Archive · 2 Oct 2025
India Mandates Digital Disembarkation Cards for Foreign Visitors
If you're visiting India from another country, you now need to fill out a digital form called the Disembarkation Card before you arrive.
This replaces the old paper form.
You can access the online form via the Indian government's website or mobile app.
This helps immigration officials verify your information faster and is meant to speed up the process, make things more efficient, and collect information more easily.
Although digital submission is mandatory, physical forms will be accepted for six months.
India is implementing a mandatory digital Disembarkation Card (e-Arrival Card) for all foreign visitors.
The digital form must be completed online before arrival.
Travellers can submit the form via the Bureau of Immigration website, Indian Visa portal, or the Su-Swagatam app up to 72 hours before arrival.
The initiative aims to expedite border entry and improve data collection.
A six-month transition period allows for the continued use of physical paper cards.
- Who
- Foreign nationals visiting India
- What
- Mandatory online Disembarkation Card
- When
- October 1, 2025 (implementation); physical cards accepted for up to 6 months after.
- Where
- India, at all points of entry
- Why
- To streamline border entry, reduce wait times, improve border management, and strengthen data collection.
- System
- Digital Disembarkation Card (e-Arrival Card)
- Applicable To
- Foreign Nationals
- Submission Method
- Online via Bureau of Immigration website, Indian Visa portal, or Su-Swagatam app
- Submission Timeframe
- Up to 72 hours before arrival
- Transition Period
- Physical cards accepted for up to 6 months
- Exemptions
- Indian citizens and OCI cardholders