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Foreign nationals travelling to India will now face a major change at immigration counters. As of October 1, 2025, the country has replaced its long-standing paper disembarkation form with a digital e-Arrival Card. The change has reduced queues, saved time, and brought India’s border systems in line with practices already common in hubs such as Singapore and Malaysia.
Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are exempt from this requirement.
Note: The e-Arrival Card is not a visa. Foreign nationals must still hold a valid India eVisa before travelling. You may complete your India eVisa application separately prior to departure.
Until now, travellers arriving in India often found themselves queuing with pens in hand, filling out paper slips before approaching immigration. This extra step has been a source of delay for years. The new e-Arrival Card removes the paper stage entirely by allowing foreigners to complete the arrival information online.
The form itself is straightforward. Foreign nationals will need only five basic details:
No other documents are required at this stage.
The e-Arrival Card must be submitted within 72 hours (3 days) of arrival. Submissions are accepted through official and secure platforms:
Travellers are advised to submit early, double-check their details, and keep a screenshot or confirmation handy. Errors may cause delays at the counter.
For those planning to travel (tourists, business, students, e-Visa holders), the e-Arrival Card should be part of your travel checklist. This is just the digital version of the old arrival slip, only faster and far less stressful.
A few key reminders:
The e-Arrival Card is being introduced alongside other improvements to India’s border management. In 2024, the government launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders. That programme, started in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Ahmedabad, has expanded to additional airports.
With FTI-TTP easing entry for Indians and OCIs, and the e-Arrival Card simplifying the process for foreign nationals, India has reshaped immigration procedures on both sides. There is a clear intent to enable faster, more reliable entry for all categories of travellers.
The system was first launched at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, operated by GMR-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) in partnership with the Bureau of Immigration. Other airports have followed, but the nationwide requirement began the same day.
“The new facility will allow faster clearances and shorter waiting times,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL. He noted that reducing paper use is also part of the airport’s sustainability goals.
Passengers will now be able to walk off their flights with the confidence that their arrival details have already been recorded digitally.
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.
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