India: Electronic Arrival Card to Replace Paper Disembarkation Card

The situation

 India will be eliminating physical disembarkation cards for foreign nationals starting October 1, 2025.

A closer look

• New process. Starting October 1, 2025, foreign nationals entering India will have to submit an application for an e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours before arrival through the official Indian Visa Online website or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app, requiring details like passport information, contact details, purpose of visit and address in India. Travelers should print out and carry with them the digital confirmation that is generated after submitting the form.
• Transition period. The physical disembarkation card option will remain available during a transition period (that will last up to six months), but travelers are encouraged to use the digital option for a faster experience. 
  • Update March 26, 2026: The government has announced the permanent discontinuation of physical disembarkation cards for foreign nationals, effective April 1, 2026. Travelers are advised to complete the digital e-Arrival card in advance to help ensure a smoother arrival experience
• Exemptions remain the same. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India card holders are exempt from completing this form.
  • Update October 7, 2025: Per a change in government regulation on October 4, 2025, Overseas Citizen of India card holders must now submit an e-Arrival Card and are no longer exempt from the requirement.

Background

This step is part of the government’s efforts to reduce airport delays through the use of technology, to strengthen border management and improve traveler data control. The e‑arrival process will feed into India’s Immigration Management Systems, enabling real‑time tracking of foreign arrivals.

Looking ahead

Expect more use of biometrics, identity cross‑checks, and linkage across government databases in India for validation and risk profiling. It is not clear whether after the transition period is over, those who do not complete the form will be allowed to enter India. We will report on related developments.

Fragomen in India is Fragomen Immigration Services India (Pvt) Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].