India E-Arrival Card

India e-Arrival Card (Digital Disembarkation Form)

Introduction

From 1 October 2025, India has officially introduced the Digital Disembarkation Form, also known as the e-Arrival Card, for all international travellers.
This replaces the old paper form that was previously filled out on flights or at immigration counters.

The new system is part of India’s initiative to simplify border control and speed up arrivals at airports across the country. Travellers must now complete the online form before arriving in India to ensure a smooth entry.

If you’re a UK resident planning a trip to India and require urgent visa approval, the Indian eVisa is the fastest and most convenient option. Whether you’re visiting family, attending a wedding, travelling for business, or in need of emergency medical travel — we’re here to help you apply with zero stress and complete accuracy.

Who Needs to Complete the e-Arrival Card

The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for:

  • All foreign nationals entering India (including tourists, business travellers, students, and medical visitors).

  • OCI cardholders, who were previously exempt, are now also required to fill out the digital form.

  • Indian citizens returning from abroad may be asked to complete it depending on airline procedures.

It must be completed within 72 hours before arrival in India.

Information Required

Travellers will need to provide:

  • Full name (as shown in passport)

  • Nationality and passport number

  • Date of birth and gender

  • Expected arrival date

  • Purpose of visit (e.g. tourism, business, medical, study)

  • Address in India

  • Countries visited in the past six days

  • Contact details in India and emergency contact

No documents need to be uploaded, and there is no fee for submitting the form.

How to Complete the e-Arrival Card

    1. Go to the official e-Arrival Card portal.

    2. Complete all required fields accurately using your travel and passport information.

    3. Review your details carefully before submitting.

    4. Save or print the confirmation once your submission is complete.

     

    You should complete this process no earlier than 72 hours before you land in India.
    It’s strongly recommended to carry a printed or digital copy of your submission confirmation when travelling

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Key Benefits of the e-Arrival Card

    • Faster immigration clearance on arrival.

    • Paperless and eco-friendly process.

    • Reduced errors through online data validation.

    • No queues or manual forms at the airport.

How the Process Works

If you hold an OCI card and are travelling from the UK, you must now fill in the e-Arrival Card just like any other traveller.
Submitting the form before travel helps prevent unnecessary delays at Indian immigration.

 

For travellers applying for new OCI cards or Indian e-Visas through OCI Gateway, this form will be included in your pre-travel checklist to make sure your journey is fully compliant.

Checklist Before Travelling to India

  • Valid passport (with at least six months’ validity)
  • Valid Indian visa or OCI card
  • e-Arrival Card submitted online within 72 hours before arrival
  • Copy (digital or printed) of e-Arrival Card confirmation
  • Return or onward flight details

Stay Informed with OCI Gateway

    • At OCI Gateway, we keep UK travellers up to date with all new Indian entry regulations, including the latest e-Arrival Card system.
      Our team ensures every applicant is aware of all travel requirements to avoid last-minute complications.

      If you’re planning to travel soon and need help with your OCI, Indian e-Visa, or travel documentation, our UK-based team is here to guide you.

      Apply Now to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the India e-Arrival Card?

The India e-Arrival Card, also known as the Digital Disembarkation Form, is an online form that travellers must complete before entering India. It replaces the old paper arrival card previously filled out on flights or at the airport.

All foreign nationals entering India are required to fill it out — this includes tourists, business travellers, students, and medical visitors.
OCI cardholders are also required to complete it, even if they previously didn’t need to.

The form should be submitted within 72 hours before your arrival in India. You can complete it any time after checking in for your flight, as long as it’s within that timeframe.

No, you don’t need to upload any supporting documents. The form only requires you to fill in your travel and personal details accurately.

Need Help Before You Travel to India? Complete Your e-Arrival Card Today

Avoid last-minute delays at immigration by submitting your India e-Arrival Card online before your flight. Our team at OCI Gateway can guide you through every step — ensuring your documents and travel forms are completed correctly the first time.

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