India e-Arrival Card: Requirements and Application Guide

Apply for your India arrival card online quickly and securely with HandleVisa

The India e-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital entry declaration introduced to simplify border control procedures.

With HandleVisa’s streamlined process, you can submit your India arrival form online in minutes. Find everything you need to know below.

HandleVisa is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with the Indian government. We offer professional travel document assistance for a service fee.

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What Is the India e-Arrival Card?

The India e-Arrival Card is a mandatory digital arrival form. On October 1, 2025, it replaced the old paper arrival card used on international flights.

Travelers must complete the India arrival form online before traveling and present the confirmation QR code on arrival.

Important: The e-Arrival Card is not a visa. Travelers who need a visa must still apply separately.

Key details about the e-Arrival Card

Here’s an overview of the entry document:

  • Required for foreign travelers
  • Submitted fully online
  • Valid for one entry into India
  • Used at air, sea, and land ports
  • Validated with a QR code

Check the section below to understand how it works.

How the e-Arrival Card works

The India arrival form collects essential information about each passenger.

The digital process allows authorities to review passenger information in advance. This helps reduce arrival processing times and improve border efficiency.

After completing the declaration, the system generates a QR code confirmation. This document must be presented to immigration officers when entering India, either on your phone or as a printed document.

How to Obtain the India Arrival Form Online

It’s possible to complete the e-Arrival Card online through the government portal or through the India Su-Swagatam app.

Alternatively, you can submit your arrival card using HandleVisa’s expert processing service.

Important note about the government portal

One important detail when applying directly with the government is that any modification after approval invalidates the arrival card. Even small errors in passport or flight information may require submitting a new declaration.

For this reason, many travelers prefer to use HandleVisa’s verification system. This helps avoid critical mistakes that could cause boarding denial or entry issues. Find out more below.

Why use HandleVisa to get the India e-Arrival Card?

FeatureGovernment WebsiteHandleVisa
24/365 online application✅✅
Application revision and correction by experts❌✅
Family grouping managed automatically❌✅
Simplified application process without app downloads❌✅
Correction of missing or incorrect flight/passport information❌✅
Privacy protection and secure form✅✅
Support and assistance 24/7 by email❌✅
Approved QR / e-Arrival Card sent via email as PDF❌✅

HandleVisa’s review process helps reduce mistakes that could invalidate your India digital disembarkation form.

India entry card fees

The India e-Arrival Card itself is free when submitted directly through the government system. HandleVisa charges a service fee starting from US$ 49, which includes:

  • Expert review of your application
  • Secure form submission
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Email QR confirmation

The final price is shown before payment.

India e-Arrival Card processing time

We process all arrival card applications within 2 days. We recommend applying as soon as you’ve confirmed your travel plans to India.

We also offer a 1h Priority Processing option for last-minute applications. Simply select this add-on when you apply, and your application will be processed within 1 hour.

India Arrival Card Requirements and Documents

Applying for the India entry card is straightforward. All you need is:

  • Passport
  • Email address
  • Debit or credit card

You do not need any additional documents.

When you complete the application, you just need to provide some basic details:

  • Personal details
  • Contact information
  • Travel and accommodation details
  • Travel history for the previous 6 days (if applicable)

Head to the next section to find out how to apply with HandleVisa.

How to Apply for the India e-Arrival Card

Applying for the India arrival card online with HandleVisa is quick and simple:

  • 1. Complete the online form

    Enter your personal details and passport information in our simplified form.

  • 2. Pay the service fee

    Complete the secure payment process. Your details are protected with SSL software.

  • 3. Submit for expert review

    Our specialists verify the information to prevent errors or missing information.

  • 4. Receive your QR confirmation

    Your India e-Arrival Card QR code will be sent to your email in PDF format.

  • 5. Present it on arrival

    Save the document on your phone or print it, ready to present at immigration.

Who Needs the India e-Arrival Card?

The India e-Arrival Card applies to international travelers entering India. It’s mandatory for all foreign citizens, regardless of nationality. This includes:

  • Minors and infants
  • Diplomatic passport holders
  • OCI cardholders (Overseas Citizen of India)

The only travelers exempt from completing the India arrival card are Indian citizens traveling with an Indian passport.

India e-Arrival Card FAQs

Find answers to common questions here.

Is the India e-Arrival Card the same as an eVisa?

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No. The India e-Arrival Card is a digital arrival declaration used by immigration authorities to collect traveler information before entry.

The India eVisa, on the other hand, is a travel authorization that allows you to enter the country. Most travelers will need both documents.

Do I need both an eVisa and an e-Arrival Card to enter India?

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Yes, unless you’re visa-exempt. The arrival card does not replace a visa.

Travelers who require a visa must still obtain an India visa or eVisa. They must also complete the India arrival card online before entering the country.

Can I travel to India with only the e-Arrival Card?

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No. The India digital disembarkation form is only a declaration form.

It does not authorize travel and cannot replace a visa or other entry permission.

If I already have a visa, do I still need the arrival card?

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Yes. Having a visa does not exempt you from completing the arrival declaration.

All foreign travelers must submit the India entry card before arriving.

When should I apply for the India e-Arrival Card?

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You should complete the India arrival form online at least 2 days before you travel. You can also apply up to 1 hour before if you choose our Priority Processing option.

Applying in advance ensures you receive the confirmation QR code before departure.

How do I submit the India arrival card?

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The form can be completed through the government system or through an expert processing service like HandleVisa.

Once submitted, you’ll receive a QR code confirmation that must be shown to immigration officers when you arrive.

What documents do I need for the India arrival card?

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All you need is your passport, an email address, and a debit or credit card.

The form only requires information about you and your travel itinerary, including your arrival details and address in India.

What happens if I make a mistake on my arrival card?

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If you’ve submitted your application and have now realised you made a mistake, contact our team as soon as possible.

Depending on the status of your application, there may be time to correct the mistake.

Do I need to print the India e-Arrival Card?

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Printing is optional. You can show the QR code confirmation on your mobile device when passing through immigration.

What document will I receive after applying?

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Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a QR code confirmation in PDF format.

This document must be presented when you arrive in India.

Which ports in India accept the e-Arrival Card?

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The India entry card is valid at all international ports of entry, including:

  • Airports
  • Seaports
  • Land border crossings

Prepare your e-Arrival card approval and passport ready for when you arrive.

What happens at immigration when I arrive in India?

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When you arrive, you present your passport, visa (if required), and the e-Arrival Card confirmation.

Immigration officers scan the QR code and process your entry into India.

Do I need the arrival card if I am only transiting through India?

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If you remain in the international transit area, you typically do not need the declaration.

However, if you leave the airport, pass through immigration, or change terminals, the arrival card is required.

What happens if I forget to complete the arrival card before traveling?

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Airlines may request travelers to present the arrival declaration confirmation before boarding.

If it has not been completed, you’ll need to submit it before departure or risk delays.