New Delhi: India has launched its e-Arrival Card system for international visitors, effective October 1, 2025, replacing traditional paper disembarkation forms. The digital initiative aims to make entry faster, safer, and more efficient for tourists, business travellers, and students.
The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all non-Indian nationals, including UAE visitors, but exemptions apply to Indian citizens and OCI cardholders. Applicants must complete the form online between 72 and 24 hours before departure via the Bureau of Immigration website, the Su-Swagatam app, or Indian Visa Online portal. No additional fee is required.
Required details include passport and flight information, purpose of visit, local address in India, and contact details. Upon submission, travellers receive a digital confirmation to present at immigration, eliminating the need for paper forms.
Officials said the e-Arrival Card will streamline immigration, enhance security, and improve the travel experience. It does not replace a visa, which remains a separate requirement.
The system is part of India’s broader digital transformation in travel infrastructure, supporting tourism and business by reducing processing times and creating a seamless arrival experience for international visitors.
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