As of October 1, 2025, foreign travelers arriving in India can now complete their arrival card online through a new official platform. This digital document, called the e-Arrival Card, is designed to streamline the entry process into India while reducing paper usage.
VisasNews had already mentioned this possibility in our article last week, when the portal was still in beta mode and its October 1 launch date was just speculation based on local media reports.
Despite the quick announcement and rollout, international travelers have no need to worry: the traditional paper disembarkation card is still available.
The paper version will remain in place during a transitional period that may last up to six months—or until the digital system is fully stabilized, whichever comes first. This dual system is intended to ensure a smooth, hassle-free transition, giving everyone enough time to adapt to the new procedure.
Currently, travelers heading to India have two options for completing the arrival form:
- Physically upon arrival in India, or
- Digitally, up to 72 hours before arrival via:
- The official website: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
- The mobile app “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam,” available on the App Store and Google Play
Less waiting, less paperwork, more efficiency with the e-Arrival Card
The implementation of this digital card was officially announced by GMR Aero, the private operator responsible for managing Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, under the supervision of India’s Bureau of Immigration.
In a statement released yesterday, GMR Aero explained that the launch of the e-Arrival Card aligns with “the Digital India vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, towards creating a seamless process to enhance passenger experience.”
“The new system allows international passengers to fill out their arrival information online through a seamless digital platform, eliminating the need for manual paper-based cards at the airport,” the statement said.
” This will not only ease the arrival process for travelers but also improve efficiency, reduce queues, and support the airport’s sustainability goals by cutting down paper usage,” adds GMR Aero, noting that similar systems already exist at several major international airports, including in Thailand, Indonesia, and South Korea.
Traveling to India? Don’t confuse the e-Arrival Card with the e-Visa
Although both are digital documents, the e-Arrival Card does not replace the e-Visa, and the two serve entirely different purposes:
- The e-Visa is a mandatory electronic travel authorizaion (ETA) required for various purposes (tourism, business, medical treatment, etc.). It must be obtained in advance through a full online application process.
- The e-Arrival Card, on the other hand, is simply an information form to be completed upon arrival—similar to the paper cards passengers currently fill out mid-flight or at the airport. It does not serve as a visa and does not authorize entry into India without a valid visa, if one is required.
