India Mandates Digital E-Arrival Card for Foreign Travelers

Beginning October 1, 2023, the Government of India has mandated that all foreign nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders submit a digital e-arrival card prior to entering the country. This initiative is integral to India’s strategy to enhance and digitize its immigration and border management systems.

Under the new procedure, travelers will no longer fill out traditional paper disembarkation forms during flights. Instead, they can complete an online version—the e-arrival card—before boarding their flights. The Bureau of Immigration defines an OCI cardholder as an individual “registered by the Government of India under Section 7A of The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2015.”

Objectives and Benefits of the E-Arrival Card

The introduction of the e-arrival card aims to streamline entry processes, minimize waiting times, and expedite immigration clearance at airports. This “digital-first” approach intends to create a smoother, safer, and more transparent travel experience for visitors to India.

The e-arrival card collects essential travel information, including passport details, flight number, address in India, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. Travelers are encouraged to complete the form up to 72 hours before their departure through the following official platforms:

– Indian Visa Online
– Bureau of Immigration
– Su-Swagatam mobile app

The online submission process is free and allows for the inclusion of details for up to five family members on a single form. Upon completion, travelers will receive a digital confirmation, which they can present at immigration counters upon arrival.

Transition Period and Visa Requirements

To facilitate the transition, the Bureau of Immigration has established a six-month grace period starting in October, during which both paper and digital forms will be accepted. However, travelers are strongly encouraged to adopt the online method early for a more efficient experience.

It is important to note that the e-arrival card is not a substitute for a visa. All travelers must secure a valid visa—be it a traditional visa or an e-visa—before entering India. For example, an American citizen visiting India on a business e-visa must also submit an e-arrival form. This requirement does not apply to Indian citizens or OCI cardholders traveling domestically within India.

For those unfamiliar with the process, here is a brief guide to filling out the e-arrival card:

1. Visit the official Bureau of Immigration or Indian Visa Online website.
2. Enter personal details: name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
3. Include your flight number, arrival airport, address in India, and contact number.
4. Select your purpose of visit.
5. Review your information carefully and submit the form.

The implementation of the e-arrival card represents a significant step towards modernizing India’s immigration procedures, aligning with global practices to enhance the travel experience for all international visitors.