Digital Revolution: India Introduces E-Arrival Card
With the introduction of E-Arrival Cards, India is transitioning to digitalized airport entry processes. This change aims to ease travel by reducing queue times and simplifying documentation, making it easier for foreigners and OCI cardholders to enter the country starting April 1, 2026.
Highlights
- •E-Arrival Card mandatory in India from April 1, 2026
- •Streamlined airport entry for foreign nationals and OCI cardholders
- •QR code replaces traditional paper-based forms
- •Up to five family members can be covered by a single form submission
Starting April 1, 2026, a significant change is coming to India's airport entry procedures. Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders will be required to use the E-Arrival Card, an online form that replaces traditional paper-based forms. This move aims to streamline processes and reduce queue times for travelers.
The E-Arrival Card is a straightforward digital solution where passengers can fill out a form on their mobile devices or computers, prior to boarding their flight. Upon submission, participants receive a QR code that can be scanned upon arrival at the airport by immigration officials, reducing delays and simplifying entry procedures.
Key Groups Affected
This requirement is mandatory for foreign nationals and OCI cardholders, including those traveling as tourists, students, or business professionals. However, Indian citizens are exempt from using this new system. Nevertheless, the E-Arrival Card can still help in managing multiple travelers efficiently within a group.
One impressive feature of the E-Arrival Card is that it streamlines family travel. A single form submission can cover up to five family members simultaneously, making the process smoother and more convenient for groups traveling together, including families with children or extended relatives.
What Information Does the Form Contain?
Filling out the E-Arrival Card is straightforward and only requires minimal details such as the passenger's passport number, issuance date, and expiry date, flight information (flight number, arrival date, airport), phone numbers, email addresses, a brief description of the visit purpose, and accommodation address.
You have up to 72 hours before your scheduled flight to complete this form, ensuring you can make last-minute travel plans without worry. However, as of April 1, 2026, physical forms will no longer be accepted at airports.
The official submission sites for the E-Arrival Card include: Bureau of Immigration (boi.gov.in), Indian Visa Online Portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in), and through the Su-Swagatam App. These portals ensure a hassle-free experience for travelers navigating this new system.
