If you are travelling to India soon, be aware that there are new arrival requirements in place.
International visitors to the country are now required to submit personal details via an online form before they arrive at the border.
This includes holidaymakers, business travellers, students, conference attendees and those coming for medical treatment purposes.
Authorities claim the new system will make visiting India a smoother process, reducing the wait at airport immigration counters.
Here’s what it means for travellers.
India introduces digital arrival card system
As of 1 October, overseas travellers to India must use the new online e-Arrival Card form to register their visit before arrival.
This replaces the previous system, whereby visitors would fill in a physical disembarkation card upon arrival in the country. These were usually completed on the plane or in the immigration hall of the airport.
India’s Bureau of Immigration said digitalising the process aims to “streamline immigration clearance and enhance passenger convenience”.
How can travellers complete their e-Arrival Card for India?
All foreign nationals are required to submit an e-Arrival Card via the dedicated portal. This should be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival.
Travellers will be asked to supply personal and travel details, including their passport number, nationality, purpose of visit (drop-down menu with options including tourist, business, medical, and study), address in India, length of stay, and countries visited in the last six days.
The application does not require any documents to be uploaded.
Once your form has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.
Authorities say a digital copy of the e-Arrival Card is sufficient but recommend visitors have a printed version “for ease during inspection”.
Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are not required to complete an e-Arrival Card.
International visitors should note that they still require a valid visa for entry into India. Travellers can complete their e-visa application here.
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