Online arrival form for India (mandatory)
The end of paper arrival cards in India is approaching. From April 2026, all travelers must complete the e-Arrival Card online before arrival.
From April 1, 2026, paper arrival cards will gradually disappear in India, with a first confirmed implementation at Delhi airport. From now on, travelers will be required to complete the e-Arrival Card online before their arrival. However, many people are unsure when to complete it or whether it replaces a visa. This new system may therefore create confusion. In this article, we clearly explain how the India e-Arrival Card works, when to fill it out, and above all how to avoid mistakes that could slow down your passage through immigration.
🟢 India e-Arrival Card: key things to know before traveling
- 📅 Mandatory from April 1, 2026 (already confirmed in Delhi)
- 📝 Must be completed online before arrival in India
- ⏱️ Available up to 4 days before travel
- 📱 QR code required if completed less than 72 hours before
- ❗ Does not replace a visa or e-Visa
- ✈️ Helps speed up immigration checks
From April 1, 2026, the mandatory India arrival card will no longer be available in paper format at Delhi airport. All travelers will now need to complete an India arrival form online before their arrival.
This India digital arrival card is part of a clear objective by the authorities: to modernize and speed up immigration checks.
👉 In practical terms, this means:
- 📄 Paper forms are gradually disappearing
- 💻 The declaration is completed online only
- ✈️ Information is submitted before arrival
- ⏱️ Immigration processing becomes faster
This change in India entry requirements 2026 may still confuse some travelers, especially those discovering the system for the first time.
The end of the India paper arrival card is explained by a broader movement toward immigration digitalization.
India is following many countries that have already adopted similar systems to replace paper forms, which are often a source of delays.
👉 The goals are clear:
- ⚡ Reduce queues at the airport
- 📲 Simplify procedures for travelers
- 🛂 Improve border checks
- 🌐 Centralize information online
The India immigration form online therefore allows authorities to anticipate arrivals and make immigration processing smoother.
The India e-Arrival Card applies to most international travelers, regardless of nationality.
👉 It is mandatory for:
- 🧳 Tourists
- 💼 Business travelers
- ✈️ Arrivals by air
- 🌍 Most nationalities
❗ Please note: the India e-Arrival Card does not replace the visa
To enter India, you must still apply for a visa separately.
👉 For example, you can check detailed information about the India e-visa price here
👉 And review the validity and processing times of the India visa before departure
👉 In summary:
- 📝 e-Arrival Card = arrival form
- 🛂 e-Visa = entry authorization
Both are required.
Completing the India e-Arrival Card is a simple process, but you still need to know the right steps to avoid mistakes.
The India e-Arrival Card form is available:
The India arrival form online asks for several standard pieces of information related to your trip.
👉 You will usually need to provide:
💡 Tip: prepare all your documents in advance to complete the India e-Arrival Card in just a few minutes.
Timing is one of the most important points when it comes to the India e-Arrival Card.
If you complete your India e-Arrival Card more than 72 hours before your arrival, the procedure is simplified.
👉 In that case:
This is clearly the best option for stress-free travel.
If you submit your application less than 72 hours before your arrival, a QR code will be generated.
👉 You will then need to:
👉 Important: even at the last minute, the process remains simple, but it requires one additional step.
The introduction of the mandatory India e-Arrival Card from 2026 marks an important step in the modernization of entry formalities.
👉 Good news:
The system is simple, fast, and designed to make your arrival easier.
👉 As long as you remember 3 essential points:
- 📝 Complete the form before departure
- ⏱️ Respect the right timing (72 hours)
- 🛂 Do not forget the visa
With these points in mind, your arrival in India should go smoothly and without stress 🚀
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes, the India e-Arrival Card becomes mandatory from April 1, 2026 at Delhi airport. Paper arrival cards will no longer be accepted, and travelers will need to complete the India arrival form online before arrival. This measure should gradually extend to other airports across the country as part of the digitalization of India entry formalities.
The India e-Arrival Card can be completed up to 4 days before arrival. There are two situations: if you complete the form more than 72 hours in advance, no QR code will be required; however, if you do it less than 72 hours before arrival, a QR code must be presented upon arrival. To avoid any complications, it is recommended to complete the India e-Arrival Card 2 to 3 days before departure.
No, the India e-Arrival Card does not replace the visa. It only complements the India entry formalities. You must still obtain an e-visa or a traditional visa to enter the country. It is therefore essential to check the conditions, processing times, and cost of the India visa alongside your arrival form.