India requires foreign travelers to use a digital e-Arrival card starting April 1.

India will implement a mandatory digital e-Arrival card for foreign nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders starting April 1, 2026, phasing out paper disembarkation forms after a six-month transition period where both options were available.

The digital e-Arrival card, launched in October 2025, must be completed and submitted within 72 hours prior to arrival in India. It is not a visa but rather a digital tool for data collection and security, aimed at capturing essential travel details such as entry information, purpose of visit, and stay specifics.

Travellers are required to provide details including their name, nationality, passport information, contact details, flight information, and the reason for their visit when completing the form.
The card can be submitted via the Bureau of Immigration website, the Indian visa online portal, or the Su-Swagatam mobile application. After submission, travellers will receive a QR code to present at immigration for verification.

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This requirement applies exclusively to foreign nationals and OCI cardholders, with Indian citizens exempt from filling out the form.

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