card is a required digital arrival form that replaces the old paper disembarkation card for international travelers. All foreign nationals and OCI cardholders are required to submit their personal, passport, travel and health details online within 72 hours before arriving in India. Since the form is filled out before arrival, foreigners can skip paperwork during the flight and after landing.
What Is the Purpose of India’s Digital Pre-Arrival System?
India’s digital pre-arrival system aligns the country with global standards set by Singapore, Japan, and the UAE, reducing airport congestion and making immigration up to 40% faster. The system is designed to eliminate paper disembarkation forms, replacing manual entry with a fully digital e-arrival process. Additionally, it enables immigration authorities to digitally track traveler information for better coordination and streamlined entry procedures.
Who needs to submit e-Arrival card for India travel?
All foreign nationals including tourists, students, business travelers and medical visitors, must submit the e-Arrival card India before their arrival. OCI cardholders are also required to submit the digital arrival form and are not exempt from this rule. The form must be submitted on the official website or the Su-Swagatam mobile app within 72 hours.
What Informations Is Needed to Complete the India e-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card for India requires foreign travelers and OCI cardholders to fill in—personal, passport as well as travel details including their flight number, reason for visit, and Indian address, on the official portal or app.
Make sure to submit the following information:
- Personal & Travel – Full name (as per passport), passport number and nationality along with date of birth
- Flight Related – Flight number, arrival airport and date of arrival
- Stay Details – Address in India and Hotel or residence information
- Other Declarations – Travel purpose and health or customs declarations (if applicable)
How to Apply for the India e-Arrival Card (Step by Step)
Applying online for the India e-Arrival Card is easy and takes only a few minutes. There is no need to upload documents or make any payment. Follow these steps to apply online disembarkation form:
Step 1 – Visit the official website at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or download the Su-Swagatam mobile app to begin your application.
Step 2 – Provide your details such as personal, passport, arrival date, contact and Indian stay address in the online form.
Step 3 – Include information for all accompanying travelers in the same form if you are traveling together. You can add up to 5 family members in a single form.
Step 4 – Make sure all information is correct before you tick the self-declaration box and submit the India e-Arrival form.
Step 5 – After submission, you will receive a digital confirmation with a QR code. Save or download it on your phone and keep a printed copy for airport verification.
Is the e-Arrival Card the Same as an e-Visa?
No. The India e-Arrival Card and e-Visa are completely different. The e-Arrival Card is a digital entry form used to submit your travel and personal details before arrival, while the e-Visa is a travel authorization required for entry into India. The e-Arrival Card is becoming mandatory for travelers from 1 April 2026 but it does not replace a visa. In contrast, the e-Visa is a visa alternative for eligible travelers and is required if you need permission to enter India.
India e-Arrival Card Benefits for Foreigners
The e-Arrival Card simplifies the arrival process and offers several advantages for travelers to India:
- Faster immigration clearance
- No paperwork during the flight
- Reduced waiting time at airports
- Smoother and more organized arrival process
- Pre-verified traveler information for quicker processing
- Less chance of errors compared to handwritten forms
- Contactless and more hygienic entry process
- Saves time for both travelers and immigration officers
- Better crowd management at busy international airports
- Easy digital access (no need to carry physical forms)
- Complete it anytime before arrival within the allowed time limit
- Supports a more efficient and modern travel experience
The India e-Arrival Card is set to become an essential part of international travel to India, making arrivals faster, smoother and more efficient. To make your journey even easier and affordable, explore Tripbeam, the top travel booking website, for the best deals on international flight tickets. Get 24×7 expert assistance and personalized travel solutions by calling +1-866-235-8886 today.