India e-Arrival Card 2026: Mandatory Digital Form for All International Passengers

Starting April 1, 2026, the Government of India has made the electronic Arrival Card (e-AC) mandatory for all international passengers arriving by air. This replaces the old paper disembarkation form that travelers used to fill out on the plane. The e-Arrival Card must be submitted online at least 72 hours before your flight lands in India.

This requirement applies to all foreign nationals, OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders, and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cardholders. It is separate from your e-Visa — even if your e-Visa is approved, you still need to complete the e-Arrival Card before traveling.

What Is the India e-Arrival Card?

The e-Arrival Card is a digital immigration form that collects your travel details, accommodation information, and purpose of visit. The Bureau of Immigration uses this data to pre-screen passengers and speed up the immigration process at Indian airports. It is not a visa — it is an additional documentation requirement that works alongside your e-Visa or regular visa.

According to Indian government officials, the digital system has already reduced average immigration processing times by up to 40% at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports. Airlines have been instructed to verify e-Arrival Card completion at the boarding gate, and major airports now have dedicated "e-Arrival Fast Lanes" for passengers who have completed the card.

How to Submit the e-Arrival Card

There are two ways to submit your e-Arrival Card:

1. Online Portal: Visit the Bureau of Immigration website at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ and fill out the digital form.
2. Su-Swagatam Mobile App: Download the official Su-Swagatam app (available on iOS and Android) and submit the form through the app.

After submission, you receive a QR code that must be presented — either digitally on your phone or as a printed copy — at the immigration counter upon arrival. Keep this QR code alongside your printed e-Visa ETA.

Information Required on the e-Arrival Card

The form asks for the following details:

• Personal Information: Full name (as on passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number
• Flight Details: Airline name, flight number, departure city, arrival airport in India
• Travel Details: Purpose of visit, expected duration of stay, address of accommodation in India
• Visa Information: Visa type (e-Visa, regular visa, OCI card), visa reference number
• Health Declaration: Basic health screening questions (similar to pre-COVID travel forms)
• Previous Visit History: Whether you have visited India before, and if so, your last date of departure

e-Arrival Card vs. e-Visa: Key Differences

Many travelers confuse the e-Arrival Card with the e-Visa. Here is how they differ:

Feature	e-Visa (ETA)	e-Arrival Card
Purpose	Entry permission to India	Immigration pre-screening form
Required for	Citizens of 166 eligible countries	All international passengers
Submission deadline	4-7 days before travel (recommended)	72 hours before landing
Processing time	72-96 hours	Instant (QR code generated immediately)
Fee	$25-$100 USD (government fee)	Free
Replaces	Traditional paper visa at embassy	Paper disembarkation/arrival form

What Happens If You Do Not Complete the e-Arrival Card?

Airlines have been directed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to verify e-Arrival Card completion before boarding. If you have not submitted the form at least 72 hours before departure, you may face delays at the boarding gate. At the immigration counter in India, passengers without a valid e-Arrival Card QR code will be directed to a secondary processing lane, which can add 30-60 minutes to your immigration clearance time.

While there is no fine for failing to complete the card (as of June 2026), Indian authorities strongly recommend completing it on time to avoid disruptions to your travel.

Tips for Completing the e-Arrival Card

• Complete it early: Submit the form as soon as you have your flight booking confirmed — do not wait until the last 72 hours.
• Match your passport exactly: Enter your name, date of birth, and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport. Any discrepancy may flag your QR code at immigration.
• Have your hotel address ready: You need the full address of your first accommodation in India. If staying with family, use their home address.
• Save the QR code: Screenshot the QR code and also print a copy. Phone batteries die at airports — having a paper backup prevents issues.
• Link it to your e-Visa: Enter your e-Visa reference number (ETA number) on the form so immigration can cross-reference both documents.

Timeline: When to Complete Each Step

1. 4-7 days before travel: Apply for your India e-Visa (if not already done)
2. 72+ hours before landing: Submit the e-Arrival Card online
3. At the airport: Show your e-Visa ETA printout + e-Arrival Card QR code at the e-Visa immigration counter

Both the e-Visa and e-Arrival Card are linked to your passport number. Immigration officers can verify both electronically, but carrying printed copies is always recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the e-Arrival Card the same as an e-Visa?

No. The e-Arrival Card is a free immigration pre-screening form. The e-Visa is your entry permit. You need both to enter India.

Do I need an e-Arrival Card if I have a regular (sticker) visa?

Yes. The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all international passengers regardless of visa type — e-Visa, regular visa, diplomatic visa, or OCI card.

Can I fill out the e-Arrival Card at the airport?

Technically yes, if there is WiFi available, but this is strongly discouraged. Airlines check for the QR code at the boarding gate, and filling it out last-minute creates unnecessary risk. Submit it at least 72 hours early.

Is there a fee for the e-Arrival Card?

No. The e-Arrival Card is completely free. Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge a fee for what is a free government service.