India Launches e-Arrival Card to Streamline Immigration Process

Foreign travellers arriving in India can now bypass the hassle of paper disembarkation forms at immigration counters. As of October 1, the Indian government has introduced the mandatory e-Arrival Card for non-Indian nationals. This digital solution aims to simplify the entry process, making it faster and more efficient for international visitors.

The e-Arrival Card is available through the Bureau of Immigration website, the Su-Swagatam app, and the Indian Visa Online portal. It requires only essential information such as passport number, nationality, purpose of visit, contact details, and a local address in India. Notably, there is no fee associated with this card, nor is there a requirement to upload any documents. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are exempt from this requirement, according to a report from the Economic Times.

Enhancing Immigration Efficiency

Officials have indicated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to streamline immigration processes and alleviate congestion at airports. Long queues at arrival counters have been a significant inconvenience for international travellers. The introduction of the e-Arrival Card is expected to reduce these bottlenecks, facilitating a smoother transition for newcomers.

The digital card aligns with the Indian government’s ongoing commitment to technology-driven border management. This includes the Fast Track Immigration, Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), which was expanded earlier this month. The programme is now operational at 13 airports across the country, including newly added locations such as Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode, and Amritsar. Upcoming expansions will include Navi Mumbai and Greater Noida.

According to data, nearly 300,000 individuals have registered for the FTI-TTP, with over 265,000 already utilizing it to expedite their entry into India. Participants in the programme reportedly experience clearance times of just 30 seconds.

Positioning India as a Global Destination

With both the e-Arrival Card and the FTI-TTP in operation, India is actively positioning itself as a more attractive destination for tourists and business travellers alike. The focus on reducing wait times and improving the overall travel experience signals the country’s dedication to enhancing its appeal on the global stage.

This digital transformation not only serves foreign visitors but also offers returning Indians and OCI holders a frictionless travel experience. As the world increasingly embraces digital solutions, India’s proactive approach may set a standard for other nations looking to modernize their immigration processes.