India Goes Digital: e-Arrival Card Replaces Paper Forms from October 1

New Delhi, 28 September 2025 – From October 1, 2025, travellers flying into India will no longer have to fill out the old paper disembarkation card at immigration. Instead, they can complete a new digital e-Arrival Card online before arriving.

What changes for travellers?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced that this move will make the immigration process faster, smoother, and less stressful. By going digital, the government hopes to cut long queues and save time at airport counters.

The new e-Arrival Card will replace the traditional paper forms that visitors were required to fill in upon arrival.

How does it work?

Travellers will need to complete their e-Arrival Card online within five days before arriving in India. The government has launched a dedicated portal:
👉 indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival

Currently, the portal is in beta testing and is optional. From October 1, it will become mandatory for all international travellers.

What details are required?

The e-Arrival Card will ask for:

• Full name and nationality
• Passport number
• Date of arrival in India
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, medical, AYUSH, employment, research, or conference)
• Countries visited in the past 6 days
• Address in India
• Email address and contact number
• Emergency contact details

After submission, travellers will receive a preview of their e-Arrival Card, which can be shown to immigration officers if requested.

Why this change?

Officials say the move aligns India with global best practices. Many countries are shifting to digital border control systems to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency.

The MHA noted:

“The shift to digital arrival cards has now reached India! This change will reduce wait times and ease the entry process for millions of travellers.”

What it means for travellers

For international visitors, this new system promises:

• Less time waiting at immigration counters
• No need to carry paper forms
• More convenient travel planning

As international travel continues to grow, India’s step towards digital immigration is expected to be a big relief for travellers and airport staff alike.

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✅ Source: Government of India release
🔗 Portal link: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival