From October 1, 2025, all travelers arriving in India must complete an electronic online form. Find out all about India’s new e-Arrival Card 2025 – who needs it, how to fill it online, deadlines, requirements, and expert travel tips for a smooth entry

From October 1, 2025, India has officially launched a new Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card) – a digital form that replaces the traditional paper boarding pass for foreign travelers, including citizens of Mauritius, Israel, and Sri Lanka.

This initiative is part of India’s ongoing effort to modernize its border procedures and improve the travel experience at airports across the country.

During the current six-month transition period, both the paper and electronic versions will be accepted, but travelers are strongly encouraged to complete the e-Arrival Card online before their trip to save time and avoid queues at immigration counters.

Read everything you need to know about the electronic arrival card in India in our detailed guide.

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What Is the e-Arrival Card in India?

The Electronic Arrival Card is a new digital system introduced by India’s Bureau of Immigration (BoI) to collect traveler information before arrival. It replaces the old paper cards that visitors used to fill out on the plane or upon landing. The e-Arrival Card gathers key data such as:

- Full name and passport details.

- Nationality.

- Flight information.

- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, medical, study, conference, etc.).

- Address in India and duration of stay.

- Countries visited in the last six days.

- Contact and emergency contact details.

The aim is to streamline immigration clearance, reduce waiting times, and strengthen border data management through a centralized digital system.

Who Needs to Complete the Indian e-Arrival Card?

All foreign nationals entering India must complete the online e-Arrival Card prior to arrival – this includes:

- Tourists

- Business travelers

- Students

- Medical visitors

- Conference attendees

- Short-term foreign residents or guests

Who should NOT fill out an e-Arrival Card in India?

1. Indian citizens.

2. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.

3. Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration are also exempt.

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When and Where to Submit the India e-Arrival Card? 

Travelers can fill out the online form up to 72 hours before arrival in India.

You can complete the form via:

- the official Indian Visa Online website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in). 

- or through the Indian Visa “Su-Swagatam” mobile app (App Store | Google Play).

After submitting the form, travelers receive a confirmation email.

Authorities recommend keeping a digital or printed copy for inspection upon arrival.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete the e-Arrival Card to India

Filling out the form is straightforward and takes about 5–10 minutes. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Visit the official portal or app

Open the official Indian Visa Online portal or download the Su-Swagatam app from your device’s app store (App Store | Google Play).

Step 2: Choose ‘e-Arrival Card’

Select the e-Arrival Card section. Make sure you are using the correct form – not the e-Visa application.

Step 3: Enter your personal and travel details

You’ll be asked to provide:

- Full name, gender, and nationality.

- Passport number and expiry date.

- Flight number and date of arrival.

- Purpose of visit (choose from a drop-down list).

- Address in India (e.g., hotel or host’s address).

- Duration of stay.

- Countries visited in the past six days.

Tip: Double-check spelling and passport numbers – incorrect data may cause delays at immigration.

Step 4: Review and submit

Make sure all details match your passport and visa.

Once submitted, you’ll receive an email confirmation containing your unique submission number.

Step 5: Save or print your confirmation

Although a digital version is accepted, it’s recommended to print a copy for easy inspection at the immigration desk.

What You’ll Need to Complete the Form e-Arrival Card India?

Before starting, prepare the following information:

- Valid passport.

- Visa or e-Visa approval.

- Flight details (airline, arrival airport, date, flight number).

- Accommodation details in India (hotel, friend, or business contact).

- Emergency contact information.

- Brief details of recent travel history.

Importantly! No supporting documents or uploads are required – only accurate data entry.

Why India Introduced the e-Arrival Card?

India’s Bureau of Immigration notes that the system is designed to:

- Enhance traveler convenience.

- Improve data accuracy and reduce manual errors.

- Support contactless immigration and shorter processing times.

- Integrate with the country’s Immigration Management System for real-time tracking.

The move follows a global trend toward digital border management, similar to systems already adopted in Singapore, the UAE, and the EU.

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Transition Period and Future Developments

Between October 2025 and March 2026, both paper and electronic versions of the arrival card will be accepted.

 However, most airports – including Delhi (Indira Gandhi International), Mumbai, and Bengaluru – are already encouraging travelers to go digital.

Airlines such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines have begun advising passengers to complete the form online before flying to India to avoid potential delays.

After the transition period, paper forms may be fully discontinued, and travelers who fail to submit the e-Arrival Card could face longer processing times at immigration.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival

1. Complete the form at least 24 hours before departure to be safe.

2. Use the same email address as in your e-Visa application for easy record matching.

3. If you’re traveling as a family, each traveler (including children) must complete a separate form.

4. Save a screenshot of the confirmation QR code or reference number.

5. Ensure your visa is approved before submitting the arrival card – the form does not replace a visa.

India’s new e-Arrival Card marks a major step toward fully digital travel documentation.

By moving away from paper forms, the country aims to make immigration faster, smarter, and more traveler-friendly.

For the best experience, complete your e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before your trip, carry your confirmation, and ensure all details match your visa and passport.

With a few clicks, your arrival in India will be smoother than ever.

Plan your trip to India (or any destination) with ease! 

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Let's remind you! South Africa is moving to a digital border control format. We have already talked about the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system: launch dates, implementation stages, processing rules and key benefits for tourists and business travelers.

Photo – Freepik

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