The India e-Arrival Card – officially processed through the Su-Swagatam portal – is a mandatory online registration form that all foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must complete before flying to India. Mandatory from 1 April 2026, the process is completely free and takes only a few minutes.
Whether you are visiting India for tourism, business, or family – understanding what the India e-Arrival Card is and how to apply ensures a smooth arrival at any Indian airport.
Key Facts – India e-Arrival Card 2026
- Mandatory from: 1 April 2026 for all air arrivals
- Cost: Free
- When to submit: Within 72 hours before scheduled arrival
- Who needs it: All foreign nationals + OCI cardholders (OCI: mandatory since 4 October 2025)
- Portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or suswaagatam.gov.in
- App: Su-Swagatam (Android / iOS) – free
What Is the India e-Arrival Card?
The India e-Arrival Card replaces the old paper Disembarkation Card that passengers previously filled out on the plane. The digital version is submitted through the Su-Swagatam portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or via the free Su-Swagatam mobile app (Android and iOS). It captures your travel details – passport number, nationality, purpose of visit, Indian address, and countries visited in the past 6 days – before you land, speeding up immigration clearance significantly.
How to Apply – Quick Steps
- Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or download the Su-Swagatam app
- Enter passport details, nationality, and purpose of visit
- Provide your Indian address and countries visited in the last 6 days
- Add contact information and complete the CAPTCHA
- Submit and save your confirmation email
For a full walkthrough, see our How to Apply guide.
Who Needs the India e-Arrival Card?
All foreign nationals arriving by air must complete the e-Arrival Card – including citizens of the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and all EU countries. Check our eligible countries page for a full list.
Is It Different from an Indian Visa?
Yes. The e-Arrival Card is not a visa. You still need a valid Indian visa or OCI card for entry. The e-Arrival Card is purely an arrival registration form replacing the paper Disembarkation Card. See our e-Arrival Card vs eVisa comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the India e-Arrival Card really free?
Yes. The official Su-Swagatam portal charges no fee. Beware of third-party websites charging for this service.
What happens if I don’t complete the e-Arrival Card?
Airlines may deny boarding, and Indian immigration can refuse entry. Complete it well before your flight.
Do children need an e-Arrival Card?
Yes. Each traveller including minors needs a separate e-Arrival Card, completed by a parent or guardian.
Which airports require the e-Arrival Card?
All international airports in India. See our airports guide.