Good to know
- You can submit it on the Indian Visa Online portal, the Bureau of Immigration website or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app. All are free. The form asks for the countries you visited in the past six days.
- The card became mandatory on 1 April 2026, after a transition period that began in October 2025. Paper disembarkation cards are no longer used.
- It does not replace an Indian visa. Submit within 72 hours before arrival. The portal does not accept earlier dates.
How to submit
- Open the official site from the button on this page, not from a search ad.
- Keep your passport, flight details and accommodation address ready.
- Fill in the form during the allowed window.
- Save the confirmation or QR code as a screenshot, and print it if you can.
- Show the confirmation at check-in or immigration if you are asked.
Common mistakes
- Paying a third-party site. The official form is free.
- Submitting outside the allowed window, which can cause the form to be rejected.
- Typing details that do not match your passport exactly.
- Assuming that no visa means no arrival card. They are separate.
Frequently asked questions
Is the India e-Arrival Card free?
Yes, on the official site it is free. If a website asks you to pay, it is not the official portal.
When should I submit the e-Arrival Card?
Within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival (not earlier). Confirm the exact window on the official site, because it can change.
Do I need it if I do not need a visa?
The arrival card is a separate requirement from a visa. Who must submit: All foreign nationals. Indian passport holders are exempt. For OCI cardholders, published guidance differs, so confirm on the official portal.
Where this comes from
We check the official portal and published government notices where we can reach them. Because rules change, always confirm on the official site.