E Arrival Card India – Complete Guide for Travelers

India’s immigration landscape shifted permanently on October 1, 2025, with the nationwide enforcement of the electronic arrival card. This digital document replaces the familiar paper disembarkation card that travelers once filled out during their final approach to Indian airports. Every foreign national entering the country by air, sea, or land must now submit this pre-arrival form through official online channels before departure.

The transition completed its final phase on April 1, 2026, when authorities permanently discontinued physical cards. The Bureau of Immigration now mandates that all visitors—including those holding Overseas Citizen of India cards—complete this digital immigration screening prior to arrival. Failure to submit the form within the specified timeframe results in denied entry clearance.

What Is the India e-Arrival Card and Who Must Submit It?

• The form is not a visa and does not grant entry permission; it supplements existing valid visas or OCI status.
• Submission is free of charge with no processing fees required.
• Each submission is valid for single entry only and expires upon arrival.
• The digital confirmation must be printed and presented alongside passports at immigration counters.
• Integration with India’s e-Visa system requires separate completion of both documents.
• Authorities recommend submitting 24 to 72 hours before travel to avoid technical delays.
• Physical paper cards are obsolete and no longer accepted at any port of entry.

How to Complete the Electronic Arrival Card Before Your Flight

The submission process requires careful attention to timing and accuracy. Travelers must access official government platforms rather than third-party services to avoid fraudulent charges or data compromise.

Official Platforms and Access Points

Three authorized channels exist for form submission. The primary portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival serves as the main interface for desktop users. The Bureau of Immigration website offers an alternative access point, while the Su-Swagatam mobile application caters to smartphone users. All platforms generate identical digital confirmations recognized at immigration checkpoints.

Required Information and Documentation

Applicants must prepare specific details before beginning the form. The system requires complete passport information including number and expiry dates, flight specifics such as arrival date and port of entry, and the declared purpose of visit—whether tourism, business, or medical treatment. Accommodation addresses within India, current contact details, and emergency contact information complete the mandatory fields.

Submission Process and Confirmation

After entering all required data, the system instantly generates a digital confirmation linked to the passport number. Travelers must print this document and carry it physically to present alongside their passport and visa at immigration. The confirmation contains a unique reference number that officers scan to verify pre-arrival registration.

Exemptions and Special Categories

While the e-Arrival Card applies broadly, specific