Digital e-Arrival Card: Travelling to India is about to become faster and more seamless. From April 1, 2026, the Indian government is rolling out a fully digital e-Arrival Card system across all international airports, replacing the traditional paper-based disembarkation form.
This move is expected to significantly reduce waiting time at immigration counters and improve the overall passenger experience.
Foreign nationals arriving in India should fill their e‑Arrival Card online within 72 hours prior of their arrival in India.
What is the e-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card is a paperless digital form that international travellers must complete before landing in India.
Earlier, passengers were required to fill out a physical disembarkation form during the flight or upon arrival. This process often caused delays and inconvenience.
With the new system, all required information will be submitted online in advance.
When and How to Fill the Form?
- Time Window: Travellers can submit the form up to 72 hours before arrival in India
- Best Practice: It is recommended to complete it before boarding the flight
- QR Code: After submission, passengers will receive a QR code, which must be shown at the immigration counter
- You can either save it on your phone or carry a printout
Direct Link to apply Digital e-Arrival Card: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
Who Needs to Fill the e-Arrival Card?
There has been some confusion regarding eligibility. Here is a clear breakdown:
- Mandatory for:
- Foreign nationals
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders
- Not required for:
- Indian citizens
- Family Submission:
- A single form can include details of up to 5 family members
What Information is Required?
The form is simple and user-friendly. Travellers only need to provide:
- Passport details
- Flight number
- Address of stay in India
- Basic travel information
No document upload is required, making the process quick and hassle-free.
Why is India Introducing This System?
The shift to a digital system is driven by multiple factors:
- Faster immigration clearance
- Reduced waiting time (up to 40% less, based on pilot testing)
- Paperless and eco-friendly process
- Improved efficiency at busy international airports
This aligns with India’s push toward digital governance and smart travel infrastructure.
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