What Is the India e-Arrival Card and Why Does It Matter?
Starting April 1, 2026, India replaced its traditional paper arrival cards with a fully digital system called the e-Arrival Card. This isn't optional—every foreign passport holder must complete it before landing in India. The system works like this: you fill out a simple online form, receive a digital QR code, and show it to immigration officers when you arrive. It takes about 5 minutes and costs nothing.
Think of it as your digital entry ticket to India. It's separate from your visa and passport—you need all three to enter the country. The government implemented this system to speed up border processing and improve security tracking across the country's major airports and seaports.
Who Needs to Fill Out the e-Arrival Card?
Understanding eligibility is critical. Not everyone entering India must complete this form.
- Foreign passport holders: All tourists, business travelers, students, and professionals on any visa type must fill it out.
- OCI cardholders: Overseas Citizens of India holding a valid OCI card are required to complete the form.
- PIO cardholders: Persons of Indian Origin with a PIO card must also submit the e-Arrival Card.
- Indian passport holders: Citizens with a standard Indian passport are completely exempt.
If you hold a foreign passport of any country—UK, US, Australian, Canadian, or any other nation—you must fill out this form. There are no exceptions based on age, visa type, or length of stay.
How to Fill Out Your e-Arrival Card: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal or App
You have two official channels to submit your e-Arrival Card. Use only these approved platforms to protect your personal data:
- The official Bureau of Immigration website (boi.gov.in)
- The Su-Swagatam mobile app, available on iOS and Android
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Step 2: Provide Your Basic Information
The form asks for straightforward details. You'll need:
- Your full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Passport number and issue/expiry dates
- Date of birth and nationality
- Email address and phone number
- Your Indian visa details (visa number and type)
Make sure everything matches your passport exactly. Even a small spelling mistake can cause delays at immigration.
Step 3: Enter Your Accommodation Details
Provide where you'll stay in India. This can be a hotel, an apartment, or a friend's address. You need:
- City and state name
- Full address or hotel name
- Street address (if staying with a resident)
If your plans aren't finalized, use your first destination. You can update this information later if needed.
Step 4: Answer Health and Security Questions
The form includes basic health and background questions. Answer honestly. These questions are standard and straightforward—they're not related to COVID-19 or medical history.
Step 5: Submit and Receive Your QR Code
Once you submit the form, you'll immediately receive a digital QR code. This is your proof of registration. You can either screenshot it on your phone or print a copy. You must show this QR code to immigration officers when you land in India.
Timing: When Should You Submit Your e-Arrival Card?
Timing matters because the submission window affects your QR code validity.
Submit between 4 days (96 hours) and 72 hours before arrival: You'll get your digital QR code immediately. Print or screenshot it and bring it to the airport.
Submit within 72 hours of your flight: You'll still receive a QR code, but it might not be ready until you're very close to landing. This creates unnecessary stress, so plan ahead.
Don't wait until you land: You cannot submit the form after you've arrived in India. Border officers will not process you without proof of prior submission.
The smartest approach? Fill it out 3–4 days before your flight. This gives you time to fix any errors and ensures your QR code is ready well in advance.
Understanding Your QR Code and What to Do at the Airport
What the QR Code Contains
Your digital QR code is a unique identifier linked to your submission. It contains encoded information about your personal details, visa status, and accommodation. When immigration officers scan it, they instantly access all the information you provided online.
How to Present Your QR Code at Immigration
When you reach the immigration counter at the airport:
- Have your passport ready.
- Show your QR code on your phone screen or printed paper.
- The officer will scan it to verify your pre-arrival registration.
- Answer any follow-up questions and proceed.
Travelers who've used this system report the process takes 2–3 minutes total. Having your QR code ready prevents delays and keeps the line moving.
e-Arrival Card vs. Your Visa: What's the Difference?
Many people confuse the e-Arrival Card with an e-Visa or visa application. They're completely different documents:
| Document | Purpose | Where to Get It | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-Visa or Visa | Legal permission to enter India | Indian embassy or visa portal | Paid ($20–$100+ depending on type) | Yes, always |
| e-Arrival Card | Digital arrival registration | Bureau of Immigration portal or Su-Swagatam app | Free | Yes, mandatory since April 2026 |
| Passport | Proof of citizenship | Your home country's passport office | Paid (varies by country) | Yes, always |
You need all three to enter India. Your visa allows you to travel. Your e-Arrival Card registers your arrival. Your passport proves who you are. Missing any one of these will stop you at immigration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers make these errors repeatedly. Learning from them now saves you headaches later:
- Using a third-party website: Scam sites charge $5–$20 to submit a free form. Use only boi.gov.in or Su-Swagatam.
- Name spelling mismatches: If your form says "Jon" but your passport says "John," you'll be stopped. Match everything exactly.
- Forgetting to save your QR code: Screenshot or print it before you travel. You can't access it at the airport without an internet connection.
- Submitting too late: Filling out the form 30 minutes before your flight is cutting it too close. Do it 3–4 days before.
- Providing an incorrect visa number: Double-check your e-Visa approval email or visa sticker. One wrong digit causes rejection.
- Not knowing your accommodation: If you truly don't know where you're staying, use your first hotel. You can update it later in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About the e-Arrival Card
Can I submit the e-Arrival Card from inside India?
No. You must submit it before you board your flight to India. The system is designed as a pre-arrival registration tool. If you somehow arrive without submitting it, you cannot go back and fill it out retroactively. Border officers will not process you.
What if I lose my QR code after arrival?
Your QR code is stored in the Bureau of Immigration database. Once you've arrived and passed through immigration, you don't need it anymore. The form was only required at border entry. If you somehow need proof you submitted it, contact the Bureau of Immigration with your passport number.
Do children need their own e-Arrival Card?
Yes. Every person—including infants and minors—traveling on their own passport needs a separate e-Arrival Card. If a child is listed as a dependent on another person's visa or document, check the specific instructions on the Bureau of Immigration portal. International travel requirements vary by visa type.
Will the e-Arrival Card replace my e-Visa?
No. The e-Arrival Card is an additional requirement, not a replacement. You still need a valid visa of any type (e-Visa, tourist visa, business visa, etc.) to legally enter India. The e-Arrival Card just registers your arrival for tracking purposes.
What happens if I submit wrong information on my e-Arrival Card?
Contact the Bureau of Immigration immediately through their portal. In most cases, you can correct minor errors before your flight. If you discover errors after arrival, update your information in their system—it won't affect your entry since you've already passed immigration, but it keeps their records accurate.
Is the Su-Swagatam app safe to use?
Yes. The Su-Swagatam app is the official government application developed by the Bureau of Immigration. It's available on both iOS and Android. Only download it from the official App Store or Google Play Store—not from third-party sources. Check the developer name to confirm it's the real government app.
Key Takeaways
- The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign passport holders arriving in India since April 1, 2026.
- Complete it online at boi.gov.in or via the Su-Swagatam app—never through third-party websites.
- Submit it 3–4 days before your flight to receive your QR code with plenty of time to spare.
- Your QR code is separate from your visa and passport—you need all three documents.
- Print or screenshot your QR code and show it to immigration officers when you land in India.
- The entire process is completely free and takes about 5 minutes.
- Double-check that your name, passport number, and visa details match your actual documents exactly.
