India E-Arrival Card online application on a smartphone
Mandatory since October 2025
Required for all foreign nationals arriving by air
Bureau of Immigration India

India E-Arrival Card — complete it before you fly.

All foreign nationals and OCI cardholders arriving in India by air must submit the mandatory India E-Arrival Card within 72 hours of arrival — or risk being denied boarding.

What it is

What Is the India E-Arrival Card?

The India E-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital immigration form introduced by the Bureau of Immigration India (BOI) in October 2025. It replaced the old paper Disembarkation Card and the Air Suvidha form.

The form is filled online at indianboi.gov.in or via the Su-Swagatam mobile app. Submission is 100% free. No documents need to be uploaded — only data entered.

The form must be submitted within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival. It is valid for a single trip only — a new form is required for every visit to India.

India arrival card process — digital form on laptop
Eligibility

Who needs it?

The Bureau of Immigration India makes the E-Arrival Card mandatory for almost all international arrivals. Check your status below.

Required ✓

REQUIREDAll foreign nationals arriving by air (tourist, business, e-Visa, sticker visa)
REQUIREDOCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders — every trip
REQUIREDTransit passengers leaving the international transit zone
REQUIREDDual nationals entering India on a foreign passport

Not Required ×

EXEMPTIndian passport holders (citizens of India)
EXEMPTTransit passengers remaining inside the international transit zone
EXEMPTInternational airline crew members on active duty
Key facts

Everything you need to know.

Quick reference for the most important details about the India E-Arrival Card.
CostFree — there is no government fee to submit the form.
When to fillWithin 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in India.
Where to fillOnline at indianboi.gov.in or via the Su-Swagatam app.
Print requiredNo, digital is accepted. A printout is strongly recommended as backup.
Valid forA single arrival only — required for every entry into India.
Issued byBureau of Immigration India (BOI).
Timing

The 72-hour window.

The 72-hour window is measured from your scheduled arrival time in India — not your departure time. The portal locks once the window closes — there is no workaround at the airport.

Submitting too early may cause the system not to recognize your flight. Ideally complete it 3–5 days before travel.

3–5 days
Ideal window
Leaves time to correct errors without pressure.
Recommended
24–72h
Acceptable
Within the valid window. Double-check everything carefully.
OK
< 24h
Risky
Technically allowed but no room for errors or technical issues.
Risky
At gate
Too late
Airline will deny boarding. No workaround available.
Avoid
India travel planning — e-arrival card timing
Watch out

Errors that cause delays at the airport.

Our expert review catches these mistakes before the government portal sees them.
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Using the codeshare flight number

Always enter the operating carrier's flight number, not the codeshare code on your ticket. Cross-check with your airline's booking confirmation.

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Filling outside the 72-hour window

Too early and the system may not recognize your flight; too late and you will be denied boarding. The window opens exactly 72 hours before arrival.

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Name does not match passport

Your name must match the passport machine-readable zone exactly. Hyphens, spacing, and middle names all matter when the system verifies your identity.

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Vague accommodation address

"Hotel in Delhi" is not accepted. Enter the full street address, city, state, and PIN code. If you see a "no district found" error, type the city name manually.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Most common questions about the India E-Arrival Card — answered by Zivara Sen.
A mandatory digital immigration form introduced by the BOI in October 2025. It replaced the old paper Disembarkation Card and Air Suvidha. The form is entirely free and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete online at indianboi.gov.in.
It is mandatory for all foreign nationals and OCI cardholders arriving by air. Indian passport holders and international crew on active duty are exempt. It is strictly required for all air travel to India.
You must submit the form within 72 hours of your scheduled arrival in India — not your departure. Ideally complete it 3–5 days before travel, as the portal locks once the time window closes.
Yes, the requirement applies to OCI cardholders just as it does to foreign nationals. OCI status does not grant an exemption. You use the exact same form, which takes about 10 minutes.
No, a digital copy on your smartphone is accepted at most airports. However, we strongly recommend carrying a printed backup in case your phone battery dies or you cannot access Wi-Fi upon arrival.
The process takes roughly 8–12 minutes. Ensure you have your passport, confirmed flight details, and your full accommodation address in India ready before starting to avoid timing out.
Ready to apply?

Have Everything Ready?
Start Your E-Arrival Card.

Takes around 10 minutes. Free to fill. Submit within 72 hours of your arrival in India.

Start My Application

You will be redirected to our partner application portal. Independent service — not the official government portal.