In a move aimed at modernizing border control, India is replacing its traditional paper-based disembarkation form with a fully digital e-Arrival Card for foreign travelers, effective October 1, 2025. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) says the new system will reduce congestion at immigration counters and speed up processing times for international arrivals.
For decades, visitors to India have been required to complete a disembarkation card, providing personal details, passport information, flight data, and the purpose of their visit. Immigration officers rely on this information to verify entry into the country. The upcoming e-Arrival Card will streamline this process by allowing travelers to submit their information online before reaching the airport.
The e-Arrival Card system is already common in countries like Singapore, Thailand, and Australia. By adopting a similar approach, India aims to cut paperwork, simplify border control, and reduce long lines at airports, aligning the country with a growing global trend toward digital immigration procedures.
The Indian government has launched a dedicated portal for the new system. Currently, the site features a beta version of the form, which travelers can explore ahead of the official launch. Once the e-Arrival Card system goes live, it will be mandatory for all foreign visitors to complete the form within five days prior to arrival in India.
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The e-Arrival Card will request information comparable to the old paper form. Travelers will need to provide their full name, nationality, passport number, date of arrival, purpose of visit—whether tourism, business, study, medical, AYUSH treatments, employment, research, or conference attendance—countries visited in the past six days, address in India, email, contact number, and emergency contact details. Once submitted, a preview of the e-Arrival Card will be generated, which travelers can present at immigration if requested.
Officials highlight that the digital system is designed to reduce waiting times at airports, which can often stretch for hours during peak travel seasons. The online submission allows immigration authorities to pre-verify information, allowing a smoother arrival experience for tourists, business travelers, and students alike.
The MHA emphasizes that the transition to a digital arrival system reflects India’s commitment to adopting smart solutions for border management while improving the overall travel experience. With the increase in international travel to India over the past few years, especially for tourism and business purposes, the e-Arrival Card is expected to play a key role in easing entry processes and reducing administrative burdens at major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Foreign travelers planning to visit India in October and beyond are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new system. By submitting details online in advance, visitors can ensure a faster and more efficient arrival, contributing to a seamless start to their trip in the country.