India Replaces Paper Disembarkation Cards with Mandatory Online e-Arrival Card from October 1, 2025 – What Every Traveller Needs to Know
- VISASUPDATE
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 26
New Delhi, March 26, 2026 — India has officially moved into the digital age at its borders. Starting October 1, 2025, all foreign nationals entering the country — including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders — must submit an e-Arrival Card online before arrival, completely replacing the traditional paper disembarkation card.
The reform, introduced by the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to modernize border management, speed up immigration clearance, and enhance security through better data collection.
Key Details of the New e-Arrival Card System
Mandatory for everyone: All foreign passengers, including OCI card holders (who were previously exempt), must complete the e-Arrival Card.
When to submit: Up to 72 hours before arrival (recommended to avoid last-minute issues).
How to apply: Through the official Indian Visa Online website or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
Required information: Passport details, flight information, purpose of visit, address in India, contact details, and basic health/travel declarations.
During a six-month transition period (until approximately April 2026), physical paper cards will still be available at airports and other entry points for those who haven’t completed the online form. However, authorities strongly encourage everyone to use the digital option for significantly faster processing.
Why India Is Making This Change
The shift to a fully digital e-Arrival Card is part of India’s broader digital transformation of immigration and border management. Benefits include:
Faster immigration queues at major airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc.)
Better real-time data for security and health monitoring
Reduced paper usage and administrative workload
Improved tracking of traveller movements
The change also aligns India with global best practices seen in systems like the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and the US ESTA.
Who Needs to Submit the e-Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals arriving by air, sea, or land
OCI card holders (no longer exempt following the October 4, 2025 regulation update)
Transit passengers who clear immigration
Indian citizens and holders of valid Indian visas who do not clear immigration (pure transit) are generally exempt.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete the e-Arrival Card
Visit the official portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in or download the Su-Swagatam app
Select “e-Arrival Card”
Enter passport information, flight details, purpose of visit, and address in India
Submit the form (takes 3–5 minutes)
Receive a confirmation with a reference number via email/SMS
Show the confirmation (digital or printed) at immigration if requested
Pro tip: Complete the form 24–48 hours before departure to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
What Travellers Should Prepare
Valid passport details
Flight itinerary
Address where you will stay in India (hotel or host address)
Purpose of visit (tourism, business, medical, etc.)
Contact number (Indian or international)
Transition Period and Enforcement
During the first six months, immigration officers will still distribute physical cards at airports for travellers who haven’t filled the online form. However, using the digital system is strongly recommended as it leads to faster clearance and fewer questions at the counter.
After the transition period ends (around April 2026), the e-Arrival Card will become fully mandatory, and paper forms will be phased out.
For the latest India visa rules, e-Visa updates, and entry requirements in 2026, explore our complete collection here: India Visa & Entry Requirements 2026
This digital upgrade marks another important step in India’s journey toward modern, efficient, and secure border management — making entry smoother for millions of genuine travellers while strengthening security screening.
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