E-Arrival Card Mandatory from April 1 (Who Needs It?)

From April 1, 2026, India has introduced a new rule for international travelers — the e-Arrival Card.

Now, all foreign nationals arriving in India by air, including OCI cardholders, must fill out a digital arrival form before landing.

This replaces the old paper disembarkation form that passengers earlier filled during flights.

Travelers need to complete this form online at least 72 hours before arrival using the official visa portal or the Swagatam app.

The form asks for basic details like passport information, flight details, contact number, and accommodation.

The e-Arrival Card is simply a digital version of the old Disembarkation Card (Form D).

Earlier, passengers had to fill this form manually on the flight.

Now, the process has moved online, making it faster and more efficient.

The system is directly connected to India’s immigration database, which helps officials:

Process passengers quickly

Reduce manual errors

Improve overall efficiency at airports

The e-Arrival Card is not just a change in format — it brings several benefits:

Faster immigration clearance at airports

Accurate passenger information stored digitally

Less paperwork, helping reduce paper usage

Once travelers complete the form, they receive a QR code, which must be shown at immigration on arrival.

Filling the form is simple and can be done in a few easy steps:

Visit the official portal or use the Su-Swagatam app

Enter your personal details like name and passport number

Fill in flight and stay details

Submit the form within 72 hours before your flight

After submission, you’ll receive a QR code confirmation.

This QR code acts as proof that you’ve completed all required formalities. Just show it to immigration officials when you land in India.

If you’re planning to travel to India, make sure you complete the e-Arrival Card on time.

Missing this step could delay your immigration process.

This new system is designed to make entry into India smoother, faster, and more organized for international travelers.