OCI Cardholders and the India e-Arrival Card: The 2025 Rule Change
Since October 4, 2025, all OCI cardholders must complete the India e-Arrival Card before every trip to India – the previous exemption no longer applies. This was a significant change in Indian immigration rules: OCI holders who were previously waved through without an arrival card now need to submit the free digital eAC within 72 hours before landing. The rule became mandatory for all travelers (including OCI) on 1 April 2026.
If you hold an Overseas Citizen of India card and plan to travel to India, you need the India e-Arrival Card every time. There are no exceptions for OCI holders based on visit frequency, travel purpose, or length of stay.
What Changed on October 4, 2025?
The October 2025 rule change was a pivotal shift in how OCI cardholders are treated at Indian immigration – understanding what changed prevents confusion at check-in and at the airport.
Before October 2025: OCI Holders Were Exempt
Until October 2025, OCI cardholders were exempt from all Indian arrival card requirements. They arrived in India, presented their OCI card and foreign passport, and cleared immigration without completing any arrival form. The paper disembarkation card – which foreign nationals filled in on the plane – did not apply to OCI holders.
After October 2025: eAC Now Required for OCI
Effective October 4, 2025, the Indian government officially included OCI cardholders in the India e-Arrival Card requirement. The official announcement was made by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco and confirmed by multiple Indian embassies worldwide.
From this date, OCI cardholders traveling to India are required to complete the India e-Arrival Card before every trip, submitted within 72 hours before arrival. Failure to submit may result in delays at immigration clearance. The requirement was formally extended to mandatory status for all travelers from 1 April 2026.
Does an OCI Cardholder Still Need a Visa?
No – OCI cardholders do not need a separate Indian visa. The OCI card itself serves as a lifelong, multiple-entry visa equivalent for India. You do not apply for a tourist visa, e-Visa, or any other Indian entry permit if you hold a valid OCI card.
However, the OCI card does NOT exempt you from the India e-Arrival Card. These are two separate requirements:
- OCI card – replaces the Indian visa, grants entry permission for life
- India e-Arrival Card – immigration arrival form, free, submitted before each trip
You need both. This is the most important point for OCI cardholders to understand. Many OCI holders arriving from October 2025 onward were turned away at check-in because they assumed their OCI card covered everything – it does not cover the eAC.
Common Mistakes OCI Holders Make
These are the most frequent errors OCI cardholders make with the India e-Arrival Card – avoiding them saves time and prevents problems at check-in.
- Thinking OCI card = no eAC needed – This was true before October 4, 2025. It is no longer true. Always submit the eAC.
- Entering OCI number in passport field – Your foreign passport number goes in the passport field. Your OCI card number goes in the OCI card field. They are different.
- Submitting too early – The eAC window is 72 hours before arrival. If you submit more than 72 hours before your flight, you may need to resubmit.
- Not saving confirmation – Always download or screenshot the confirmation email. The reference number may be checked by your airline at boarding.
- Using a third-party paid service – The India e-Arrival Card is free. Always use indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or the Su-Swagatam app.
- Forgetting to submit for children – Each OCI cardholder – including children – needs their own individual eAC. Parents must submit separate forms for each child.
For more on who is and isn’t required to fill the eAC, see our India e-Arrival Card eligibility guide. For a full list of documents required, see our requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions for OCI Cardholders
Do I need an India e-Arrival Card if I have an OCI card?
Yes. Since October 4, 2025, OCI cardholders must submit the India e-Arrival Card before every trip to India. This requirement became mandatory for all travelers from 1 April 2026. The OCI card replaces your Indian visa but does not exempt you from the eAC.
Why did the rules for OCI cardholders change?
The Indian government’s Bureau of Immigration extended the e-Arrival Card requirement to OCI cardholders as part of a broader digitization of India’s immigration processes. The goal is to replace all paper arrival forms with a digital system. OCI holders were included in this change from October 4, 2025.
Do I need a visa to enter India as an OCI cardholder?
No. Your OCI card is a lifelong visa equivalent for India – you do not need to apply for a tourist visa, e-Visa, or any other Indian visa. However, you do need to submit the India e-Arrival Card before each trip. OCI card + eAC = what you need to enter India.
Where do I enter my OCI card number on the eAC form?
The India e-Arrival Card form at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival has a dedicated OCI card number field. Enter your OCI card number exactly as printed on the front of your OCI card. Do not enter it in the passport number field. Your foreign passport number and OCI card number are both required.
My OCI card has not expired. Do I still need the eAC?
Yes. The validity of your OCI card has no bearing on the India e-Arrival Card requirement. Whether your OCI card expires in 2045 or was issued last year, you still need to submit the eAC within 72 hours before each arrival in India.
I’m a child with an OCI card. Do I need my own eAC?
Yes. Every traveler – including children and infants with OCI cards – needs their own India e-Arrival Card. Parents or guardians submit the form on behalf of their children using the child’s foreign passport and OCI card number.
What is the Su-Swagatam app and can I use it as an OCI holder?
Su-Swagatam is the official mobile application of the Indian government’s Bureau of Immigration. OCI cardholders can use it to submit the India e-Arrival Card – it supports OCI card number entry. Download it from the App Store or Google Play. It is free and available for iOS and Android.
I have a PIO card, not an OCI card. Does this affect me?
PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cards were discontinued in 2015 and replaced by OCI cards. If you still hold a PIO card, it may no longer be valid for travel. Contact the nearest Indian consulate or embassy to convert your PIO card to an OCI card. Once you have an OCI card, you must submit the India e-Arrival Card before traveling to India.
Ready to apply? Use our India e-Arrival Card application page or visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival directly.
