Travellers must complete digital immigration forms before departure to ensure smooth entry into India
Emirates has announced that, starting 1 October 2025, all non-Indian nationals flying to India must submit a new e-Arrival Card before boarding. The digital form, which is free of charge, can be completed via the Bureau of Immigration website between 72 hours and 24 hours prior to departure. Failure to complete the form may result in longer immigration lines and possible delays to onward travel, reported gulfnews.com.
Travellers are advised to check and update their contact details in Emirates’ “Manage Your Booking” portal to receive timely notifications related to flight and immigration procedures. The e-Arrival Card collects essential information including passport number, flight number, purpose of visit, duration of stay, residential address in India, contact details, and countries visited in the last six days.
The e-Arrival Card replaces paper disembarkation forms, streamlining immigration, reducing wait times, and enhancing security for travellers arriving in India.
Once submitted, a confirmation email is sent, which can be saved digitally or printed for presentation at immigration. The card does not replace a visa; travellers still need a valid visa for tourism, business, study, or medical purposes. Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are exempt and can continue using the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP).
The new system benefits tourists, business travellers, and students by enabling faster clearance at airports, minimizing paperwork, and improving data accuracy. It also allows Indian authorities to securely track arrivals and streamline processing, particularly during peak travel seasons such as school holidays, Eid, and festivals.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or open the Su-Swagatam mobile app.
- Fill in personal details, passport number, arrival date, contact info, and address in India.
- Add other travellers if flying with family or friends.
- Review all information, tick the self-declaration box, and submit.
- Save the confirmation digitally or print for convenience.
