The paper arrival card is gone. Meet the fully digital e-Arrival Card — fill it out before you fly and breeze through immigration.
The Bureau of Immigration has rolled out a fully digital e-Arrival Card (also called the Electronic Disembarkation Card). This online form has replaced the old paper cards you used to fill out on the plane or in the queue. The result? Shorter lines, fewer hassles, and more time to start enjoying your trip right after landing.
It’s a quick mandatory online form that collects the same basic details immigration always needs:
India now joins modern systems used in places like Singapore, Australia, Japan, and Thailand — making the entry process faster and more reliable.
📌 Rule |
Details |
|---|---|
✅ Who must complete it |
All foreign nationals entering India — tourists on e-Visas, regular visa holders, and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders |
🚫 Who is exempt |
Indian passport holders only |
⏰ When to do it |
Anytime in the 72 hours before your scheduled arrival time — not earlier, and ideally not at the last minute |
🔗 Separate from your visa |
This is not a substitute for your visa or e-Visa. You still need a valid visa if your nationality requires one. |
The e-Arrival Card is separate from your visa or e-Visa. You still need a valid visa if your nationality requires one.
Do this on your phone, tablet, or laptop with a stable internet connection. No uploads needed — just text fields.
App name: Indian Visa Su-Swagatam — available free on iOS & Android
-
1Go to the official website or app
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival, or use boi.gov.in, or download the free “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” app on iOS/Android.
-
2Choose your visa type
Select either e-Visa or regular/paper visa to proceed.
-
3Enter your details — everything must match your passport exactly
- Full name, nationality, date of birth
- Passport number and expiry
- Flight number, arrival date, and airport/seaport
- Purpose of visit
- Exact address of your first stay in India (have your hotel booking handy)
- Email and phone number
- Countries visited in the last 6 days
-
4Review and submit
You’ll receive a confirmation email with a PDF containing a QR code.
-
5Save the PDF offline
Save the PDF on your phone or take a clear screenshot. Keep it ready offline — you won’t need to show it every time, but airlines might ask at check-in or boarding.
Some portals let you add up to 5 people in one submission — saves a lot of time.
- Do it 24–48 hours before departure when you have good Wi-Fi and all your flight and hotel details finalised.
- Double-check spelling — a wrong passport number can cause delays at immigration.
- If travelling with family, some portals let you add up to 5 people in one submission.
At major airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, etc.), the process is now almost entirely digital:
Step |
What Happens |
|---|---|
🚶 1. Head to counters |
Go straight to the foreign nationals / OCI counters or e-gates (where available) |
📷 2. Passport scan |
The officer scans your passport — your e-Arrival data pops up instantly on their screen |
🖐️ 3. Biometrics |
Fingerprints, photo, quick questions if needed |
🔖 4. Stamp & go |
Stamp in passport and you’re through! |
with e-Arrival Card ✅
Airlines (especially international carriers) now often check for the confirmation PDF at check-in, so have it ready on your phone before you reach the airport.
Tick these off and you’ll breeze through arrival:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity recommended)
- Valid visa or e-Visa (if required for your nationality)
- Booked first night’s accommodation (you’ll need the exact address)
- Complete e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of landing
- Save the confirmation PDF/screenshot offline on your phone
- Download an offline map or ride-hailing app (Uber / Ola) — Delhi and Mumbai airports have free Wi-Fi if needed
Official site: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
This simple digital upgrade is one of the easiest ways India has made travel more welcoming. Complete the form ahead of time and you’ll step off the plane ready to dive straight into the colors, flavors, and energy that make India unforgettable.
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