India has officially launched its new e-Arrival Card portal, allowing international travelers to submit their arrival details online before reaching the country. After a successful pilot phase, the system is now live at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival. Starting 1 October 2025, the e-Arrival Card will replace traditional paper disembarkation forms at immigration counters.
Who Needs to Apply for an E-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering India, whether traveling on an e-Visa, sticker visa, or permits for business, study, tourism, medical, or employment purposes. Categories include:
- International tourists
- Business travelers
- Medical visitors
- Students
- Conference attendees
- Researchers
Exemptions:
- Indian citizens
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders
A short transition period will allow both paper and digital forms, but the government strongly encourages the use of the online system for faster processing.
What You Need Before Applying
Before starting your application, ensure you have the following information ready:
- Full name and nationality
- Passport number and date of arrival
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, job, study, research, medical, conference)
- Countries visited in the last six days
- Local address in India
- Contact details and emergency contact information
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for India’s E-Arrival Card
- Visit the official portal: Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival. This is the only official government website—no third-party services are required.
- Fill in details: Enter personal, passport, travel, and local contact information.
- Submit within the timeline: Complete the form up to five days before your arrival. Most guidelines recommend submitting at least three days before your flight.
- Receive verification: Once submitted, you will get a digital confirmation. Print or save it on your device for presentation at immigration.
- Show verification upon arrival: Present your confirmation at immigration counters in India to proceed smoothly.
Important Notes for Travelers
- No document uploads are required; only typed information is needed.
- Indian citizens and OCI cardholders do not need to apply.
- The system is designed to reduce waiting times and improve border entry efficiency.
Why This Matters for Travelers
The transition to a digital arrival system aligns India with other countries such as the UK, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, which already use similar entry systems. This modernization will reduce queues, minimize paperwork, and create a faster and smoother experience for international visitors.
Conclusion
If you plan to travel to India on or after 1 October 2025, completing the e-Arrival Card online is essential. The process is quick, straightforward, and ensures a more seamless immigration experience.
FAQ
When does India’s e-Arrival Card system start?
The system is effective from 1 October 2025.
Is the e-Arrival Card mandatory for all travelers?
Yes. It applies to all foreign nationals, regardless of visa type, but excludes Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
Do I need to upload documents for the e-Arrival Card?
No. Only typed personal and travel details are required.
How early should I complete the e-Arrival Card?
You can submit the form up to five days before arrival, though three days is the recommended minimum.
Where do I apply for the e-Arrival Card?
Applications must be completed at the official government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival.