India is quietly changing the way travellers enter the country. From October 1, 2025, visitors have been able to submit a digital arrival form before landing, replacing the familiar paper card handed out on flights.

The system, known as the e-Arrival Card, is part of India’s plan to make airport procedures faster and more organised. Instead of filling out forms after landing, travellers can now complete the process online in advance.

And there is an important deadline approaching.

Delhi Airport has confirmed that paper arrival cards will only be accepted until March 31, 2026. From April 1, 2026, the digital version will be the only option for international arrivals in the capital.

Other Indian airports are expected to follow.

What is India’s e-Arrival Card?

India’s e-Arrival Card is an online form that travellers must complete before entering the country. It collects basic travel and identity information that immigration authorities usually request on paper.

The digital system aims to:

• Reduce waiting time at immigration
• minimise paperwork at airports
• improve passenger flow during busy travel periods
• support India’s wider move toward digital travel processes

The form is available online through the official government portal or via the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app on Android and iOS.

Importantly, the e-Arrival Card does not replace a visa or e-Visa. Travellers must still meet normal entry requirements.

When Do You Need to Submit the Form?

Travellers can complete the form within four days before arrival in India. Timing matters:

• Submitted more than 72 hours before arrival: no QR code is needed at immigration.
• Submitted within 72 hours of arrival: travellers must show the QR code generated after submission.

The system is free to use.

Delhi Airport Sets Deadline for Paper Arrival Cards

Delhi International Airport confirmed on March 21 that paper arrival cards will remain available only until March 31, 2026.

From April 1, 2026, travellers arriving in Delhi must use the digital form.

When the e-Arrival Card launched in October 2025, authorities allowed a transition period so airlines and passengers could adjust. That transition is now ending.

While Delhi is the first airport to confirm the change, similar updates are expected at other Indian airports soon.

Travellers heading to India later in 2026 should be prepared for a fully digital arrival process.

How to Apply for India’s e-Arrival Card

The process is simple and takes only a few minutes.

Step-by-step process

1. Visit the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or download the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app
2. Enter passport details
3. Provide flight and travel information
4. Submit the form within 4 days before arrival
5. Save the confirmation or QR code if generated

Travellers are advised to keep a digital copy on their phone.

Documents Required

You only need basic travel details:

• Valid passport
• Flight information
• Travel itinerary
• Contact details
• Visa or e-Visa details, if applicable

No additional documents are required.

Fees

The e-Arrival Card is completely free. Travellers should only use the official government website or app to avoid third-party charges.

What This Means for Travellers

India’s move toward digital arrival forms reflects a wider global shift. Many countries are replacing paper forms to speed up border checks and improve data accuracy.

For travellers, this means one less form to fill out on the plane and potentially shorter queues after landing.

If you are planning a trip to India in 2026, completing the e-Arrival Card before departure will soon become a routine step, just like online check-in.

The key takeaway is simple: paper arrival cards are on their way out, starting with Delhi. Completing the digital form in advance will make the arrival smoother and less stressful.

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