The Government of India has gone digital once again, and this time, simplifying the arrival process for international travellers. The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) has launched the e-Arrival Card, an online version of the traditional paper disembarkation card.
Once submitted, your information is instantly shared with immigration authorities at your port of entry. This means no more paper forms or last-minute scribbling on the flight!
Also Read: Complete Guide to FTI-TTP Fast Track Immigration in India
What is the e-Arrival Card?
The Digital Disembarkation (DE) Card, also known as the e-Arrival Card, is an online arrival form that all foreign nationals must complete within 72 hours before their flight to India.
It will soon replace the physical disembarkation card. But as of now, the paper disembarkation card will coexist for a 6-month transition period before going fully digital.
Who Needs to Fill the e-Arrival Card?
Required for:
- All foreign travellers, including those on e-Visas, sticker visas, business, medical, study, or tourism visas.
- Transit passengers exiting the airport for onward flights.
Not Required for:
- Indian nationals
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders
Please Note: Up to 5 family members can be added in one form.
How to Fill the e-Arrival Card?
- Visit any of the following official online platforms of the Indian Government;
Government of India Official Website: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Bureau of Immigration Website: boi.gov.in/boi/
Mobile App: Indian Visa Suswagatam
- Enter your name, passport number, nationality, and purpose of visit.
- Fill in arrival details and contact information.
- Review and submit.
- Get the confirmation and save the QR code and reference number in your phone.
- Proceed smoothly through the immigration counter and show the QR code or reference only if asked for.
Please Note: No documents are required to be uploaded for verification
Why is the e-Arrival Card Introduced in India?
- Reduce airport delays and long queues
- Strengthen border management
- Improve traveller data control through India’s Immigration Management Systems
- Enable real-time tracking of foreign travellers
- Follow sustainability by cutting down on paper use and subsequent manual errors
The e-Arrival Card is India’s step toward a smarter, paperless, and more secure border entry system. So, if you’re travelling to India soon, remember to fill out your Digital Disembarkation Form before you fly to save your time and hassle at immigration counters!
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Also Read: Travellers’ Hacks and Best Places for Duty-Free Shopping
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Ann Mariya Job is the Associate Content Writer at ExTravelMoney.com. Holding a Bachelor’s in Journalism, she excels in creating deeply researched, engaging, and crisp content. Her work helps readers understand the complexities of foreign exchange, overseas money transfers, and international travel.