India Introduces Digital e-Arrival Card for International Travellers Starting October 1, 2025

2025/09/29

India Introduces Digital e-Arrival Card for International Travellers Starting October 1, 2025
A new era of travel documentation is on the horizon as India modernizes its immigration procedures with the launch of the e-Arrival Card, officially replacing the long-standing paper disembarkation form. Beginning October 1, 2025, all international visitors heading to India will be required to complete this digital form prior to their arrival, streamlining entry processes and reducing airport congestion.

At Marvel Travels – Corporate & Leisure, we strive to keep our travellers informed with the latest travel updates. Here's everything you should know about this important shift in India’s border control policy.

India Goes Digital: A Major Shift in Immigration Processing
In a significant upgrade to its immigration system, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has confirmed that foreign nationals visiting India will now be expected to submit their arrival information online through a centralized government portal. This digital initiative mirrors similar measures implemented in countries such as Singapore, the UK, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan, aligning India with global standards for smart border control.

The paper-based disembarkation form — once a familiar requirement on international flights — will be entirely phased out. Instead, a digitally submitted e-Arrival Card will now provide immigration officials with essential passenger details, thereby improving operational efficiency at major Indian airports.

Understanding the New e-Arrival Card
The e-Arrival Card serves as a digital entry declaration form, capturing key information about travellers including:
*Personal identification and passport details
*Flight number and date of arrival
*Travel purpose (e.g., tourism, business, education, medical, conference, research, or employment)
*Recent travel history (past six days)
*Indian contact address and emergency information

While the nature of the data remains similar to the paper version, the submission method is entirely digital — eliminating physical forms and reducing paperwork significantly.

Where to Complete the e-Arrival Form
Travellers can access the new digital arrival card through the official government website: 👉 indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
As of now, the platform is in its beta testing phase, allowing users to preview the system and familiarize themselves with the process. Although participation is currently optional, the portal will become fully operational and mandatory from October 1, 2025. Travellers will be required to complete the form within five days prior to landing in India.

Final Thoughts: What You Should Remember
From October 1, 2025, if you're flying into India from abroad, the paper disembarkation form will no longer be accepted. Instead, you'll be expected to complete the e-Arrival Card online through the official portal, up to five days before your arrival.

At Marvel Travels, we recommend all our corporate and leisure clients stay ahead by getting acquainted with the portal and preparing documentation well in advance. As always, we’re here to guide you through every journey.

For updates, assistance, or expert travel planning, reach out to us anytime.

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From October 1, 2025, India will require all foreign travellers to fill out a digital e-Arrival Card before arrival, replacing the paper disembarkation form. The form must be submitted within five days of travel. This new system will speed up immigration and is mandatory for all foreign nationals, except Indian citizens and OCI holders.

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