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Planning to visit India? Learn how to submit your E-Arrival Card online for a smooth airport experience. Don’t miss this essential step!
Planning a trip to India soon? Whether you’re dreaming of exploring ancient temples, savoring spicy street food, or visiting loved ones, there’s one small but very important task you must complete before you board that flight — the E-Arrival Card.
Think of it as your digital “pre-boarding pass” for immigration. Just like booking your ticket or packing your passport, this form is now part of your essential travel checklist.
What Is the New E-Arrival Card for India?
The E-Arrival Card is an online immigration form that all foreign nationals must fill out within 72 hours before landing in India. It replaces the old paper disembarkation forms that travelers used to fill on the plane or at the airport.
In simple terms: India has gone digital — and so should you.
When Does the E-Arrival Card Rule Start?
🗓️ From October 1st, 2025, completing this form becomes mandatory for international arrivals.
Don’t wait to be told at the check-in desk or immigration counter — by then, it might be too late.
Who Must Fill the E-Arrival Card?
✔️ Foreign tourists
✔️ Business travelers
✔️ Students
✔️ Medical visitors
✔️ OCI cardholders (Overseas Citizens of India)
✔️ Anyone entering India without an Indian passport
Who Is Exempt from the E-Arrival Card?
🛂 Indian citizens holding a valid Indian passport do not need to fill this form.
If you hold dual nationality and plan to enter with your foreign passport — yes, you must fill it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the E-Arrival Card
Follow this process and you’ll be done in less time than it takes to brew a cup of chai:
- 🔗 Visit the official portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
- ✅ Click on “E-Arrival Card – Submit Now”
- ✍️ Enter passport details and personal information
- 🛫 Add travel details (flight number, airport of arrival, stay address)
- 💬 Select purpose of visit
- 📌 Review and submit
- ✉️ Save or print your confirmation — you may need to show it at immigration
- Visit this site https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
What You’ll Need Before Filling the Form
Prepare these in advance:
- Valid passport
- Flight details
- Accommodation or host address in India
- Emergency contact information
How Long Does It Take to Complete?
On average, 5–7 minutes. Faster than filling a customs form mid-flight with a wobbly tray table!
What If You Forget to Submit It in Advance?
Good news — you can still fill it upon arrival, but only online, not on paper.
Most airports in India will provide kiosks or QR codes, but take this as a backup option, not your main plan. Long queues are likely. Why gamble your holiday mood?
🌟 Best advice: Submit it before departure to avoid delays.
Read more :- All Visa related posts in this blog here
What Should OCI Cardholders Select for “Purpose of Visit”?
Use whichever best fits your intent:
- Visiting Friends/Relatives — if you’re staying with family
- Tourism — if you’re traveling casually
- Business — for work-related travel
- Medical / Education / Other — if applicable
There’s no wrong choice — just pick the closest match.
Can Families Fill One Form Together?
👪 No. Each traveler must submit a separate E-Arrival Card, including children.
Parents or guardians can fill on behalf of minors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Entering wrong passport number
🚫 Forgetting accommodation details
🚫 Submitting too early (more than 72 hours before arrival)
🚫 Not saving confirmation
Save a screenshot and PDF — digital proof never hurts.
Pro Tips for a Hassle-Free Arrival
- Set a reminder 3 days before your flight
- Use the same email throughout
- Keep confirmation on BOTH phone and printout
- Double-check spellings — immigration officers do verify
Final Checklist Before You Travel
| ✅ | Task |
|---|---|
| 📄 | Passport valid for 6+ months |
| 🎫 | Valid visa or OCI card |
| 🌐 | E-Arrival Card submitted |
| 📱 | Confirmation saved |
| 🧳 | Bags packed & excitement loaded |
Conclusion: Just One Click for a Smooth Landing
Traveling to India is about experience — the colors, the culture, the chaos (the fun kind!). Don’t let paperwork spoil the excitement. The E-Arrival Card is quick, free, and your ticket to stress-free entry.
Think of it like pre-ordering your airport experience — while others queue up, you walk right through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I fill the E-Arrival Card at the airport in India if I forgot?
Yes — but only online, using airport kiosks or Wi-Fi. No paper forms will be accepted.
2. Do Indian passport holders need to fill the E-Arrival Card?
No. This requirement is only for foreign nationals and OCI holders.
3. When is the earliest I can submit it?
Exactly 72 hours before your scheduled arrival time.
4. Do I need to print the confirmation?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended. A screenshot also works.
5. What happens if I enter wrong information?
Simply re-submit a fresh form — the latest entry will be considered.
Post no: 558
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