India mandates digital e-Arrival card for foreign travellers from April 1


India will replace paper disembarkation forms with a mandatory digital e-Arrival card for foreign nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders from April 1, 2026, ending a six-month transition period during which both formats were accepted.

The digital e-Arrival card, introduced in October 2025, must be submitted within 72 hours prior to arrival in India. It is not a visa but a data collection and security tool designed to record key travel details, including entry information, purpose of visit and stay details.

Travellers will be required to provide information such as name, nationality, passport details, contact information, flight details and the purpose of their visit while filling out the form.
The card can be submitted through the Bureau of Immigration website, the Indian visa online portal, or the Su-Swagatam mobile application. Upon submission, travellers will receive a QR code, which must be presented at immigration for verification.

The requirement applies only to foreign nationals and OCI cardholders, while Indian citizens are not required to complete the form.

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