Shalu Sharma's Blog: India’s New e-Arrival Card: Everything Travelers Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to India, there’s an important update you should know about. The e-Arrival Card, recently introduced by India’s Bureau of Immigration, has officially replaced the old paper disembarkation forms. This new system is part of India’s digital transformation to make international arrivals faster, simpler, and paper-free.

Below is everything you need to know about what the e-Arrival Card is, who needs it, how to fill it out, and a few practical tips to make your entry into India completely hassle-free.

What Is the e-Arrival Card?

The e-Arrival Card is a digital form that every foreign traveler entering India must now complete online before arrival. It collects basic arrival details such as your name, passport number, contact details, purpose of visit, accommodation address in India, and the list of countries you’ve visited in the last six days.

Previously, travelers had to fill out a small paper disembarkation card during their flight or after landing. Now, the process is entirely digital. By moving online, India aims to make the immigration process faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly.

This new digital system also helps immigration officers verify your information ahead of time, reducing queues and waiting times at arrival counters.

Who Needs to Fill Out the e-Arrival Card?

All foreign nationals entering India must fill out the e-Arrival Card before arrival this includes

Tourists
Business travelers
Students
Medical visitors
Professionals
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI card holders)

The only people exempt from filling the e-Arrival Card are Indian citizens traveling on Indian passports.

If you’re an NRI with an Indian passport, you’re exempt. However, if you’ve taken up foreign citizenship and travel on a foreign passport (even with an OCI card), you must complete the e-Arrival Card.

Parents can fill out the form on behalf of minors or dependents, and families can submit multiple travelers together in one go.

When to Complete the e-Arrival Card

The e-Arrival Card must be filled out within 72 hours before arriving in India. This means you can submit it anytime in the three days before your scheduled arrival.

For example, if your flight lands in India on Friday, you can complete the e-Arrival Card anytime between Tuesday and Friday before arrival.

It’s best not to leave it until the last minute fill it out at least a day or two before your flight to avoid delays or technical issues.

If you forget to fill it in advance, some airports may still allow you to complete a paper form during this initial rollout period, but the online method is faster and soon will become mandatory for all travelers.

How to Complete the e-Arrival Card

You can fill out the e-Arrival Card online through the official government platforms:

1. Official Website

Visit the Indian Visa Online Portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) and select the e-Arrival Card section.
You can complete the form using a desktop, laptop, or mobile device.

2. “Su-Swagatam” Mobile App

Download the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam App (available on Android and iOS).
The app allows you to complete the form directly from your smartphone perfect if you’re traveling or don’t have easy access to a computer.

Important: The e-Arrival Card is completely free of charge. Avoid unofficial websites that ask for payment or personal data.

Information You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have these details ready:

Personal details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, gender.
Passport details: Passport number, country of issue, expiry date.
Travel details: Flight number, date of arrival, and port of entry (airport).
Purpose of visit: Tourism, business, visiting family, etc.
Address in India: Your hotel, friend’s, or relative’s address (use the first stop or main accommodation).
Contact information: Email and phone number for receiving your confirmation.
Recent travel history: List of countries visited in the last six days.

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation message via email or SMS. It’s a good idea to print or screenshot the confirmation and keep it with your travel documents.

Step by Step Guide

Go to the official portal or open the Su-Swagatam app.
Enter your personal, passport, and travel details.
Add your accommodation address in India.
Declare the countries visited in the past six days.
Add family members if traveling together.
Review your entries carefully and submit.
Save or print your confirmation for arrival.

The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes when you have your information ready.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival

For All Travelers

Complete your e-Arrival Card at least 24 hours before your flight.
Use only the official government portal or app.
Double-check your passport number and spelling of your name, they must match your passport exactly.
Print the confirmation and carry it with your travel documents.
Keep your email confirmation accessible on your phone.

For Tourists

Have your hotel booking details handy for the address section.
Be sure the purpose of visit matches your visa (e.g., tourism for a tourist visa).

For Business Travelers

Enter your meeting venue or company’s address in India.
Keep a copy of your invitation letter or meeting schedule in case immigration requests it.

For NRIs and OCI Holders

OCI cardholders must complete the e-Arrival Card.
If you’re helping parents or elderly relatives, fill in the form for them online before travel.
Carry printed confirmation to avoid confusion at immigration counters.

For Families

You can add multiple travelers in one submission, but ensure each person’s details are correct.
Parents can fill out the forms for children or dependents.

Transition Period and Notes

During the transition period, both digital and paper forms are accepted at Indian airports. However, travelers are encouraged to use the digital version only.

Eventually, paper forms will be completely discontinued, so it’s best to get used to the new system now.

Also remember:

The e-Arrival Card does not replace a visa. You must still have a valid Indian visa or OCI card.
Keep an eye on your confirmation email it serves as proof of submission.
If you face website issues, try using the Su-Swagatam mobile app or switch to a different browser.

Final Thoughts

India’s e-Arrival Card is a big step toward a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly immigration process. By completing it online before you fly, you’ll save time at the airport and enjoy a smoother arrival experience.

Whether you’re visiting for business, family, or pleasure, the new e-Arrival Card ensures that your entry into India is quick, paperless, and stress-free.

Safe travels and welcome to Incredible India!