Arriving in India with an e-Visa: Airport Arrival Guide

What do I need in my hand when I land?

The government's e-Visa site tells travellers to carry a copy of the ETA and to confirm the status shows "Granted" before starting the journey. If you are unsure, see how to know your e-Visa is approved.

Do I need an arrival card for India?

Yes. Since 1 October 2025, foreign nationals can fill in the arrival (disembarkation) card online as the e-Arrival card, and Indian missions abroad ask travellers to submit it before they arrive. Foreigners and OCI cardholders can submit it within 72 hours before arrival on the Bureau of Immigration website, the Indian Visa Online portal or the official "Indian Visa Su-Swagatam" app. It records your arrival details; it is not a visa and does not replace your e-Visa. Step-by-step help: how to fill in the India e-Arrival card.

When it launched, a paper card stayed available for a transition period. Don't count on finding one: file online before you fly and keep the confirmation on your phone. The government has said no agent is authorised to charge a fee for the e-Arrival card, so ignore any site that asks for payment.

What happens at the immigration counter?

• Join the immigration queue for foreign passport holders and follow any signs for e-Visa holders.
• Hand over your passport and your e-Visa copy. The officer matches them against your approved application.
• Your biometric details are taken. The e-Visa site says this is mandatory on arrival.
• After the checks, your passport is stamped.

An approved e-Visa does not guarantee entry; the final decision rests with the immigration officer. Answer questions plainly and keep your hotel details and return or onward plans to hand.

Which airports and seaports accept the e-Visa?

You can enter only through the airports and seaports on the designated list published on the government e-Visa site, even though your visa itself is valid. The list includes major international airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and both Goa airports (Dabolim and Mopa). Cruise passengers can use designated seaports including Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Goa and Mangalore.

The list changes from time to time, so check it on the official e-Visa portal before you book, especially for a smaller airport, a cruise or an overland route. Exit points are on a separate list.

I renewed my passport after the e-Visa was issued. Can I still enter?

According to the e-Visa site, you can enter on the new passport as long as you also carry the old passport the e-Visa was issued on. Bring both. More on this in our guide to passport rules for the Indian e-Visa.

What can I bring through customs?

• Duty-free allowance: there is a limit on the value of goods you can bring in duty free; check the current amount in the Indian customs (CBIC) traveller guide before you fly.
• Cash: declare foreign currency notes worth more than USD 5,000, or foreign exchange worth more than USD 10,000 in total.
• Declaring goods: if you carry dutiable or prohibited items, you can file the customs declaration online through the CBIC ATITHI app before arrival.

Common problems on arrival

• Flying on a different passport from the one used to apply, without carrying the old one.
• Booking a flight into an airport that is not on the e-Visa entry list.
• Boarding before the status shows "Granted".
• Leaving the e-Arrival card until after landing instead of filing it before the flight.
• A name on the e-Visa that does not match the passport. This has to be fixed before travel, not at the counter.

For the 30-day e-Tourist visa, the 30 days start on the date of first arrival and it allows two entries. The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist visas allow multiple entries of up to 90 days per visit for most passports. An e-Visa cannot be extended in India, so plan your exit date before you land. See how many days the tourist e-Visa gives you.

Next step

If you haven't applied yet, apply at least 4 days before you fly; most complete applications are decided within 24–72 hours, though that is not guaranteed. You can apply directly on the Government of India e-Visa portal, or start your application with us and we check your details and files against your passport before submission.