No More Paper Forms: India Rolls Out e-Arrival Card for Seamless Entry

From October 1, 2025, arriving in India will become faster, simpler, and entirely paperless. Foreign travellers landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport can now complete their arrival formalities online through the new e-Arrival Card — a fully digital replacement for the traditional paper disembarkation form.

Launched by GMR Aero-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) in collaboration with the Bureau of Immigration, the initiative marks a major milestone in the Government of India’s Digital India vision. It’s designed to simplify the arrival process, enhance efficiency, and offer a smoother experience for millions of international passengers.

A Smarter, Faster Arrival Experience

Instead of filling out forms on the plane or upon landing, travellers can now enter their details online up to 72 hours before arrival. The process is available via the Bureau of Immigration portal (boi.gov.in), the Indian Visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in), the “Su-Swagatam” mobile app, or the Delhi Airport website (newdelhiairport.in).

Once submitted, the data is securely shared with immigration officials, allowing faster verification and shorter queues at arrival gates. The e-Arrival Card collects basic travel information such as passport details, flight number, purpose of visit, and local contact address in India — all without the need for manual paperwork.

Sustainable and Efficient

Beyond convenience, the move represents a step towards sustainable airport operations. Eliminating paper arrival cards significantly reduces paper consumption, helping Delhi Airport advance its goal of becoming more environmentally responsible while improving operational efficiency.

Commenting on the initiative, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO-DIAL, said:

“We are delighted to join hands with the Bureau of Immigration to launch the E-Arrival Card facility for international passengers. This initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to delivering a world-class, hassle-free travel experience while promoting sustainable practices. By digitising the arrival card process, we are enabling faster clearances, shorter waiting times, and greater convenience to enhance the overall passenger experience.”

Part of a Broader Digital Vision

The e-Arrival Card follows the successful launch of the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) in 2024, which allows Indian citizens and OCI cardholders to benefit from faster, biometric-based immigration clearance. Together, these initiatives signal a new era of smart, technology-driven travel for both domestic and international passengers.

What Travellers Should Know

• The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering India.

• It can be completed up to three days before arrival.

• No documents need to be uploaded — only an online form submission.

• A short transition period will allow both paper and digital forms.

• Indian citizens and OCI cardholders are exempt.

With the e-Arrival Card, India joins global travel leaders such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea — setting a new benchmark for convenience, efficiency, and sustainability in international travel