Traveling to India has always been an exciting experience, whether it’s for tourism, business, study, or medical reasons. But let’s be honest — for many foreigners, the immigration process at Indian airports often felt slow and confusing. Long queues, paperwork on the plane, and repeated checks sometimes made the first impression stressful.
To fix this, India Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreigners from October 1, 2025. This change will make the arrival process faster, easier, and more organized. Instead of filling out paper forms after landing, travelers can now submit their arrival details online before boarding the flight.
In this blog, we will explain what the e-Arrival Card is, why it was introduced, who needs it, how to fill it, and what travelers should know. By the end, you will have a complete understanding of this new system, without any confusion.
What is the E-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card is a digital version of the old paper arrival form that foreigners used to fill out while entering India. Earlier, travelers were given small paper forms (disembarkation cards) on flights or at the airport. They had to write details like their passport number, address in India, and purpose of visit.
Now, with the new system, India Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreigners to replace the paper method with an online form. This means foreign visitors will no longer waste time filling cards at the airport. Instead, they can do it online within a specific time window before they travel.
Why Did India Introduce This Change?
This change was not made overnight. The Government of India introduced the e-Arrival Card to make travel more convenient and to bring India in line with other modern countries that already use digital systems. There are many reasons behind this move:
- Faster immigration – Immigration officers will already have your details in their system, so the checking process at counters will be much quicker.
- Accuracy of data – Digital forms reduce mistakes caused by handwriting or spelling errors.
- Less paper, more eco-friendly – No more thousands of paper cards being printed and wasted every day.
- Better security and management – Authorities can track visitor data in real time.
- Part of digital India – It connects well with India’s larger mission of digital governance and smarter airports.
When India Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreigners, it is not only about making travel smooth for tourists but also about improving the efficiency of the immigration system.
Who Has to Fill the E-Arrival Card?
Not everyone entering India will need to fill this form. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Must fill: All foreigners visiting India, regardless of whether they hold a tourist visa, business visa, student visa, or medical visa.
- Exempted: Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI card holders) do not need to submit the e-Arrival Card.
So, if you are a foreign traveler, keep in mind that India Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreigners specifically for people like you.
How and When to Fill the E-Arrival Card
One of the most important things travelers must remember is the timing. The e-Arrival Card can be filled only within 72 hours to 24 hours before the flight to India.
Here is the simple step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official portal, such as India Online Visa or the immigration website.
- Fill in your personal details such as name, nationality, passport number, and visa type.
- Enter your flight details and arrival date.
- Provide the address where you will be staying in India.
- Add contact details, emergency contact, and reason for travel.
- Submit the form online and download or save the confirmation.
Remember: Always use the official website and not third-party sites that may charge extra money.
What Happens at the Airport
Once you have filled the e-Arrival Card, your details are directly sent to the immigration system. When you land in India, immigration officers will already have your information. This means:
- No need to collect or fill any paper card after landing.
- Your entry process will be quicker and smoother.
- You just need to show your passport, visa, and possibly the confirmation of your e-Arrival Card submission.
This is exactly why India Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreigners — to cut down waiting times at immigration counters.
Common Questions About the E-Arrival Card
- Is there a fee for the e-Arrival Card?
No, filling the e-Arrival Card is completely free. - Will it replace the visa requirement?
No, this is not a visa. You still need a valid visa or eVisa to travel to India. The e-Arrival Card only replaces the paper arrival form. - What if I forget to fill it?
If you forget, you may face delays at immigration. For a short transition period, paper cards may still be available, but it is always safer to fill the digital version on time. - Can I fill it anytime?
No, the form must be filled within the 72-hour to 24-hour window before your travel. - Do Indian citizens or OCI holders need it?
No, they are exempt from this requirement.
Why This Matters for Travelers
When India Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreigners, it shows India’s commitment to making international travel more convenient. For foreign tourists, this means less stress upon arrival, no more struggling with paper cards on crowded flights, and quicker entry into the country.
For business travelers, it saves time — and time is money. For students and medical visitors, it removes unnecessary hassle, letting them focus on their actual purpose of travel.
By linking it with platforms like India Online Visa, the government is making the immigration process more connected and user-friendly.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the e-Arrival Card is a big step in modernizing India’s immigration system. With this move, India Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreigners to simplify travel, reduce delays, and make airports more efficient.
If you are a foreign traveler to India, make sure to remember this process: fill the e-Arrival Card online, double-check your details, save the confirmation, and carry your documents. It may look like a small change, but it will have a big impact on your travel experience.
So next time you plan your journey, keep in mind that India Launches E-Arrival Card for Foreigners, and this digital step will make your welcome to India smoother and faster.