India e-Arrival Card 2026: Who Needs It, When to Fill It, and How to Apply
For years, the visa was the last big hurdle before a trip to India. Now there is one more step: the digital e-Arrival Card. Every foreign national flying into India must complete it online before landing, and paper disembarkation forms stopped being accepted on 1 April 2026. Airlines may ask for proof that you have filed before boarding, and incorrect details can cause delays.
This guide covers what the card is, who needs it, when to file, where to file it for free, and the errors that trip up most travellers.
What Is the India e-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card is an online form that replaces the old paper card handed out on flights or at the airport. It collects passport information, contact details, purpose of visit and your address in India. The stated goals include reducing airport congestion, strengthening border management and feeding arrival data into India's immigration systems.
The card is not a visa. You still need a valid visa or entry permit to travel to India. The order is simple: get your visa first, then file the e-Arrival Card shortly before you fly.
A Quick Timeline: Why You May Have Seen Different Dates
You may find articles saying the card became mandatory in October 2025 and others saying April 2026. Both are partly right. The system launched on 1 October 2025, with a six-month transition during which travellers could still fill in the paper form at the airport. That grace period ended with paper forms no longer accepted from 1 April 2026. If you're travelling now, plan on digital filing only.
Who Needs to Fill the e-Arrival Card?
- Foreign nationals entering India, whatever type of visa they hold.
- OCI cardholders. Foreign nationals must submit it whether or not they are OCI cardholders.
- Every traveller individually. A parent or guardian can fill the form for a minor, but each person needs their own submission.
Who doesn't need it:
- Indian citizens. They are exempt from the e-Arrival Card process.
- Airside transit passengers. If you stay airside during a transit, you do not need to fill it in. If you have to leave the airside area, for example because of separate tickets or a low-cost carrier, the requirement changes. If your layover in India involves clearing immigration, treat yourself as an arriving passenger.
When Should You File? The 72-Hour Rule
The card must be submitted within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival in India. Submissions made too early may be rejected, so don't try to file a week ahead.
Sources describe the window slightly differently. Some guides stress that the 72 hours is measured from your scheduled arrival in India, not your departure. Emirates, meanwhile, told Dubai passengers they could submit from 72 hours down to 24 hours before departure. Because airlines may phrase it differently, read your own airline's advice.
A good rule of thumb: filing 24 to 48 hours before you fly is the sweet spot, because your plans are fixed and you aren't relying on airport Wi-Fi.
Where to File: The Three Official Channels (All Free)
There are three official, free channels: the Indian Visa Online government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival), the Bureau of Immigration website (boi.gov.in), and the Su-Swagatam mobile app. The app and web portal feed the same government system and produce the same QR code.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill the e-Arrival Card
- Gather your details. Keep your passport, flight number, arrival date, contact details and your address in India ready.
- Open an official channel from the list above and start a new application.
- Enter details exactly as they appear in your passport. Small spelling differences are one of the easiest ways to create problems at immigration.
- Submit and save your confirmation. The portal generates a QR-coded acknowledgement. Screenshot it and, if you can, keep a printed copy.
- Repeat for every traveller and every trip. The card is filed per trip, within 72 hours of that specific flight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing too early. Anything outside the window may be refused or invalid on arrival.
Paying a third-party site. The card is free on the official portal and app, so anyone charging for it is reselling a free service. You are free to use a service that offers real help, such as reviewing your details, but you should know what you're paying for.
Falling for lookalike websites. Scam sites posing as official ones are appearing in Google results. Check the domain carefully. Official government sites end in .gov.in.
Not saving proof. Airport connectivity can be unreliable, so download your QR code before you leave home.
Assuming a family member's form covers you. Every traveller needs their own submission.
Confusing the card with the visa. Approval of your e-Visa doesn't replace the card, and the card doesn't replace the visa.
e-Arrival Card vs. e-Visa vs. FRRO Registration
These three are often mixed up:
- e-Visa: your permission to enter India, applied for before you travel.
- e-Arrival Card: a free arrival declaration filed within 72 hours of landing.
- FRRO registration: a residence-related step for long-stay visitors, covered in our separate guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the India e-Arrival Card free?
Yes, on the official channels. Any fee you're charged is a service fee, not a charge for the card itself.
Do OCI cardholders have to fill it in?
Yes. Foreign nationals must file it whether or not they hold an OCI card.
Can I still fill in a paper form at the airport?
Not any more. Paper forms are no longer accepted, so file online before you fly.
Do I need it if I'm only changing planes in India?
Not if you remain airside. If you must leave the transit area, file it.
What if my flight is delayed or rebooked?
The card is tied to your trip and arrival window. If your arrival date changes significantly, check the official portal to see whether you need to update or refile.
Final Thoughts
The e-Arrival Card takes only a few minutes, but filing it at the wrong time or on the wrong website can cost you far more time. File within the window, use only official channels, and keep your QR code handy.
Need a second pair of eyes on your India travel documents? [https://indianvisaonline.com] can review your visa and arrival details before you fly. Our help is optional. The e-Arrival Card itself is always free on official government channels.
