India Introduces Digital Arrival Card for Foreign Nationals and OCI Cardholders

Strategic Insights -

The Government of India has made it compulsory for all foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders to submit a digital e-arrival card before entering the country, starting from October 1. The new rule aims to simplify entry formalities, save time, and speed up clearance at Indian airports. The digital arrival card will replace the traditional paper disembarkation forms, which will no longer be required.

Key Takeaways:

  • The e-arrival card is an online form that collects details about a traveller's visit to India, including passport information, flight number, address of stay, purpose of visit, and duration of stay.
  • Travellers can fill out the digital form up to 72 hours before their travel date through official platforms, including the Indian visa website, the Bureau of Immigration website, or the Indian visa Su-Swagatam mobile app.
  • Once the form is submitted, travellers will receive an online confirmation that can be shown at the immigration counter upon arrival.
  • The entire process takes just a few minutes, and no additional documents or uploads are needed.
  • Travelers can include up to five family members on a single form.
  • The government has announced a six-month transition period, during which both digital and paper forms will be accepted at airports and seaports.
  • The e-arrival card is a separate requirement from the e-Visa system and is mandatory for all foreign nationals and OCI cardholders.
  • Travellers still need a valid visa, either a traditional visa or an e-visa, to enter India.

Statistics:

  • The digital arrival card will reduce the time spent on immigration formalities by travelers and authorities.
  • The e-arrival card can be filled out up to 72 hours before travel.
  • The online platform for filling out the e-arrival card is free to use.
  • The e-arrival card is available on three official platforms: Indian Visa Online, Bureau of Immigration, and Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app.

Sources:

  • "India introduces digital arrival card for all foreign and OCI visitors" (IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.)
  • "What is E-arrival card and how it works" (IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.)
  • "Guide to filling the E-arrival card" (Copyright 2025 IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., distributed by Contify.com)
  • Bureau of Immigration (boi.gov.in)