The India e-Arrival Card, also known as the Su-Swagatam digital arrival registration, is a mandatory online form introduced by the Government of India to modernise the border entry process. It replaces the paper Disembarkation Card (Landing Card) previously completed on the aircraft before landing in India.
The system became mandatory for OCI cardholders on 4 October 2025, and extended to all foreign nationals arriving by air from 1 April 2026.
The Su-Swagatam Portal – Official Platform
The e-Arrival Card is processed through the Su-Swagatam portal (meaning “Welcome” in Sanskrit), operated by India’s Bureau of Immigration. Access it at:
- Web: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
- Alternate: suswaagatam.gov.in
- Mobile app: Su-Swagatam on Google Play and Apple App Store (free)
What Information Does It Collect?
- Full name as shown on passport
- Nationality / Region
- Passport number
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, medical, etc.)
- Date of arrival
- Countries visited in the last 6 days
- Address in India (hotel name, state, district)
- Email address and contact number
- Emergency contact number
Why Was It Introduced?
India’s Bureau of Immigration introduced the e-Arrival Card to: speed up immigration clearance, improve data accuracy, enable real-time health/travel surveillance, reduce paper waste, and integrate with India’s immigration databases.
Who Must Complete It?
All foreign nationals arriving by air – tourists, business travellers, OCI cardholders, students, and medical visitors. Indian citizens are exempt. See the full list on our eligible countries page.
Is It the Same as an Indian Visa?
No. The India e-Arrival Card is completely separate from the Indian visa. It does not grant entry rights. You still need a valid Indian visa or OCI card. Read our e-Arrival Card vs eVisa comparison.
When Must It Be Completed?
Within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival. Learn more about processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Su-Swagatam portal?
India’s official digital arrival registration portal, operated by the Bureau of Immigration. Su-Swagatam means “Welcome” in Sanskrit.
Is the India e-Arrival Card a new visa?
No. It is not a visa. It replaces the paper Disembarkation Card. You still need a valid visa or OCI card.
When did the India e-Arrival Card become mandatory?
For OCI holders: 4 October 2025. For all other foreign nationals by air: 1 April 2026.