From April 1, 2026, India is definitively turning the page on paper-based airport formalities. The traditional disembarkation form, initially distributed on the plane, is being replaced by a 100 % digital procedure: the e-Arrival Card (Electronic arrival card).
Major Indian airports such as Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Kempegowda International Airport have announced this new measure. Paper landing forms will be accepted until March 31, 2026.
Whether you're traveling from Africa, America, Europe or the rest of Asia, This new customs and migration declaration is now a compulsory formality.
What is the e-Arrival Card for India?
Deployed in a test phase since late 2025, the e-Arrival Card is a digital pre-arrival form required by the Indian government. It enables the immigration authorities to collect your basic information (identity, flight, residential address) before you arrive in the country.
The e-Arrival Card does not replace a visa! This is a complementary and 100 % free process, to be carried out after you have obtained your visa. You must still have obtained your eTA or visa from the embassy if your nationality is not eligible for online application.
Who is affected by this new measure?
The digitization of India's borders applies to almost all international travelers:
- The following are required to complete the form: All foreign nationals (tourists, business travellers, students, medical patients), as well as holders of the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India).
- The following are exempt: Only Indian citizens with an Indian passport.
The authorities have introduced a simplified system for grouping up to 5 family members on a single quotation, making it much easier for groups of several travellers.
When and how do you make your declaration?
Your request must be submitted within 72 hours of your arrival in India (and before boarding at the latest). Airlines are now entitled to deny you boarding if you do not present your e-Arrival Card.
There are two official secure channels: the government web portal : indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Or the official mobile application : Su-Swagatam (available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store).
No document to download (no upload). Just keep it handy:
- Details of your passport (number, nationality, expiry date)
- Your flight details (flight number, origin)
- The reason for your stay
- The address of your first place of residence in India (hotel, Airbnb, with relatives)
- Your contact details (email and phone number)
Once the form has been validated, a QR Code is instantly generated.
For our customers, especially those from non-European countries where stopovers can be long and tiring, arriving at major hubs such as New Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM) or Bangalore (BLR) could be synonymous with interminable waiting.
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has set a target of reduce immigration waiting times by almost 40 %. By bringing its standards into line with those of modern systems such as Singapore and Australia, India is making its terminals more fluid, so you can start your journey in much better conditions.
✅ Boarding checklist: Get ready for India
For a smooth departure, here are the documents you need to present at the airport:
1. Your passport (valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages).
2. Your approved Indian visa (preferably printed on paper).
3. The QR Code of your e-Arrival Card (downloaded to your smartphone, with a security screenshot in case you don't have a connection on arrival).
For assistance in obtaining your eTA for India, visit our website Visamundi.co ? Our agency will soon be assisting you in obtaining of the e-Arrival Card.
Fill in a file from e-Visa India
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