Travelling from the UAE to India? There’s a new step you can’t skip the e-Arrival Card. Effective 1 October, foreign nationals flying into India must complete this digital form before boarding. The change aims to speed up immigration and replace old paper procedures.
What’s Changing & Why
In a significant move toward digital transformation, India has retired its paper disembarkation cards for foreign arrivals. Instead, all non-Indian nationals must now submit an e-Arrival Card online within a specific timeframe before travel.
This shift is designed to:
- Reduce queues and manual paperwork at airports
- Improve accuracy and data management in immigration systems
- Streamline arrivals especially during peak travel times
Who Must Fill It & Who Is Exempt
Must fill the e-Arrival Card:
- All non-Indian nationals entering India, regardless of visa type.
Exempt:
- Indian citizens
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders
When & How to Submit the e-Arrival Card
- You must submit the form between 72 hours and 24 hours before your flight.
- Use official portals, such as the India Bureau of Immigration’s site or the Su-Swagatam app.
- The form asks for basic travel and personal details: passport number, nationality, purpose of visit, address in India, contact info, etc.
- There’s no fee to submit the form.
- After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation (digital). Keep it handy it will replace the old paper form at immigration.
What Happens If You Don’t Do It in Advance
- You may have to fill a physical form (if still available) or face delays during immigration processing.
- In some airports, non-compliance can push you into manual queues, leading to longer wait times.
What Travellers from UAE Should Do
- Plan ahead don’t wait till the last minute.
- Fill the e-Arrival Card within the 72–24 hour window before your flight.
- Save or print the digital confirmation and carry it with you.
- Update contact details via your airline’s “Manage Booking” section to get reminders.
- Even if you forget, complete it as soon as possible but expect extra checks or delays.
Final Thoughts
This change marks India’s push toward a seamless, modernized immigration experience. For UAE travellers, it’s a small step but one that can save you time and hassle on arrival as long as you follow the new rule. Skip it and you risk delays.
