indian e arrival card nris
India’s New Digital Arrival E-Card (Oct 2025) — Complete FAQ for NRIs, OCI & Foreign Nationals
✈️ Traveling to India soon? Say goodbye to the paper arrival card – here’s what you need to know about the NEW E-Arrival Card! 🇮🇳✨
From 1 October 2025, India is replacing the traditional paper disembarkation/arrival card with a digital E-Arrival Card for travellers entering the country. This is a big shift aimed at speeding up immigration, reducing paperwork, and modernizing the arrival experience.
Below is a detailed FAQ guide covering who needs to fill it, exemptions (especially for OCI cardholders), how to use it, and more.
1. What is the new E-Arrival Card?
Short Answer: A digital form that replaces the old paper arrival/disembarkation card.
Details: Travellers arriving in India will submit required arrival information online (or via kiosks), rather than filling out a paper form onboard or in the airport.
Details: Travellers arriving in India will submit required arrival information online (or via kiosks), rather than filling out a paper form onboard or in the airport.
2. Who is required to fill the E-Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals entering India are required to fill the E-Arrival Card, except certain exemptions (see below). This includes tourists, business travellers, students, etc.
3. Do Indian citizens need to fill it?
No. Indian passport holders arriving in India are exempt from the E-Arrival Card.
4. Do OCI cardholders need to fill the E-Arrival Card?
No. OCI cardholders are exempt from filling out the E-Arrival Card. The new scheme exempts both Indian citizens and OCI holders from the digital arrival submission requirement.
5. Why are OCI holders exempt?
Because OCI holders are treated similarly to Indian citizens for entry formalities (they hold lifelong visa status), the system exempts them to simplify their arrival.
This aligns with government communication that Indian citizens and OCI holders are exempt.
This aligns with government communication that Indian citizens and OCI holders are exempt.
6. What about PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) cardholders?
PIO cards have been merged into the OCI scheme since 2015. If someone still holds a PIO, they will generally be treated as an OCI (if converted) or in line with OCI rules. 3
7. When must I complete the E-Arrival Card?
Submit before immigration clearance—ideally before your departure or arrival. The portal may allow submissions within a certain window (such as up to 5 days before arrival).
8. Where can I access and fill the E-Arrival Card?
Use the official government portal: **indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival**.
Some airports will also have kiosks for last-minute submissions.
Some airports will also have kiosks for last-minute submissions.
9. What information will the form require?
You’ll typically be asked for:
• Passport number, nationality, and personal details
• Arrival date & flight details
• Purpose of visit
• Countries visited in the past few days
• Address in India
• Contact information
• Emergency contact and other declarations.
• Passport number, nationality, and personal details
• Arrival date & flight details
• Purpose of visit
• Countries visited in the past few days
• Address in India
• Contact information
• Emergency contact and other declarations.
10. Will I get a confirmation after submission?
Yes, you should receive a digital acknowledgment which you may present if requested at immigration.
11. What happens if I don’t fill it before travel?
You may submit via airport kiosks on arrival, but it’s better to complete online beforehand to avoid delays and queues.
12. Is there a fee to submit the E-Arrival Card?
No, it’s free when done via the official portal. Be cautious of third-party services that try to charge.
13. Will the form speed up immigration?
Yes — because your arrival data is preloaded, immigration officers can process you faster without needing to handwrite or recapture details.
14. Are there language options?
The form is primarily in English; other language support may vary or be added later.
15. Can one form cover multiple travellers (family)?
No. Each arriving individual (except infants under guardianship) must fill their own form.
16. Can a travel agent fill it for me?
Yes, as long as they have your correct details. You remain responsible for accuracy.
17. What about biometric checks and immigration?
Immigration authorities may still capture biometrics (fingerprints, facial recognition) as part of clearance. The E-Arrival is a data form, not a replacement for security processes.
18. Does the E-Arrival replace the customs declaration form?
No. Customs declarations (for dutiable/prohibited goods) remain a separate process.
19. What if there’s an error in my submission?
Before submission, you can correct it. If already submitted, you may resubmit a fresh version; the latest version will be considered.
20. Do transit passengers (not leaving airport) need this?
No, if you’re only transiting without entering India, you generally won’t need the E-Arrival.
21. Will there be a digital departure card later?
Possibly. For now, the E-Arrival applies only to arrivals, but India may expand to a digital departure system in the future.
22. Does the system work offline?
Airport kiosks may support offline or local networking to capture data even without passenger internet access.
23. What if I have multiple entries? Do I need to submit each time?
Yes — for each arrival, you must complete a fresh E-Arrival submission.
24. Are there exceptions or special travelers (diplomats, etc.)?
Yes, diplomatic or official passport holders may have exemptions per government rules. Always verify for specific cases.
25. Where can I find official updates and notifications?
Check the official E-Arrival portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival), Indian Bureau of Immigration, or Ministry of Home Affairs. Always rely on official sources, not random third-party sites.
Final Thoughts
The transition to the digital E-Arrival Card is a major step by India to modernize immigration, reduce delays, and improve convenience for international travellers. For OCI cardholders, the exemption means one less step in arrival formalities. For all others, filling the E-Arrival ahead of your journey ensures you breeze through immigration faster.
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Official Portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
