New E-Arrival Card System for Foreign Nationals: How It Will Impact Your Travel

India has introduced a new e-arrival card system for international visitors to modernise and simplify the immigration process. This means that beginning on October 1, 2025, the paper-based forms required for arriving and disembarking will be replaced by an online system. As part of the new process, visitors must fill out their arrival information online, thereby reducing the amount of paperwork and the length of lines at immigration desks throughout India.

What is the E-Arrival Card?

The e-arrival card is a digital platform designed to collect key travel information from all foreign nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders. This system will replace the paper-based arrival forms previously filled out by passengers at Indian airports. It is expected to boost efficiency and enhance border security.

Who is Affected?

All foreign nationals and OCI cardholders entering India will be required to submit the e-arrival card. Indian citizens and those holding a regular visa are exempt from this requirement. The system aims to support the growing number of international arrivals by facilitating a smoother immigration process.

How to Submit the E-Arrival Card

International travellers must complete the e-arrival card submission up to 72 hours before their scheduled arrival in India. The card can be submitted through several platforms:

1. Indian Visa Portal: The official Indian visa website allows travellers to complete the form directly.
2. Bureau of Immigration Website: A secondary option for submitting the e-arrival card is the official Bureau of Immigration portal.
3. Su-Swagatam App: The mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, offers a convenient way for travellers to submit their details.

All submissions must include relevant details, including passport and visa information, flight details, the purpose of the visit, address in India, and emergency contact information. This will help streamline the processing and allow authorities to verify traveller data more accurately.

Key Details to Submit

Travellers will need to provide the following information when completing the e-arrival card:

• Passport and Visa Details: Including the passport number and visa type.
• Flight Information: Flight number and arrival date.
• Purpose of Visit: Whether for tourism, business, or any other purpose.
• Address in India: The address where the traveller will be staying.
• Emergency Contact Information: A contact person in case of emergencies during the stay in India.

The system also requires information about any recent countries visited, making it easier for authorities to track potential health risks and ensure border safety.

Benefits for Travellers

The introduction of the e-arrival card brings numerous benefits for international travellers to India:

• Faster Immigration Processing: With digital submissions completed before arrival, travellers can expect faster processing at immigration counters, reducing wait times.
• Convenience: Travellers can complete the process at their convenience before departure, eliminating the need for paperwork upon arrival.
• Improved Border Security: Digital information collection enables enhanced border management and reduces the risk of fraudulent activities.
• Environmental Sustainability: By eliminating paper forms, the initiative contributes to India’s goal of reducing environmental impact.

Transition Period and Grace Period

While the e-arrival card system officially launches on October 1, 2025, there is a six-month grace period allowing the continued use of paper forms. However, travellers are strongly encouraged to adopt the digital system for smoother and quicker processing.

A Modern Step Forward for India’s Immigration

India’s implementation of an e-arrival card is a notable development in India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its immigration system. Implementing a secure, fit-for-purpose, digital and streamlined system that will enhance security and access to international travellers while reducing paperwork, India is seeking to provide travellers with an enhanced arriving experience. As the system will be mandatory from October 2025, the migration from paper forms to digital submission should improve the ease of processing international arrivals.

The post New E-Arrival Card System for Foreign Nationals: How It Will Impact Your Travel appeared first on Travel and Tour World