India e-Arrival Card at Delhi Airport (IGI) 2026: Arrival Guide

What Is the India e-Arrival Card – and Why Delhi Travelers Need It

The India e-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital form that every foreign national must submit before arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi. Introduced by India’s Bureau of Immigration and made fully mandatory on April 1, 2026, the e-Arrival Card replaces the paper disembarkation card that Delhi Airport abolished on March 31, 2026. Travelers who fail to submit the form before landing face delays at Delhi’s Terminal 3 immigration counters.

The e-Arrival Card is available free of charge at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or through the official Su-Swagatam mobile app for iOS and Android. It is not a visa replacement – it is a digital arrival declaration required in addition to any valid Indian visa or eVisa.

Delhi IGI is India’s busiest international airport. The switch to digital processing at Terminal 3 has already shown measurable results, with Bureau of Immigration pilot data showing average immigration processing times dropping from 5-6 minutes to under 3 minutes per traveler.

Who Must Fill the e-Arrival Card Before Flying to Delhi

The e-Arrival Card requirement applies to all foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders arriving at Delhi IGI Airport. There are no exceptions based on nationality, visa type, or frequent visitor status. The rule covers:

• All foreign passport holders traveling to India on a tourist, business, or other visa
• OCI cardholders – including those with US, UK, Canadian, and Australian passports
• Travelers arriving on Indian eVisas
• Passengers connecting through Delhi on international routes

The only group exempt from the requirement are Indian citizens holding Indian passports. All others – regardless of how many times they have visited India – must complete it before every trip.

Travelers should note that airlines may check for e-Arrival Card completion at check-in. Missing the form can result in boarding complications and delays at Delhi T3 immigration.

Delhi Airport Terminal 3: What to Expect at Immigration

All international flights into Delhi IGI arrive at Terminal 3 (T3). After deplaning, follow signs to immigration. The process under the 2026 digital system works as follows:

• Approach the immigration desk with your passport, valid India visa, and the e-Arrival Card QR code (on your phone or printed).
• The immigration officer scans your QR code. This retrieves your pre-submitted arrival information instantly.
• Biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) is collected as usual.
• The officer reviews your visa, confirms your entry, and stamps your passport.

Bureau of Immigration pilot data from Delhi and Bengaluru shows average processing time fell from 5-6 minutes to under 3 minutes per traveler after the digital system was introduced. Delhi IGI processed over 20 million international passengers in 2024-25, making fast immigration clearance critical during peak periods.

If you did not submit the e-Arrival Card before landing, you will be directed to a manual kiosk area at Terminal 3 where you can complete it on-site, but this adds significant time to your processing.

e-Arrival Card vs Indian eVisa: Key Differences for Delhi Arrivals

Many travelers confuse the India e-Arrival Card with the Indian eVisa. These are two completely separate requirements:

Feature	e-Arrival Card	Indian eVisa / Visa
Purpose	Digital arrival declaration	Permission to enter India
Cost	Free	Paid (varies by nationality)
Required every trip	Yes	Depends on visa validity
When to complete	Within 72 hours before arrival	Days to weeks before travel
Who needs it	All foreign nationals + OCI	Most foreign nationals (not OCI)

OCI cardholders do not need an Indian visa but do need the e-Arrival Card. Both requirements must be satisfied before passing through Delhi T3 immigration.

For more information about travel to specific Indian airports, see our guide to the India e-Arrival Card at Mumbai Airport.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Delhi IGI Immigration

Immigration delays at Delhi Airport most often stem from e-Arrival Card errors. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Filling too early: The form becomes invalid if submitted more than 72 hours before arrival. Submit it the day before or day of your flight.
• Wrong address in India: Enter the hotel name and city accurately. Vague answers can cause questioning at immigration.
• Incorrect flight number: Use the exact flight number shown on your ticket, not a codeshare variant.
• Not saving the QR code: Download and save the QR code before you fly. Do not rely on mobile data or Wi-Fi at Delhi immigration.
• Using third-party sites: Only use the official government portal. Paid third-party services offer no advantage and take your personal data.
• OCI holders assuming exemption: OCI cardholders frequently assume they are exempt. They are not – all OCI cardholders must submit the e-Arrival Card.

For country-specific guidance, American travelers can refer to our India e-Arrival Card guide for US citizens, and British nationals should see our India e-Arrival Card guide for UK citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions – Delhi Airport e-Arrival Card

Do I need to fill the e-Arrival Card for a connecting flight through Delhi?

If you are arriving at Delhi IGI from outside India, even for a transit connection, you must complete the e-Arrival Card. Passengers who remain airside without clearing immigration may be exempt – check with your airline.

Can I complete the e-Arrival Card at Delhi Airport if I forgot?

Yes, manual kiosks are available at Delhi Terminal 3. However, this significantly increases your immigration processing time. Complete the form online before your flight.

Is the India e-Arrival Card free at Delhi Airport?

Yes. The e-Arrival Card is completely free at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival. Any website charging a fee is a third-party service.

Which terminal at Delhi Airport handles international arrivals?

Delhi IGI handles all international arrivals at Terminal 3 (T3), where immigration officers scan your e-Arrival Card QR code.

Do OCI cardholders need to fill the e-Arrival Card at Delhi?

Yes. OCI cardholders must complete the e-Arrival Card before arriving at Delhi IGI. The visa exemption does not extend to the e-Arrival Card.

How long before my Delhi flight should I fill the e-Arrival Card?

Complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival. Submitting earlier will invalidate the form.

What documents do I need at Delhi Airport immigration in 2026?

You need: (1) valid foreign passport, (2) valid Indian visa or eVisa, and (3) QR code from your submitted e-Arrival Card.

Ready to fill the India e-Arrival Card? Visit the India e-Arrival Card homepage for the complete application guide, or read our Mumbai Airport arrival guide if you are flying into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

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