(LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM) India has made digital pre-arrival entry paperwork mandatory for foreign visitors, requiring the Disembarkation card (e-Arrival card) to be filled out online before landing in the country. The High Commission of India in London said the rule took effect on October 1, 2025, and applies to all non-Indian passport holders arriving by air or sea. Authorities say the move is part of wider digitisation of border procedures aimed at quicker processing at immigration counters.
Under the new system, travelers must complete and submit the e-Arrival card up to 72 hours before arrival. Officials have provided three official channels for submission: the Bureau of Immigration, the dedicated e-Arrival page on the Indian visa platform at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival, and the government’s “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” mobile app. The digital card records key passenger data that officers use to verify identity, route, and reason for travel on entry.
Authorities will accept the paper Disembarkation card only for a short window while systems settle. The High Commission stated that physical cards will continue “temporarily,” with Indian government advisories clarifying the grace period is up to six months from October 1, 2025, or until further notice. Travelers are strongly urged to switch to the online process as soon as possible to reduce delays at busy ports of entry.
Policy changes — what you must provide and why it matters
The digital form is straightforward but must be filled out carefully. Travelers enter:
- Personal details: full name as shown in the passport, nationality, passport number.
- Travel details: airline or vessel, flight number, date of arrival, recent countries visited.
- Purpose of visit: tourism, business, study, medical, or other.
The government stresses accuracy, because any mismatch with the passport can slow inspection or require re-checks. The system time-stamps each submission to confirm it was sent within the permitted window.
Submitting the e-Arrival card does not replace the visa. It sits alongside the visa requirement.
Visitors still need a valid visa—whether sticker, visa-on-arrival where applicable, or electronic visa—and must also have a completed e-Arrival card before boarding. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, many travelers confuse the e-Arrival with the e-Visa because both involve online filing. In practice, the e-Visa is the permission to enter, while the e-Arrival is an arrival declaration that helps frontline officers process passengers more quickly.
Where to file
You can file the e-Arrival card via:
- The Bureau of Immigration main portal for general access and guidance.
- The direct e-Arrival submission page at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival, which functions as the official online form.
- The “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” app, which supports filing, status checks for visa applications, emergency information, and cultural guidance.
Impact on travelers and airports
This digitisation push affects groups differently:
- Tourists: Can expect shorter time in the arrivals hall during peak seasons.
- Business travelers: May see faster clearance during busy weekday arrivals.
- Students and patients: Should double-check they complete the right form and keep a digital copy on their phone.
Airlines may adjust their document checks. Carriers already verify visas at departure and may also ask for evidence that the e-Arrival card has been submitted. While the Indian government has not mandated airline checks in its public notice, carriers often add verification steps when digital entry forms are introduced. Having a screenshot or confirmation email can help avoid last-minute stress at the gate.
For families, the rule applies to each traveler, including older children with passports. Parents or guardians can complete the online card on behalf of minors. People without steady internet access can use airport Wi‑Fi before departure, but officials advise completing the form well in advance rather than leaving it to the last minute. The government’s 72-hour window gives travelers a clear timeline: submit within three days before landing, not earlier.
Transition and the paper fallback
The rollout includes a temporary paper option as a safety valve. This back-up is important for:
- Elderly visitors who may find apps and web forms hard to use.
- Situations where connectivity is poor.
However, the paper Disembarkation card is temporary. Once the grace period ends, officers will expect digital submissions only. Travelers relying on the paper card during the transition should plan to move to the online method on their next trip.
Border officials say the digitisation will help:
- Spot errors before arrival.
- Speed up identity checks.
- Reduce manual data entry.
For travelers, that should mean shorter lines and fewer repeat questions. For India’s busiest airports, small time savings per passenger can add up across thousands of arrivals.
Practical steps for a smooth trip
- Complete the e-Arrival card on the official page at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival within the allowed 72-hour window.
- Ensure your name matches your passport exactly; check passport numbers and travel dates.
- Save or print your confirmation; carry it with your passport and visa.
- If traveling in a group, confirm each person has submitted their own form.
- If you make last-minute travel changes, update your submission if possible, or be prepared to explain changes at the border.
About the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” app
The app provides a central place to handle both visa tasks and arrival filing. Officials highlight features for first-time visitors, including emergency contacts and basic local information for major Indian cities. The app is optional—everything can be done on the website if preferred. People using screen readers or older devices may find the website more stable.
Compliance and recommendations
Officials have not announced penalties for failing to submit the e-Arrival card during the brief paper crossover period, but once the paper option ends, airlines and border officers will expect digital proof. Non-compliance could lead to delays or being denied boarding until the online form is completed.
Recommended actions for organizations and institutions:
- Travel agents and corporate travel managers: update client checklists and traveler briefings.
- Companies moving staff: add the e-Arrival card to standard travel packs, with direct links to the Bureau of Immigration and the e-Arrival portal.
- Universities welcoming international students: include step-by-step guides in welcome emails.
Global context and final note
India’s decision mirrors a broader global shift to digital border forms. Many countries now ask for pre-arrival data so officers can process passengers faster once they step off the plane. India’s approach—keeping the paper Disembarkation card for a short time while the system scales—offers a softer landing for less tech‑savvy travelers, while still moving the bulk of entries online.
Key takeaway: Treat the e-Arrival card as part of your pre-flight checklist—alongside passport validity and visa documentation—to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
India has instituted a mandatory digital Disembarkation procedure requiring all non-Indian passport holders arriving by air or sea to submit an e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before landing, effective October 1, 2025. Submissions are accepted through the Bureau of Immigration website, the indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival portal, or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app. The paper Disembarkation card will remain temporarily available for up to six months as a fallback. The e-Arrival complements, but does not replace, existing visa requirements. Officials advise travellers to ensure passport data matches the form, save confirmation receipts, and complete submissions in advance to avoid delays at immigration and possible airline checks.
