What Every Traveller Needs to Know Before Flying In
Published by Cosima Holidays India | Travel Updates & Advisories
Travelling to India just got a little more digital. If you or someone you know is planning a trip to India — whether as a tourist, a business traveller, or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder — there is an important new requirement you need to be aware of before you board your flight.
India has officially moved to a fully digital arrival process, and the traditional paper landing card is no longer accepted.
What Is the Digital e-Arrival Card?
The Digital e-Arrival Card is India’s new mandatory online pre-arrival registration system, introduced by the Bureau of Immigration, Government of India. It replaces the physical paper landing cards that travellers were previously required to fill out on board the aircraft or at the immigration counter upon arrival.
The e-Arrival Card collects essential travel and personal information from incoming passengers in a secure digital format, helping streamline the immigration process and reduce waiting times at Indian airports.
Who Is Required to Complete It?
All foreign nationals arriving in India are required to complete the Digital e-Arrival Card — without exception. This includes:
- International tourists visiting India
- Business travellers
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders
- Transit passengers
- Any non-Indian passport holder entering India
It is important to note that OCI cardholders are not exempt from this requirement, even though they enjoy many privileges equivalent to Indian citizens in other respects.
When Must It Be Completed?
The e-Arrival Card must be completed at least 72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival in India. We strongly recommend completing it as early as possible to avoid any last-minute technical issues or delays.
⚠ Important: Physical paper landing cards are no longer accepted at any Indian port of entry. Travellers who arrive without completing the digital form may face delays at immigration.
How to Complete the Digital e-Arrival Card
There are two convenient ways to submit your e-Arrival Card:
Option 1 — Online Portal
Visit the official Bureau of Immigration portal: https://boi.gov.in
Option 2 — Mobile App
Download the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” app on your smartphone:
- Available on both iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play Store)
- Convenient, quick, and can be completed from anywhere in the world
What You Will Need
Before you begin filling out the e-Arrival Card, keep the following documents handy:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- OCI card (if applicable)
- Valid Indian visa details
- Confirmed flight details — flight number, arrival date and time
- Accommodation details in India — hotel name and address or host’s address
- Contact details in India
Why Has India Introduced This System?
India’s move to a fully digital arrival process is part of a broader initiative to modernise immigration infrastructure, enhance border security, and improve the overall passenger experience at Indian airports. The digital system enables immigration officers to pre-screen arriving passengers efficiently, significantly reducing congestion and processing time at immigration counters — making your arrival into India smoother and faster than ever before.
Travelling to India Soon? Let Cosima Holidays Help
At Cosima Holidays India, we keep our clients informed of the latest travel requirements, visa updates, and entry regulations so your journey is always stress-free and seamless. Whether you are planning a leisure holiday, a heritage tour, a Kerala backwaters escape, or a spiritual journey across India, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to plan your perfect India experience — we handle everything from visas and documentation to customised itineraries and on-ground support.
This article is published for informational purposes based on guidelines issued by the Bureau of Immigration, Government of India. Travellers are advised to check the official portal at https://boi.gov.in for the latest updates prior to travel.
© 2026 Cosima Holidays India | www.cosimaholidaysindia.com
Tags: India Travel Advisory | e-Arrival Card | OCI Cardholders | India Immigration | Digital Landing Card | Travel to India 2026