India’s New E-Arrival Card Rule Kicks in First April, 2026: What Every Traveller Needs to Know to Avoid Major Delays at Immigration and Speed Up Your Entry

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Starting April 1, 2026, India will implement a new travel rule requiring all foreign nationals to fill out a digital e-Arrival Card before arriving in the country. This digital form will replace the traditional paper disembarkation form, aiming to speed up immigration processes and reduce wait times at major airports across India. Passengers planning to visit India must complete this form up to 72 hours before arrival to ensure a smooth entry into the country. The change will impact thousands of travellers arriving in India for tourism, business, and other purposes, highlighting the need for all visitors to stay informed about this important travel update.

What Is the E-Arrival Card and Why It Matters

The new e-Arrival Card is a key step towards modernizing India’s immigration system. By replacing the paper form, the digital card will help to streamline the arrival process for passengers, making it quicker and more efficient. The system will also improve security checks and ensure smoother coordination between immigration authorities and airlines.

With increased travel demand expected in the coming months, particularly after the pandemic, India’s airports are preparing for higher volumes of passengers. The digital system is designed to speed up entry, especially at major international airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, where long queues for paper forms have often caused frustration for travellers.

How to Fill Out the E-Arrival Card

To comply with the new rule, foreign nationals arriving in India will need to complete the e-Arrival Card digitally through the Su-Swagatam mobile app or the official Indian government visa website. The e-Arrival Card requires travellers to provide key details, including:

• Personal information (full name, nationality, date of birth)
• Passport details (passport number, country of issuance)
• Flight information (flight number, departure airport)
• Accommodation details (where you will stay in India)

Once the form is submitted, travellers will receive a QR code that needs to be presented at immigration upon arrival. The QR code will allow for quicker verification and a more seamless entry process. The new process eliminates the need to fill out paper forms while in flight or upon arrival, reducing paper waste and enhancing overall efficiency at airport immigration counters.

Who Needs to Complete the E-Arrival Card

The e-Arrival Card applies to all foreign nationals arriving in India by air, including those travelling on tourist, business, or other visas. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are also required to fill out the form. It’s important to note that Indian citizens and those entering via land borders are exempt from this requirement.

Travellers must complete the form within 72 hours before their arrival. Late submissions will delay processing at the airport, leading to longer waiting times and potential complications at immigration.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete the Form

Failure to complete the e-Arrival Card in time can result in delays at immigration counters. Airlines have been instructed to remind passengers about this requirement at the time of booking and during check-in. However, if passengers fail to complete the form, they could face additional scrutiny, longer wait times, and may be asked to fill out the form manually at the airport, which will cause further delays. To avoid unnecessary stress, it’s recommended that travellers complete the form as soon as they can after booking their flights.

Why Is India Implementing This Change?

India’s decision to introduce the e-Arrival Card is part of an ongoing effort to modernize the country’s immigration system. The move is intended to enhance security, speed up entry procedures, and align with global best practices in digital travel management. With countries like Australia, Singapore, and the European Union already implementing similar systems, India’s new policy places the country in line with international standards.

The digitalization of the arrival process will not only benefit passengers but also help the Indian government manage high volumes of international travellers more efficiently, particularly at major airports where delays and bottlenecks have been common in the past.

What Travelers Need to Know

• Complete the e-Arrival Card: Travellers must fill out the digital form within 72 hours before landing in India.
• Check for QR Code: After submission, make sure you receive the QR code and keep it accessible for scanning upon arrival.
• Stay Informed: Airlines and Indian immigration authorities will provide further guidance to passengers about the new requirement. Passengers should ensure they follow the official instructions to avoid delays at immigration.

A Smooth Transition for Travelers

As the new e-Arrival Card requirement takes effect on April 1, 2026, travellers flying to India should be aware of this important change and ensure they complete the necessary steps before departure. By embracing this digital system, India aims to improve the overall passenger experience and provide a quicker, more efficient process for international arrivals.

For more details on the e-Arrival Card and to access the official submission portal, travellers can visit the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs website or download the Su-Swagatam app to complete their form ahead of their trip.