India Introduces Mandatory E-Arrival Card for Foreign Nationals
India has introduced a new mandatory e-arrival card system for foreign nationals entering the country. The digital process replaces the traditional paper disembarkation form and aims to streamline immigration procedures. All non-Indian nationals, excluding those from Nepal and Bhutan, must fill out the e-arrival card online before departure. The system, accessible via the India Bureau of Immigration website, must be completed between 72 hours and 24 hours prior to the flight. The online form requires basic information such as passport number, nationality, purpose of visit, Indian address, and contact details, with no document uploads or fees. The move aims to ease congestion at major airports by allowing immigration officers access to traveller data ahead of time. Failure to complete the e-arrival card may result in longer immigration queues upon arrival. Indian citizens and OCI cardholders are exempt from this requirement. The e-arrival card system is part of a broader push by Indian authorities to make India's airports more traveller-friendly. The digital process is mandatory, free of charge, and designed to expedite immigration procedures for foreign nationals entering the country.
