India Implements Mandatory e-Arrival Card for International Travelers Starting April

India has introduced a significant change in its entry process for international travelers. Starting April 1, 2026, all foreign passport holders and OCI cardholders must complete an e-Arrival Card before arriving in the country. This digital system replaces the earlier paper-based form that travelers used to fill out on flights or at the airport. According to authorities, the new process aims to streamline entry, reduce long queues, and improve overall data management at immigration checkpoints.

The e-Arrival Card is an online form that must be completed up to 72 hours before arriving in India. Travelers can fill it using a smartphone or computer. Once submitted, the system generates a QR code, which must be presented to immigration officials at the airport. Scanning the QR code allows for a faster, smoother entry process compared to the previous paper method.

This requirement does not apply to Indian citizens but is mandatory for all foreign passport holders and OCI cardholders. It covers tourists, business travelers, and students. For families or groups traveling together, one person can submit details for up to five individuals at once, simplifying the process for group arrivals.

Filling out the e-Arrival Card is straightforward and does not require uploading documents. Travelers must provide passport details, flight number, arrival date, and the airport of entry. Additionally, they need to enter a contact number, email, purpose of travel, and the address where they will stay in India. The form can be submitted via three platforms: the Bureau of Immigration website, the Indian Visa Online portal, or the Su-Swagatam mobile app. After submission, travelers should save the QR code by downloading it or taking a screenshot, which will be shown to immigration authorities upon arrival.

If a traveler forgets to fill out the e-Arrival Card, they will not be denied entry into India. However, such cases may be subject to additional checks, which could increase the time required for immigration processing. The new system is designed to make travel smoother while keeping airport procedures organized and efficient.