Introduced on October 1, 2025, the digital arrival card (e-Arrival Card) is part of India’s broader strategy to digitize entry procedures.
Available via the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or through the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” mobile app for iOS and Android devices, the system allows travelers to submit their information prior to arrival in the country.
The e-Arrival Card form can be completed within four days before arrival.
Two scenarios apply: if the form is submitted more than 72 hours before travel, no QR code presentation is required at immigration control; however, for submissions made within 72 hours of arrival, travelers must present the generated QR code to complete the process.
Free of charge, this requirement does not replace a visa or e-Visa but complements existing entry requirements, with the aim of streamlining border control procedures.
“Physical arrival cards will only continue until 31st March 2026”
In a social media post shared on March 21, Delhi International Airport announced that paper arrival cards will only be accepted until March 31, 2026. As of April 1, 2026, only the digital version will be recognized for travelers arriving in the Indian capital.
This deadline marks the completion of the transition phase initially planned by the authorities. When the system was launched in October 2025, it was indicated that the paper format would remain available for a transitional period of up to six months, allowing travelers and airlines time to adapt.
For now, only Delhi International Airport has confirmed the end of paper arrival cards. However, travelers can expect this measure to be gradually adopted at other airports across India.
