For foreign nationals, India’s new mandatory e‑Arrival card allows foreign delegates to pre-submit arrival details online, ensuring a faster travel experience.
By MT Bureau
From 1 October 2025, India has introduced a mandatory e‑Arrival Card for all foreign nationals entering the country. This move promises to streamline immigration and improve the experience for business travellers.
What is changing?
The traditional paper Disembarkation Card is being phased out. Instead, foreign visitors (including OCI cardholders) must now complete their arrival form digitally up to 72 hours before they land. The form can be submitted via:
- the Indian Visa Online portal
- the Bureau of Immigration website:
- indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
- the Indian Visa Su‑Swagatam mobile app
There is a transition period of up to six months, during which paper cards will still be accepted, but the government strongly recommends using the e‑Arrival option.
Benefits
- Speedier immigration: By pre‑submitting arrival data, delegates can breeze through immigration, saving time, and heading straight to event or transfer.
- Improved accuracy: The digital form captures key details: passport, purpose of visit, address in India, travel history, and sends it directly to immigration systems.
- Lower administrative friction: Less paper means fewer manual errors and a smoother, more professional arrival experience.
- Better experience: For time‑sensitive business trips, this digital-first approach aligns perfectly with the needs of modern MICE travellers.
Even with the e‑Arrival card, travellers still need a valid visa. The form is not a visa itself. After submitting the form, the foreign visitors will get a QR code orreference number to present at immigration. MT
