India launches the e-Arrival Card

From 1 October 2025, foreign nationals flying into India can fill in an arrival card in advance on a new official platform. The electronic e-Arrival Card document is designed to simplify the control process and reduce paper use.

Despite the swift announcement and rollout, there's no need to worry: the traditional paper card remains available.

The paper version will remain in place for a transition period — up to six months, or until the digital system is fully stabilised, whichever comes first. The dual format was chosen for a comfortable transition and to let travellers adapt to the new procedure.

At present, those entering India have two ways to complete the arrival form:

\n
1. On paper upon arrival in India.
\n
2. Electronically — no earlier than 72 hours before arrival, via:
   \nthe official website: indianvisaonline.gov.in;
   \nthe "Indian Visa Su-Swagatam" mobile app (App Store and Google Play).
\n

The rollout of the digital card was officially announced by operator GMR Aero, which manages Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi under the oversight of the Bureau of Immigration of India.

In a statement published yesterday, GMR Aero noted that the launch of the e-Arrival Card aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Digital India" initiative and is aimed at "a seamless process to enhance passenger convenience."

"The new system allows international passengers to complete their arrival details online through a convenient digital platform, removing the need for manual paper cards at the airport," the statement said.

The measure is expected to simplify arrival processing, speed up control, reduce queues, and cut paper use. There are already examples of this in international practice — the e-Arrival Card in South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Planning a trip to India? Don't confuse the e-Arrival Card with the e-Visa

Both documents are digital, but they serve different functions and are not interchangeable:

\n
• e-Visa — a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for various purposes (tourism, business, medical treatment, etc.). It is obtained in advance through a full online application.
\n
• e-Arrival Card — an information form completed at the arrival stage, the equivalent of the familiar paper cards passengers fill in on the flight or at the airport. It is not a visa and does not grant the right of entry without a valid visa, if one is required.
\n