India e-Arrival Card 2026: Complete Guide for International Travelers

What Is the India e-Arrival Card?

The India e-Arrival Card (eAC) is a mandatory free digital declaration form that all foreign nationals and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders must submit before entering India. Effective from 1 April 2026 under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, the eAC permanently replaces the paper disembarkation card that was distributed on flights and at ports of entry. 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

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. Both channels are official, free, and produce the same QR code. 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:

• Section 1 – Personal Details: Full name (exactly as on passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue date, expiry date, visa type or OCI card number
• Section 2 – Arrival Details: Flight number, date of arrival, port of entry (airport/seaport/land border)
• Section 3 – Address Details: Full accommodation address in India (hotel name and address, or host address)
• Section 4 – Contact Details: Email address, phone number, emergency contact name and number

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. The QR code is your proof of eAC completion.

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:

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 – several months before the general April 2026 mandate for other foreign nationals.

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

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?