India e-Arrival Card: Who Must Apply?
The India e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign passport holders and OCI cardholders – with limited exemptions for diplomats and short transit passengers. If you hold any passport other than Indian, you almost certainly need to submit an India e-Arrival Card before boarding your flight to India.
The India e-Arrival Card is a free digital immigration form submitted via indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or the Su-Swagatam app, within 72 hours before arrival. It replaced the paper disembarkation card that was previously distributed on flights to India.
Complete List: Who Needs the India e-Arrival Card
The India e-Arrival Card is required for a broad range of travelers – understanding exactly which categories are covered prevents delays at immigration or boarding.
All Foreign Nationals: Tourists, Students, Business, Medical
Every person traveling to India on a foreign passport must complete the India e-Arrival Card, regardless of visa type. This includes:
- Tourists – traveling for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family
- Business travelers – attending meetings, conferences, or trade events
- Students – arriving to study at Indian universities or schools
- Medical travelers – visiting India for treatment or procedures
- Transit passengers staying over 24 hours – those transiting through India with an overnight stay
The India e-Arrival Card does not replace your visa – you still need a valid Indian visa or e-Visa in addition to the eAC. The two are separate documents serving different purposes.
OCI Cardholders (Required Since October 4, 2025)
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders must complete the India e-Arrival Card before every trip to India. This requirement took effect on October 4, 2025 – before this date, OCI holders were exempt. OCI cardholders do not need an Indian visa, but they do need the eAC. This is the most common point of confusion for OCI travelers.
For a full breakdown of the OCI rule change and how to fill the form with your OCI card number, see our dedicated OCI e-Arrival Card guide.
Children and Minors
Every traveler entering India requires their own individual India e-Arrival Card – including infants and children. There is no family submission or group eAC option. A parent or guardian may fill in the form on behalf of a minor, but it must be submitted separately using the child’s own passport number and travel details.
Who Is Exempt from the India e-Arrival Card?
A small number of traveler categories are exempt from the India e-Arrival Card requirement. The exemptions are narrow – if you do not clearly fall into one of these categories, assume the eAC is required.
Indian Citizens (Indian Passport Holders)
Holders of Indian passports are completely exempt from the India e-Arrival Card. The eAC applies only to foreign nationals and OCI cardholders. If you travel on an Indian passport, you do not need to submit any eAC regardless of your country of residence.
Diplomatic Passport Holders
Travelers holding valid diplomatic passports (from any country) are generally exempt from the India e-Arrival Card requirement. This exemption applies to accredited diplomats and officials traveling on official diplomatic documents. Service passport holders and official passport holders should verify their status with the relevant embassy or consulate before travel, as rules can vary.
Transit Passengers Under 24 Hours (Selected Airports)
Short-stay transit passengers – those transiting through an Indian airport with a layover of less than 24 hours and not leaving the international transit area – may be exempt from submitting the India e-Arrival Card. This exemption applies at selected major international airports. If you are transiting and leaving the airport (for example, to visit a hotel), you do need the eAC even if your total stay is under 24 hours.
Note: If you are unsure whether your transit qualifies, contact your airline or check the latest guidance on indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival before travel.
Aircraft Crew Members
Commercial airline crew members operating flights to India are typically exempt from the standard India e-Arrival Card requirement and follow separate immigration procedures for flight crew. This exemption does not apply to crew traveling as passengers (e.g., on positioning or personal travel).
Special Cases: NRI, Dual Citizens, OCI
Several categories of travelers have non-standard situations that need clarification regarding the India e-Arrival Card.
NRI with a Foreign Passport
Non-Resident Indians (NRI) who hold a foreign passport – not an Indian passport – must complete the India e-Arrival Card just like any other foreign national. NRI status alone does not grant any exemption. Only Indian passport holders are exempt.
Dual Citizens
India does not legally recognize dual citizenship. If you travel to India on a foreign passport (even if you were born in India or hold Indian heritage), you are treated as a foreign national and must submit the India e-Arrival Card. If you travel on an Indian passport, you are exempt. Always use your Indian passport if you hold one when entering India.
PIO vs OCI Status
The Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card was phased out and replaced by the OCI card in 2015. All former PIO cardholders should by now hold OCI cards. If you still hold a PIO card, contact the nearest Indian consulate to convert it to OCI. As an OCI cardholder, you must complete the India e-Arrival Card.
Quick Reference Table: Required vs Exempt
| Traveler Category | India e-Arrival Card Required? |
|---|---|
| Foreign national (tourist, business, student) | ✅ Yes |
| OCI cardholder | ✅ Yes (since 4 Oct 2025) |
| Child / minor (foreign passport) | ✅ Yes (own eAC) |
| NRI with foreign passport | ✅ Yes |
| Indian passport holder | ❌ Exempt |
| Diplomatic passport holder | ❌ Exempt |
| Transit under 24h (airside only) | ❌ Exempt (selected airports) |
| Aircraft crew (on duty) | ❌ Exempt |
What Happens If You Don’t Submit Before Arrival?
The India e-Arrival Card must be submitted before boarding, not at the airport. Airlines are instructed to verify eAC completion at check-in or boarding gates for flights to India. If you do not have a completed India e-Arrival Card, you may be denied boarding.
If you somehow arrive at an Indian airport without a completed eAC, you may face extended delays at immigration. Indian immigration officers are not required to accept passengers without a valid eAC submission reference. There is no guaranteed on-arrival alternative. Always apply in advance at our application page or directly at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival.
For full details on what to complete and how, see our India e-Arrival Card requirements guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an India e-Arrival Card if I have an OCI card?
Yes. Since October 4, 2025, OCI cardholders must complete the India e-Arrival Card before every trip to India. The previous exemption for OCI holders has been removed. Your OCI card still replaces your visa, but it no longer exempts you from the eAC. See our OCI guide for step-by-step instructions.
Are Indian citizens required to fill an e-Arrival Card?
No. Indian passport holders are fully exempt from the India e-Arrival Card. The requirement applies only to foreign nationals and OCI cardholders.
Does my child need their own India e-Arrival Card?
Yes. Every traveler – including infants and young children – needs their own India e-Arrival Card. Children cannot be added to a parent’s eAC. The parent or guardian can fill it in on the child’s behalf using the child’s passport number and travel details.
Are diplomats exempt from the India e-Arrival Card?
Yes. Holders of valid diplomatic passports are generally exempt from the India e-Arrival Card. If you hold a diplomatic passport, check with your embassy or consulate for the most current guidance specific to your posting and travel purpose.
I’m just transiting through India for 8 hours. Do I need an eAC?
If you are remaining in the international transit area (airside) and your layover is under 24 hours at a qualifying airport, you are likely exempt from the India e-Arrival Card. However, if you plan to clear immigration and leave the airport, you need an eAC. Always confirm with your airline before travel.
I’m an NRI with a US passport. Do I need the India e-Arrival Card?
Yes. NRI status does not grant an exemption from the India e-Arrival Card. If you travel on a US or any other foreign passport, you must submit the eAC before arriving in India. Only Indian passport holders are exempt.
What if I have both an Indian passport and a foreign passport (dual citizen)?
India does not recognize dual citizenship. If you enter India on your Indian passport, you are treated as an Indian citizen and are exempt from the eAC. If you enter on a foreign passport, you must complete the India e-Arrival Card. Travel on your Indian passport if you hold one – it is simpler.
My PIO card was never converted to OCI. What should I do?
PIO cards are no longer valid for travel to India. You should contact the nearest Indian consulate or embassy to convert your PIO card to an OCI card. Once you have an OCI card, you must complete the India e-Arrival Card before each trip. There is no visa fee for OCI holders, but the eAC is required.
Ready to apply? Use our India e-Arrival Card application page to get started. For detailed document requirements, visit our requirements guide.
