India e-Arrival Card — required before you board.
The India e-Arrival Card is a mandatory travel document for all international visitors entering India by air. Complete it within 72 hours before your flight — or risk being denied boarding.
By Eshani Vohra, Certified Travel Documentation Specialist · Last updated: April 2025 · Independent service, not affiliated with the Government of India
What Is the India e-Arrival Card?
The India e-Arrival Card is an official entry requirement designed to collect essential biographical, contact, and travel information from arriving passengers.
Its primary purpose is to assist immigration and health authorities in monitoring passenger flow and ensuring border security. This digital e-Arrival Card replaces traditional paper arrival forms.
This digital declaration must be completed accurately prior to crossing the border. Whether you call it the India e-arrival form or the India e-Arrival Card — the requirement is the same.
Who needs it?
You need it if…
You may NOT need it if…
Four steps to get your e-Arrival Card.
Preparation
Gather your valid passport, travel itinerary, and local accommodation details before you start.
Form completion
Enter your personal information, arrival details, address in India, and contact information.
Submission
Review the declaration for accuracy. Our team checks every field before submitting to the government portal.
Confirmation
Carry the confirmation — digital or printed — to present to airline staff and border authorities.
The 72-hour window.
Travelers must submit their application within 72 hours prior to their scheduled arrival in India. Missing the deadline can result in boarding delays or complications at immigration.
Submitting too early may cause the system to reject the application. The sweet spot: 48–24 hours before arrival.
Documents to have ready.
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months remaining validity from your date of arrival in India.
Flight details
Your inbound flight number and scheduled arrival date.
Email address
A working email where your confirmation will be delivered.
Address in India
Hotel name and address for your first night, or host's address.
Most common mistakes.
Incorrect passport validity
Applying with a passport expiring in less than six months from arrival date.
Mismatched personal details
Entering a name or passport number that does not exactly match your travel document.
Wrong travel purpose
Selecting "Tourism" when your actual intent is "Business" or "Medical."
Missing accommodation data
Failing to provide a verifiable address for your stay in India.
Two ways to apply.
indianvisaonline.gov.in ↗
earrivalcard-india.com