Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are required to complete the India e-Arrival Card since 4 October 2025. This guide explains exactly what the requirement means for OCI holders and how to comply.
When Did OCI Holders Become Required?
India’s Bureau of Immigration made the Su-Swagatam registration mandatory for OCI cardholders from 4 October 2025 – approximately 6 months before it became mandatory for all other foreign nationals (1 April 2026). OCI holders were among the first groups required to use the new system.
Why Are OCI Cardholders Required?
The OCI card provides visa-free, lifelong entry to India, meaning OCI holders do not apply for eVisas. However, the e-Arrival Card serves a different purpose – it collects arrival information for border management and statistical purposes. Since OCI holders arrive without going through the eVisa system, the e-Arrival Card is the primary digital record of their arrival details.
How OCI Cardholders Apply
- Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival within 72 hours before arrival
- Enter your foreign nationality passport details (not OCI card number)
- Complete all fields: purpose of visit, Indian address, countries visited in last 6 days
- Submit and save confirmation
Documents Required for OCI Entry to India
- Valid OCI card
- Valid foreign nationality passport
- Completed India e-Arrival Card (Su-Swagatam)
OCI Cardholders with Different Nationalities
The e-Arrival Card requirement is the same regardless of your OCI holder nationality:
- OCI holders with US citizenship
- OCI holders with UK citizenship
- OCI holders with Australian citizenship
- OCI holders with EU citizenship
PIO Card Holders
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards were phased out and should have been converted to OCI cards. Contact the nearest Indian High Commission or consulate to convert. Once converted, OCI rules (including e-Arrival Card requirement) apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did OCI cardholders need to start using the e-Arrival Card?
From 4 October 2025. OCI holders were required before all other foreign nationals.
Does an OCI cardholder need a visa for India?
No. OCI cardholders have visa-free lifelong entry. However, they still need to complete the e-Arrival Card for each trip.
What passport number do I enter as an OCI holder?
Enter your foreign nationality passport number – the passport you are using to travel. Not your OCI card number.
My OCI card was issued on an old passport – can I still use it?
Yes. The OCI card remains valid even if you have a new passport. Carry both when travelling to India.