India e-Arrival Card vs e-Visa 2026: Two Separate Documents, Both Required
The India e-Arrival Card and the India e-Visa are two completely different documents – you need both when traveling to India. The e-Visa grants permission to enter India and must be obtained before you travel. The e-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital arrival declaration, free of charge, submitted within 72 hours before landing at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or via the Su-Swagatam app.
What Is the India e-Arrival Card?
The India e-Arrival Card (eAC) is India’s mandatory digital immigration form that replaced the old paper disembarkation card on April 1, 2026. It collects arrival details including your flight information, port of entry, purpose of visit, length of stay, and accommodation address in India.
Once submitted, you receive a QR code that immigration officers scan alongside your passport at automated counters. The Bureau of Immigration reports that the shift to digital processing has already reduced average immigration processing times by up to 40% at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports.
Who Must Submit the e-Arrival Card
- All foreign nationals arriving in India – regardless of visa type (e-Visa, sticker visa, visa on arrival)
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders – required since October 1, 2025
- Travelers with any valid Indian visa, including business, tourist, medical, and student categories
Indian passport holders do not need to submit the e-Arrival Card.
When Was the e-Arrival Card Introduced?
The e-Arrival Card system launched as a pilot for foreign nationals on October 1, 2025, when OCI holders were also brought into the requirement. The full mandatory rollout for all international passengers took effect on April 1, 2026, when paper disembarkation forms were permanently discontinued at all Indian airports.
What Is the India e-Visa?
The India e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that permits eligible foreign nationals to enter India. Unlike the e-Arrival Card, the e-Visa must be obtained before you travel and carries a fee that varies by nationality and visa category.
The e-Visa is linked to your passport and specifies the type of entry permitted (tourist, business, medical, conference, etc.), how many entries are allowed, and the maximum duration of stay. You apply through indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa and receive approval before departure.
Types of Indian e-Visa
- e-Tourist Visa (eTV): For sightseeing, short visits, yoga, short-term courses
- e-Business Visa: For business meetings, trade, conferences
- e-Medical Visa: For medical treatment (can be extended)
- e-Conference Visa: For attending recognized conferences
Who Needs an e-Visa?
Nationals of over 160 eligible countries can apply for an Indian e-Visa online. Some nationalities require a traditional sticker visa from an Indian embassy. OCI cardholders do not need an e-Visa – their OCI card serves as a lifelong visa – but they do still need the e-Arrival Card.
e-Arrival Card vs e-Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
These two documents serve entirely different purposes. Here is a complete comparison of every key difference:
| Feature | e-Arrival Card (eAC) | e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Arrival declaration (records your entry) | Entry authorization (permits your entry) |
| Cost | Free | Paid (varies by nationality/category) |
| When to submit | Within 72 hours before arrival in India | Before travel, minimum 4 days in advance |
| Where to submit | indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or Su-Swagatam app | indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa |
| Who needs it | All foreign nationals + OCI holders | Eligible foreign nationals only (not OCI holders) |
| Validity | Single arrival (per trip) | 30-365 days depending on category |
| Output | QR code | eVisa document with authorization number |
| Required for OCI holders | Yes – from October 1, 2025 | No – OCI card is permanent visa equivalent |
| Replaces | Paper disembarkation card | Embassy/consulate sticker visa (for eligible nationalities) |
| Processing time | Instant (submit and receive QR code immediately) | 72 hours average (up to 5 business days) |
Do e-Visa Holders Also Need the e-Arrival Card?
Yes – absolutely. This is the most common source of confusion. If you have an India e-Visa, you still must submit a separate e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival. The e-Visa and e-Arrival Card are operated by different systems and serve different purposes.
Think of it this way:
- The e-Visa is your invitation to enter – it gives you permission
- The e-Arrival Card is your arrival notification – it tells immigration who you are and when you’re arriving
Airlines are required to verify your e-Arrival Card QR code at check-in or boarding. Without it, you may be denied boarding even if your e-Visa is perfectly valid. See our guide on the 72-hour submission rule for exact timing details.
How to Submit Each Document
Both documents are submitted online but through different portals:
How to Submit the e-Arrival Card
- Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or download the Su-Swagatam app
- Enter your passport number and nationality
- Fill in your flight details, arrival date, and accommodation in India
- Submit and download your QR code
- Show the QR code at check-in and at the immigration counter
The e-Arrival Card must be submitted no more than 72 hours before your scheduled Indian arrival time. Submitting too early results in rejection. Learn more in our 72-hour rule guide.
How to Apply for an e-Visa
- Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa
- Select your visa category and nationality
- Complete the application form with personal and travel details
- Upload a passport photo and passport scan
- Pay the fee and wait for email confirmation (usually within 72 hours)
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
The most frequent error is assuming the e-Visa covers the e-Arrival Card requirement. These are separate systems — your e-Visa approval does not generate an e-Arrival Card QR code. You must complete both independently.
Other common mistakes:
- Submitting the e-Arrival Card too early: Forms submitted more than 72 hours in advance are rejected. You must resubmit within the valid window.
- Forgetting OCI holders need eAC: Many OCI cardholders traveling to India don’t realize the e-Arrival Card became mandatory for them on October 1, 2025.
- Not downloading the QR code: Save or print the QR code – you need it at check-in and at immigration. Airlines may not board you without it.
- Using third-party websites: Only use official Indian government portals (indianvisaonline.gov.in) or the official Su-Swagatam app.
Need step-by-step help? Read our Su-Swagatam app guide or visit the e-Arrival Card application page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the India e-Arrival Card and e-Visa the same thing?
No. The India e-Arrival Card and e-Visa are two completely separate documents. The e-Visa grants permission to enter India and is obtained before travel (with a fee). The e-Arrival Card is a free digital arrival declaration submitted within 72 hours before landing. You need both.
Do I need an e-Arrival Card if I already have an Indian e-Visa?
Yes. Having an India e-Visa does not replace the e-Arrival Card requirement. You must submit the e-Arrival Card separately at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival, regardless of your visa type.
Is the India e-Arrival Card free?
Yes, the e-Arrival Card is completely free of charge. It is an official service of Indian Immigration available at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival and the Su-Swagatam app. Any third-party site charging a fee for this service is not official.
Do OCI cardholders need an e-Arrival Card?
Yes. OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders must submit the e-Arrival Card. This requirement became mandatory for OCI holders on October 1, 2025. OCI holders do not need an e-Visa (their OCI card serves as a permanent visa), but the e-Arrival Card is still required.
What is the difference between the e-Arrival Card and the old paper disembarkation card?
The e-Arrival Card is the digital replacement for the paper disembarkation card that was previously filled out on the aircraft. The paper form was discontinued on March 31, 2026. The e-Arrival Card must now be submitted online before arrival, not on the plane.
How long does it take to get the e-Arrival Card QR code?
The QR code is generated instantly upon submission. There is no waiting period – you fill in your details, submit the form, and receive your QR code immediately.
Can I submit one e-Arrival Card for my whole family?
Yes. Families of up to 5 people can submit a single consolidated e-Arrival Card form. This applies to family groups traveling together on the same flight with the same accommodation in India.
What visa types require an e-Arrival Card?
All types of Indian visas require the e-Arrival Card – e-Visa, sticker visa from Indian embassy, business visa, medical visa, student visa, and conference visa. Even visa-on-arrival holders and OCI cardholders must submit the e-Arrival Card.
