Starting October 1, 2025, India officially launched a new digital e-Arrival Card system for all foreign travelers. This online system replaces the old paper disembarkation card that visitors used to fill out before landing. The aim is to make immigration smoother, faster, and more efficient while reducing paper use and manual errors.
The e-Arrival Card can be submitted online up to 72 hours before arrival through the official Indian visa website, the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) website, or the “Su-Swagatam” mobile app. During a six-month transition period, travelers who have not yet used the digital option will still be allowed to fill out the paper form at the airport.
What is the e-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card is a digital version of the Disembarkation Card (Form D) that passengers once completed on the plane before entering India. It collects basic personal details, travel history, flight information, and contact data.
This system connects directly with India’s immigration database, helping authorities process arrivals more efficiently. It also minimizes data entry mistakes and supports India’s move toward a paperless, technology-driven border control process.
The purpose behind introducing the e-Arrival Card is simple:
- To speed up immigration clearance
- To ensure accurate traveler data
- To reduce paper waste and manual processing
Who Needs to Submit the e-Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals, including persons registered as overseas citizens of India (OCIs), entering India must fill out the new e-Arrival Card. This includes travelers arriving with:
- Tourist visas
- Business visas
- Student visas
- e-Visas
- Employment visas
Who Doesn’t Need to Fill the e-Arrival Card:
- Indian passport holders
It’s best to check the latest requirements on the official Bureau of Immigration website before traveling.
How to Submit the e-Arrival Card
The process requires only a few simple steps:
- Visit one of the official portals:
- “Su-Swagatam” mobile app (available for download on app stores)
- Fill in your details: Enter your personal information, passport details, and flight number.
- Submit your form: The form can be completed up to 72 hours before your flight.
- Get a digital confirmation: After submission, travelers receive a digital acknowledgment or QR code, which should be shown to immigration officers upon arrival.
This QR confirmation acts as proof that the traveler has already completed the required pre-arrival formalities.
Is the e-Arrival Card the Same as the e-Visa?
No, these are two separate processes. As clarified by the U.S. Embassy, the e-Arrival Card is not part of the e-Visa application system. U.S. citizens, for example, must travel with both:
- A valid e-Visa (or physical visa issued by an Indian Consulate), and
- A valid e-Arrival Card submitted online before arrival.
Who Else Needs to Fill the Form?
Apart from regular visitors, the following travelers may also be required to complete the e-Arrival Card:
- Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders arriving in India.
- Transit passengers who exit the airport or transfer between terminals (for example, between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2).
However, if a passenger is connecting to another international flight within Terminal 3 and does not pass through immigration, the form might not be required.
Why the e-Arrival Card Matters?
The new system is part of India’s broader effort to modernize its immigration process and improve the travel experience for international visitors.
Key advantages include:
- Convenience: Travelers can fill out the form at any time before their flight, avoiding last-minute paperwork.
- Faster immigration: Pre-submitted information allows immigration officers to process arrivals more quickly, reducing wait times.
- Security: The data is securely linked to India’s immigration network, helping authorities verify travelers more efficiently.
- Eco-friendly: Replacing paper cards supports India’s sustainability goals by cutting down on paper waste.
A Step toward Smarter Travel
India’s introduction of the digital e-Arrival Card aligns with global best practices already in place in countries like Singapore and Malaysia. These nations have successfully adopted digital entry forms to simplify border procedures and enhance visitor convenience.
By adopting similar technology, India aims to make entry smoother for millions of international travelers every year — from tourists exploring cultural landmarks to business professionals attending conferences.
This change reflects a major shift in how India manages travel data, marking a bold step toward a faster, contactless, and paper-free immigration process that redefines convenience and efficiency for global travelers.
