Attending to all of the different aspects of international travel can feel like you’re trapped in documents purgatory. However, in late 2025, the Indian government’s switch from paper forms to a Digital e-Arrival Card will provide a better structure for travellers. | India e-Arrival Card
If you’re a citizen of either the United States or United Kingdom, the e-Arrival card is one of several prerequisites needed to board a flight to India, whether that flight be to attend a corporate meeting in the business capitol of the country in Mumbai, or to attend a safari to see the Bengal tigers in Rajasthan. This requires some reading to make sure you understand the process, so there are no hiccups when you arrive.
What is the India e-Arrival Card?
An e-Arrival Card is a digital version of paper cards known to travelers as landing cards or disembarkation cards. Travelers are required to fill these cards in during a flight. The Bureau of Immigration uses these cards to log your arrival details, your reason for travel, and your Indian address. The e-Arrival Card is a paper requirement, and the e-Arrival Card is not a visa or an e-visa. A visa must be obtained and a visa must be presented during travel.
Who Needs to Complete It?
The e-Arrival Card must be filled out by the vast majority of travellers who do not hold an Indian passport. The following types of travelers hold Indian e-Arrival visas:
– Citizens of the United Kingdom and United States: All travellers in these two countries must fill out the e-Arrival Card, regardless of their age.
– Overseas Citizens of India (OCI): From October 2025 onward, people with Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) will be required to also fill out an e-Arrival Card.
– Visa Holders: Regardless of the length of the visa granted to you (i.e. a 5-Year visa or a visa that has been granted to you for 30 days), each traveler must also submit the e-Arrival Card for travel to legally be allowed to enter India.
Note: Currently, only Indian passport holders are excluded from this digital filing.
When and Where to Apply | India e-Arrival Card
Window of Submission: The form can be submitted only 72 hours before your arrival in India.
Official Portal: The form can be completed from the Indian Government’s official portal or from the “Su-Swagatam” mobile application, available on iOS and Android.
Cost: The Government of India has provided this service free of cost. Do not use any third-party websites that charge for this form
Step-by-Step: Completing the Form | India e-Arrival Card
In general, the process is simple. The filling process takes approximately 5-10 minutes. The following are required.
- Personal Details: Required details include your full name as given in your passport, date of birth and nationality.
- Travel Details: Required details include your passport number, flight number and date of your arrival.
- Contact Information: Your mobile number and email.
- Stay Information: Provide the address of your hotel or your host in India.
Family Travel: If your family is traveling along with you, you can add up to five family members in a single form, making it simpler for those who are traveling with minors.
What Happens Upon Arrival?
After you submit the form, a confirmation in the form of a QR Code will be generated.
Save it: The confirmation is to be saved on your mobile phone or can be saved via screenshot.
Print it: Although we prefer digital, having a printed copy is a backup for your phone dying or poor reception at the airport.
The Counter: At the immigration desk, the officer will scan your QR code. Since your data is already in the system, the “digital-first” strategy cuts your wait time at the counter substantially.
Quick Summary for US & UK Travellers | India e-Arrival Card
| Requirement | Status |
| Valid Passport | Must have 6 months validity & 2 blank pages. |
| Indian Visa | Required (e-Visa or Regular Visa). |
| e-Arrival Card | Mandatory (Complete 72h before landing). |
| OCI Cardholders | Mandatory (Must now complete the e-Arrival card). |
| Fee | $0 (Free of charge). |
Final Travel Tip
India is modernizing its borders rapidly. To avoid being held up in long lines or redirected to a kiosk upon landing, make the e-Arrival Card part of your “pre-flight checklist” alongside your boarding pass.
At India by Car and Driver, we want your journey to be as smooth as the roads we travel. Complete your digital formalities early, and let us handle the rest of your incredible Indian adventure!
You Can apply from here at Link
