e-Arrival Card Fill New Arrival Card
submit the form online between 72 hours and 24 hours before your flight
Imagine landing in bustling Delhi after a grueling 15-hour flight from New York, only to join a snaking queue at immigration where exhausted travelers scribble details on flimsy paper forms under fluorescent lights. That was my reality last summer – sweating through a 45-minute wait just to hand over my passport details, all while my stomach growled for some street-side chaat. But starting October 1, 2025, India's immigration process is getting a digital makeover with the mandatory e-Arrival Card. This free online form replaces those outdated paper disembarkation and embarkation cards, slashing wait times and letting you breeze through customs to start your adventure sooner. Whether you're a first-time visitor eyeing the Taj Mahal or a business traveler zipping to Mumbai, this guide has everything you need to stay compliant and stress-free.
Table of Contents
What is the e-Arrival Card?
It is a digital immigration form for foreign nationals traveling to India. It replaces the paper disembarkation and embarkation cards. The card provides authorities with essential traveler information to process arrivals more efficiently, streamlining border control and reducing unnecessary delays at immigration counters.
Who Needs to Fill It Out?
All non-Indian nationals arriving in India. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are exempt from filling the form. Foreign travellers to India can skip paper immigration forms from October 1, 2025, but must complete this digital version instead.
Where and When to Complete It
The official portal is indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/. You can submit the form online between 72 hours and 24 hours before your flight. Starting October 2025, this paper form will start being gradually replaced by the e-Arrival Card.
What Information is Required?
- Basic Personal Details: Name, nationality, passport number, and contact information.
- Travel Details: Purpose of visit, date of arrival, and local address in India.
- Recent Travel History: A list of countries visited in the last six days.
- No Document Uploads: You do not need to upload any documents for the e-Arrival Card.
Do Babies and Children Need to Complete India's e-Arrival Card?
Yes, babies (infants) and children who are non-Indian nationals are required to have a separate e-Arrival Card submitted on their behalf. Here's a clear breakdown based on official guidelines from India's Bureau of Immigration:
Key Requirements: Applies to All Non-Indian Nationals: The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering India, regardless of age. This includes newborns, infants, toddlers, and older children. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are the only exemptions—no age-based waivers for others.
Separate Submission for Each Traveler: Each child or baby needs their own individual e-Arrival Card. Parents or guardians must fill it out using the child's details (e.g., their passport number). You cannot bundle children under a parent's card.
Key Points to Remember
- Separate from an e-Visa: The e-Arrival Card is an additional requirement, not a substitute for a valid e-Visa.
- No Fee: There is no registration fee for the e-Arrival Card.
- No Document Uploads: You do not need to upload any documents for the e-Arrival Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to fill an Arrival Card for India?
Yes, starting October 1, 2025, all non-Indian nationals must complete the digital e-Arrival Card instead of the traditional paper form. Indian citizens and OCI cardholders are exempt.
What is required for a US citizen to enter India?
US citizens need a valid passport, an e-Visa (if applicable), and now the e-Arrival Card completed online up to 72 hours before arrival. No paper forms are required at the airport.
What is the airport embarkation card?
The airport embarkation card was the old paper form filled out upon departure from India, which is now being phased out in favor of digital processes.
What is e-arrival in India?
e-Arrival refers to the new digital immigration form (e-Arrival Card) that foreign travelers must submit online before arriving in India to provide their details to immigration authorities.
What is the e-Arrival Card?
It is a digital immigration form for foreign nationals traveling to India. It replaces the paper disembarkation and embarkation cards and provides essential traveler information for efficient processing.
