India e-Arrival Card 2026: Who Needs It & How to Fill It
Since 1 April 2026, India no longer hands out paper arrival cards on flights. Every foreign national — including OCI cardholders — must submit the e-Arrival Card online before landing.
Who this is for: foreign passport holders and OCI cardholders flying to India. Indian passport holders can skip this form.
Open the official e-Arrival Card form → indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival · or the "Indian Visa Su-Swagatam" app · FreeWho needs the India e-Arrival Card
| You are | e-Arrival Card? | Air Suvidha? |
|---|---|---|
| Indian passport holder (incl. NRIs) | No | Yes |
| OCI cardholder (foreign passport) | Yes | Yes |
| Tourist / business visitor on a foreign passport | Yes | Yes |
| Child or infant on a foreign passport | Yes | Yes |
| Airside transit only (not passing immigration) | Generally no | Check with airline |
OCI holders: early guidance said you were exempt. That changed in October 2025 — you're now required to file before every trip.
What to keep ready
- Passport (and OCI card, if you have one)
- Indian visa details, or OCI card number
- Flight number, arrival airport and arrival date/time in India (IST)
- Address where you'll stay in India
- Email address you can access
How to fill the India e-Arrival Card
- Wait until you're within 72 hours of landing in India.
- Open indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app.
- Enter passport, visa/OCI, flight and address details exactly as on your documents.
- Submit and save the QR code — screenshot it so it works offline.
- Show the QR code with your passport (and OCI card) at immigration.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs the India e-Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals arriving in India, including OCI cardholders and children on foreign passports. Indian passport holders are exempt.
When should I submit the India e-Arrival Card?
Within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival.
Is the India e-Arrival Card free?
Yes, on the official portal and the Su-Swagatam app.
Is the e-Arrival Card a visa?
No. It replaced the paper disembarkation card. You still need a valid visa or OCI card.
Do OCI cardholders need the e-Arrival Card?
Yes. OCI holders are not exempt.
Is the e-Arrival Card the same as Air Suvidha?
No. Air Suvidha 2.0 is a separate health declaration. Foreign nationals need both.
I'm an NRI with an Indian passport. Do I need it?
No — only Air Suvidha.