What Is the India e-Arrival Card?
From 1 October 2025, every foreign national entering India must submit the e-Arrival Card (eAC) — a free digital form that permanently replaced the paper disembarkation card under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025. It is not a visa – it is a pre-arrival entry declaration linked to your passport, required alongside your valid visa or OCI card.
The form is completed entirely online via the official government portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or through the Su-Swagatam mobile app. There is no fee, and no third-party agent is needed. Upon submission, you receive a QR code that immigration officers scan at the border.
Learn more: What Is the India e-Arrival Card? Full Explanation
Who Must Complete the e-Arrival Card?
The following travelers must submit the eAC before arriving in India:
- All international tourists, business visitors, students, and medical travelers holding a foreign passport
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders – mandatory from 4 October 2025
- Foreign nationals entering by air, sea, or land port
- Transit passengers who clear Indian immigration (layovers over 24 hours entering the country)
Exemptions: Indian citizens holding a valid Indian passport are exempt. Airside transit passengers who remain in the international transit zone without passing through immigration are also exempt.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 4 October 2025 |
| Legal basis | Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 |
| Cost | Free – no fee |
| Submission window | Up to 72 hours before scheduled arrival |
| Official portal | indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival |
| Mobile app | Su-Swagatam (iOS and Android) |
| Confirmation | QR code (digital or printed) |
| Replaces | Paper disembarkation card |
How to Apply for the India e-Arrival Card
The eAC is completed in four steps through the official portal. No registration or account is required. The entire process takes under 10 minutes when you have your documents ready. For the full step-by-step walkthrough, visit our dedicated guide: How to Fill India e-Arrival Card – Step by Step.
Step 1 – Access the Official Portal
Open a browser and navigate to indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival. Alternatively, download the Su-Swagatam app from the App Store or Google Play. If you have previously submitted a form, use “Quick Fill From Existing Data” by entering your passport number and nationality to pre-populate fields.
Step 2 – Enter Your Details
Complete all four form sections:
If traveling with family, use the “Add Member” feature to include additional travelers under one submission.
Step 3 – Submit and Save Your QR Code
Review all information carefully – corrections after submission are not possible. Submit the form and immediately download or screenshot the QR code confirmation. Save it to your phone and, optionally, print a backup copy.
Step 4 – Show QR Code at Immigration
Present your QR code at airline check-in (staff may verify eAC completion) and again at Indian immigration. Officers scan the code electronically – no paper forms are issued or accepted at the port of entry.
Information Required to Fill the eAC
Before opening the form, gather the following documents and details:
- Valid passport – number, nationality, issue date, expiry date
- Valid Indian visa or OCI card number
- Confirmed flight number and scheduled arrival date
- Port of entry (arrival airport name)
- Accommodation address in India (hotel, Airbnb, or home address)
- Personal email address and phone number
- Emergency contact name and phone number
For OCI holders: you must enter both your passport number and your OCI card number. Ensure both documents are available.
e-Arrival Card vs. India e-Visa – Key Differences
These are two completely separate requirements. Many travelers confuse them – here is the clear distinction:
| Aspect | India e-Visa | India e-Arrival Card (eAC) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Grants legal permission to enter India | Entry declaration – confirms traveler identity and travel details |
| Who needs it | Most foreign nationals (not OCI holders) | All foreign nationals AND OCI holders |
| Cost | Paid – varies by nationality | Free |
| When to apply | Days or weeks in advance | Up to 72 hours before arrival |
| Required together? | Yes – foreign nationals need both a valid visa/eVisa AND the eAC | |
Summary: The e-Visa lets you into India. The eAC is what you declare when you arrive. Both are required for most foreign travelers.
OCI Cardholders and the e-Arrival Card
OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are treated separately in the eAC timeline. OCI holders were required to submit the eAC from 4 October 2025.
OCI holders do not need an Indian visa but must still complete the eAC. When filling the form, OCI holders select “OCI card” as their entry document and enter their OCI card number alongside passport details. The submission window (72 hours) and portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival) are the same as for other travelers.
What Happens If You Miss the e-Arrival Card?
Missing the eAC has serious consequences:
- Boarding denied: Airlines verify eAC completion at check-in. Without it, you may be denied boarding.
- Immigration delays: If you somehow board without an eAC, immigration processing will be significantly delayed at the Indian port of entry.
- No on-arrival alternative: Paper disembarkation forms are no longer available. There is no fallback option at the airport.
Always complete the eAC within the 72-hour window before your flight. If you submit too early (more than 72 hours before arrival), the system may reject your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the India e-Arrival Card free?
Yes, the India e-Arrival Card (eAC) is completely free. It is an official service of Indian Immigration and no fee is charged on the official portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival) or the Su-Swagatam app. Beware of third-party websites that charge fees for this free service.
When did the India e-Arrival Card become mandatory?
The India e-Arrival Card became mandatory for OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders from 4 October 2025. It became mandatory for all other foreign nationals from 1 April 2026, under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025.
How early can I fill the India e-Arrival Card?
You can submit the India e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in India. Submissions made more than 72 hours in advance may be rejected by the system. Aim to complete it 24-48 hours before your flight for best results.
Where do I fill the India e-Arrival Card?
Fill the India e-Arrival Card at the official portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival. You can also use the Su-Swagatam mobile app available on iOS and Android. Both are official government channels and produce the same QR code confirmation. No third-party websites or agents are needed.
Do OCI cardholders need to fill the e-Arrival Card?
Yes. OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders must submit the India e-Arrival Card. The requirement for OCI holders took effect on 4 October 2025 – earlier than the general April 2026 mandate. OCI holders enter both their passport number and OCI card number on the form.
Is the e-Arrival Card the same as an Indian visa?
No. The e-Arrival Card is an entry declaration form – not a visa. A visa grants legal permission to enter India; the eAC is a separate digital declaration of your travel details. Most foreign nationals need both a valid visa (or eVisa) and the eAC. OCI holders need the eAC but not a visa.
What happens if I forget to fill the e-Arrival Card?
If you do not complete the e-Arrival Card, you may be denied boarding by the airline at check-in. Paper disembarkation forms are no longer available at Indian airports – there is no on-arrival alternative. Always complete the eAC before reaching the airport.
Can I fill the e-Arrival Card for my whole family?
Yes. The India e-Arrival Card form includes an “Add Member” feature that allows you to include additional family members traveling with you under a single submission. Each member’s passport and travel details must be entered separately within the same application.
What document do I get after submitting the eAC?
After submitting the India e-Arrival Card, you receive a QR code confirmation sent to your registered email. Save this QR code on your phone or print a backup. Indian immigration officers scan the QR code at the border – no paper form is needed.
Do Indian citizens need the e-Arrival Card?
No. Indian citizens holding a valid Indian passport are exempt from the e-Arrival Card requirement. The eAC applies only to foreign nationals and OCI cardholders entering India.
Can I correct my e-Arrival Card after submission?
Corrections after submission are generally not possible through the standard form flow. Review all passport details, flight number, and accommodation address very carefully before submitting. If you notice a critical error, you may need to contact the Bureau of Immigration or submit a new application with accurate details before departure.
Ready to apply? Visit the official portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Need step-by-step help? Read our guide: How to Fill India e-Arrival Card
Want to understand more? See: What Is the India e-Arrival Card?
