New Delhi, March 2026: India has announced a major update to its immigration procedures, confirming the complete shift from paper-based arrival forms to a digital system for foreign nationals.
According to an official communication issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Delhi, under the Bureau of Immigration (Ministry of Home Affairs), the traditional Disembarkation (DE) Card will be discontinued effective 31 March 2026.
From 1 April 2026, all foreign nationals travelling to India will be required to complete the e-Arrival Card digitally prior to arrival, marking the end of manual form submissions at entry points.
Under the new system, foreign travellers must complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours prior to their arrival in India. The form is designed to capture essential travel and identification details in advance, allowing immigration authorities to process entries more efficiently.
The e-Arrival Card can be submitted through the following:
Travellers are advised to ensure that all information entered matches their passport details to avoid delays during immigration checks.
Authorities have clarified that while both physical and digital options are currently available, the paper-based Disembarkation Card will no longer be accepted after the March 2026 deadline.
Passengers who do not complete the digital form may face additional verification procedures upon arrival.
The introduction of the e-Arrival Card reflects India’s continued efforts to modernise border control systems. By replacing manual documentation with an online process, authorities aim to improve accuracy, reduce congestion at immigration counters, and enhance the overall arrival experience.
Travellers planning visits to India from April 2026 onwards should prepare to comply with this requirement to ensure smooth entry into the country.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
