Planning a trip to India soon? Whether it’s to reunite with family, celebrate Diwali back home, or explore the vibrant chaos of Delhi and Mumbai, there’s one new travel rule you can’t afford to miss.
Starting 1 October 2025, India has made the E-Arrival Card mandatory for all international travellers. This means everyone entering India (except Indian passport holders and OCI cardholders) must fill out a digital arrival form before arriving.
No more paper forms handed out on the plane or long queues to fill them after landing. This new online system aims to make the arrival process smoother, faster, and completely paper-free.
So before you pack your bags and board that flight home, here’s everything you need to know about the new rule. Let’s find out:
What Is the E-Arrival Card?
The E-Arrival Card is an online version of the old “disembarkation card” you used to fill out when entering India.
This digital form collects essential travel information such as your passport details, flight number, purpose of visit, and address in India so that immigration officers can pre-verify details even before you land.
It’s part of India’s move toward faster and more efficient border processing, replacing paperwork with digital systems to reduce long queues and manual checks.
Think of it as your “digital entry slip” to India.
Why the Change? What's Different?
For decades, inbound travellers to India filled a physical disembarkation card onboard or upon arrival. With growing passenger volumes and the need for faster processing, India is moving to digitise the arrival formalities.
Under the new system:
- The paper form is being phased out (though a transition period may allow limited physical forms).
- Travellers must submit arrival details ahead of time, not upon landing.
- Immigration officers will get digital access to the traveller’s arrival data, reducing manual data entry and potential bottlenecks.
For those arriving through major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad, the expectation is that queues will be shorter and processing faster once this system becomes fully operational.
Who Must Fill the E-Arrival Card and Who Is Exempt?
Must Fill:
All foreign nationals entering India, irrespective of visa type, must complete the E-Arrival Card. This includes:
- Tourists
- Business travellers
- Students
- Medical visitors
- Conference attendees
- Holders of e-Visas, sticker visas, etc.
Exemptions:
- Indian citizens arriving on an Indian passport are exempt.
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are generally exempt.
If you are an Indian living in Australia using your Indian passport to travel home, you will not need to fill out the E-Arrival Card.
But if you hold a foreign passport (for example, an Australian or other nationality) and enter India as a foreign national, you must complete it.
When Should You Fill It Out?
Timing is key!
You must complete the E-Arrival Card within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in India.
Filling it too early isn’t allowed, and waiting until the last minute can be risky, especially if your flight has a layover or delay. The safest time is 2 days before your flight, so you have a buffer if anything changes.
Once submitted, your information is stored digitally with India’s immigration department, making the entry process much quicker when you land.
What Information Do You Need?
In the E-Arrival form, you will typically have to provide:
- Full name (as per passport)
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of arrival in India
- Flight number/port of arrival
- Purpose of visit
- Countries visited in the last six days
- Address in India (hotel, residence, etc.)
- Contact details (email, phone)
- Emergency contact (name, number)
It’s purely information entry (no document uploads). After submission, you receive a confirmation (digital or printable) that you should carry with you for immigration checks.
Tips for Accuracy & Avoiding Errors
- Double-check your passport number, name spelling, and arrival date; mistakes can lead to delays.
- Don’t submit too early. It must be within 72 hours before arrival.
- When you fly, carry a screenshot or printed confirmation along with your travel documents.
- Resubmit if plans change. If your flight or arrival date changes, fill out the form again.
- Avoid fake websites. Only use the official link shared below.
What It Means for Indian Residents in Australia
If you are an Indian citizen living in Australia and travelling back to India on an Indian passport:
- You are exempt from filling out the E-Arrival Card.
- Your usual travel documentation (passport, visa if needed, etc.) applies.
- However, if you hold a foreign passport (e.g., dual citizenship or other nationality), you may need to comply as a foreign national traveller.
For Australians or others planning to visit India:
- Ensure you complete the E-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.
- Use your valid passport and visa, in addition to the E-Arrival requirement.
- Prepare the required information ahead of time to avoid last-minute rushes.
Also note: Australians travelling to India must secure their visa (e-Visa or appropriate visa) before travel. You can refer to India’s visa requirements for Australian nationals and Indian visa information.
Quick Recap
- Effective Date: 1 October 2025
- Who Must Apply: All foreign nationals entering India
- Exemptions: Indian citizens & OCI cardholders
- When to Apply: Within 72 hours before arrival
- Where to Apply: Online (link below)
- What to Prepare: Passport, flight info, contact details, India address
For more details and official updates, you can apply at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival (or refer to the Bureau of Immigration site) and visit https://boi.gov.in/boi for further information.
Conclusion
The introduction of the E-Arrival Card from 1 October 2025 marks a significant step in India’s drive to modernise its immigration procedures and provide smoother entry for international visitors. For travellers from Australia, whether Indian residents returning home or foreign nationals visiting India, complying with the E-Arrival requirement is essential.
If you’re travelling on an Indian passport, you are exempt. However, all foreign nationals must complete the E-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. Ensure your details are accurate, your itinerary is settled, and your digital confirmation is ready when you fly.
This new system is designed to reduce delays at immigration counters, reduce paperwork, and enhance the overall travel experience. But good preparation on your part will ensure that you benefit from it.
FAQs
Does an Indian citizen have to fill out the E-Arrival Card?
No. Indian citizens arriving on an Indian passport are exempt. You don’t need to complete it.
Are OCI cardholders required to fill out the E-Arrival Card?
Generally, no, OCI cardholders are exempt from this requirement. But always verify your travel status before departure.
How far in advance can I submit the E-Arrival Card?
You must submit it within 72 hours (i.e. up to 3 days) before you arrive in India.
What if my travel plans change after I submit the form?
If your arrival date, flight, or address changes, you should update or resubmit the E-Arrival Card with the new information to reflect your travel plan.
What happens if I fail to submit the E-Arrival Card?
You may face delays or complications at immigration upon arrival. Worst-case, you could be denied entry until you comply. To avoid this, complete it ahead of time.
Do I need to print the confirmation or show a mobile copy?
A digital copy or screenshot is acceptable in most cases. But for safety, you may carry a printed copy of the confirmation and travel documents.
