How to Apply for India e-Arrival Card: Step-by-Step with Screenshots 2026

How to Apply for India e-Arrival Card: Step-by-Step with Screenshots 2026

India e-Arrival Card Eligibility Checker

This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to fill in the India e-Arrival Card (eAC) online, with a screenshot of each field. Follow these steps carefully before arrival in India.

Before you start, have these ready:

  • Your passport open to the bio data page
  • Hotel booking or full accommodation address in India
  • An email address accessible during your trip
  • Your mobile phone number
  • An emergency contact phone number

Step 0 – Open the Official Portal

Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival – the only official and free India e-Arrival Card portal.

The official India e-Arrival Card portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival - t
The official India e-Arrival Card portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival – the complete form you need to fill in before arriving in India.
1Passport Number

Enter your passport number exactly as printed on your passport bio data page. No spaces or dashes.

  • US passport: 1 letter + 8 digits (e.g., A12345678)
  • UK passport: 9 digits
  • OCI cardholders: Enter your OCI card number
Step 1: Enter your passport number exactly as it appears on the bio data page (e
Step 1: Enter your passport number exactly as it appears on the bio data page (e.g., A1234567 for a US passport).
2Nationality / Region

Click the dropdown and select your nationality – the country that issued your passport. Scroll alphabetically or type to filter.

Step 2: Click the Nationality/Region dropdown to open the country list.
Step 2: Click the Nationality/Region dropdown to open the country list.

After selecting, your country appears in the field. Verify it matches your passport.

Step 2 (after selection): The dropdown shows UNITED STATES OF AMERICA selected.
Step 2 (after selection): The dropdown shows UNITED STATES OF AMERICA selected.
3Address in India

Enter your full accommodation address in India: hotel name, street, city, and PIN code. If staying with friends, enter their complete address.

Example: Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400001, India

Step 3: Enter your full accommodation address in India (hotel name, street, city
Step 3: Enter your full accommodation address in India (hotel name, street, city, PIN code).
4Email Address

Enter an active email accessible during your trip. Your eAC QR code will be sent here. Use your phone email for easy airport access.

Step 4: Enter an active email address accessible during your trip. The QR code w
Step 4: Enter an active email address accessible during your trip. The QR code will be sent here.
5ISD Code (Country Calling Code)

Enter your country ISD code without the + sign. Common codes: USA/Canada = 1, UK = 44, Australia = 61, Germany = 49.

Step 5: Enter your country ISD code without the + sign (e.g., 1 for USA, 44 for
Step 5: Enter your country ISD code without the + sign (e.g., 1 for USA, 44 for UK, 61 for Australia).
6Mobile Number

Enter your mobile number without country code, spaces, or dashes. Immigration may use this to contact you.

Step 6: Enter your mobile number without country code, spaces, or dashes.
Step 6: Enter your mobile number without country code, spaces, or dashes.
7Emergency Contact ISD Code

Enter the ISD code for your emergency contact – same format as Step 5, no + sign.

Step 7: Enter the ISD code for your emergency contact person.
Step 7: Enter the ISD code for your emergency contact person.
8Emergency Contact Number

Enter the phone number of your emergency contact (family member or close friend not traveling with you). No country code, spaces, or dashes.

Step 8: Enter the emergency contact phone number without country code, spaces, o
Step 8: Enter the emergency contact phone number without country code, spaces, or dashes.

Step 9 – Review and Submit

Review all fields before clicking Submit. Double-check passport number and email – these are the most common error fields.

Step 9: Review the completed form - verify passport number, email, and contacts
Step 9: Review the completed form – verify passport number, email, and contacts before clicking Submit.

After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email with your QR code. Save it – show it to immigration when you arrive in India.

After submitting:

  • Check your inbox and spam folder for the confirmation email
  • Save or screenshot the QR code on your phone
  • Show the QR code to immigration on arrival – no printing needed

Common mistakes to avoid | Portal troubleshooting

How long does it take to fill the India e-Arrival Card?

Approximately 5-10 minutes with all documents ready. The Su-Swagatam app reduces this to 2-3 minutes for returning travelers.

What if I made a mistake after submitting?

Submit a new form with the correct information. You cannot edit a submitted eAC. Only the most recent valid submission is used at the border.

Do I need to print the QR code?

No. Showing it on your phone screen at immigration is accepted. Save a screenshot as backup.

Arjun Sharma

Author: Arjun Sharma

Arjun Sharma is a travel documentation specialist and immigration consultant based in New Delhi, India. With over 10 years of experience helping Indian travellers navigate visa and arrival card requirements across Southeast Asia, he specialises in e-visa systems, arrival card registrations, and digital travel documentation. Arjun has personally assisted thousands of Indian passport holders with their travel paperwork and is passionate about making international travel accessible and stress-free for Indian citizens.