India e‑Arrival Card Mandatory for OCI Travelers 2025

From October 2025, India mandates an e-Arrival Card for all foreign travellers, including OCI holders. Learn how this impacts your immigration workflows, how to guide clients through the process, and key updates for B2B travel professionals.

India Mandates e-Arrival Card for All Foreign Arrivals

In a decisive move toward digitising entry formalities, India will require all foreign nationals—including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)—to file an electronic arrival card before arrival. This replaces the traditional paper disembarkation card.

Though initially OCI cardholders had an exemption, that waiver has been revoked as of early October 2025.

The rollout takes effect 1 October 2025, with the OCI mandate reinforced as of 7 October 2025 per the latest regulatory update.

What Changes for OCI Cardholders & Travellers

Who Must Submit

• Every non-Indian passport holder entering India, including OCI cardholders, must submit the e-Arrival Card.

• The only exemptions are Indian citizens.
  
  

Why the Change?

• To streamline immigration procedures and reduce arrival delays.

• It supports better digital integration into India’s border management systems.

• Enables more efficient data capture and real-time validation of traveller credentials.
  
  

Transition Period

• For now, paper disembarkation cards will still be accepted for up to six months (or until further notice) to ease the shift.

• However, travellers are strongly encouraged to use the digital route to avoid delays.
  
  

How to Submit the e-Arrival Card (Step-by-Step)

• Access the official portal or app

  Go to the Indian Visa Online / Bureau of Immigration website or use the Su-Swagatam mobile app.

• Fill in traveller details

  Provide personal, passport, and travel information; your address in India; purpose of visit; and recent travel history.

• Submit within 72 hours before arrival

  The form must be completed no earlier than 72 hours before landing in India.

• Save confirmation

  You’ll receive a digital acknowledgment. Keep it on your device or print it; immigration may request to view it.

• Present at immigration

  At arrival, immigration officials will validate the e-Arrival Card digitally — no need for the old paper version.
  
  

Implications for B2B Travel Agents & Airlines

Update Booking & Pre-Travel Checklists

Ensure your client itineraries and internal SOPs reflect this new requirement. Begin prompting travellers to submit their e-Arrival Cards well ahead of departure.

Staff Training & Client Communication

Educate agents, consolidators, and airline staff about the requirement so they can guide clients appropriately. Provide step-by-step assistance, especially for travellers unfamiliar with the Indian process.

Reduce Arrival Friction

Encourage travellers to complete the e-Arrival Card early to minimize immigration wait times, especially during peak schedules.

Monitor Regulatory Updates

The transition period and exemption statuses may evolve. Keep an eye on government and consular notifications for any shifts in implementation.

Conclusion & Takeaway for Travel Professionals

The roll-out of India’s mandatory e-Arrival Card — now inclusive of OCI cardholders — marks a significant shift toward digital border control. For B2B travel agents, consolidators, airline partners, and corporate planners, the key lies in early adaptation:

• Update internal travel policies

• Educate client and staff teams

• Proactively guide travellers to complete the e-Arrival Card

• Monitor regulatory changes and authoritatve advisories

This digital requirement, if handled well, will smooth arrival operations, reduce congestion, and elevate client satisfaction — provided the industry is prepared to adopt it seamlessly.

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