In a significant step toward digitising border processes and streamlining international arrivals, India has announced that physical disembarkation cards for foreign nationals will be discontinued from April 1, 2026.
The move replaces the long-standing paper-based system with a fully digital e-Arrival Card, which must now be completed by all foreign travellers within 72 hours before entering India.
Under the new system, foreign nationals travelling to India will no longer be required to fill out physical disembarkation cards upon arrival.Instead, travellers must submit their details online in advance through official platforms, either via the Indian Visa website or Su-Swagatam mobile app.
The digital form requires travellers to fill out essential travel and identification details ahead of time, allowing immigration authorities to process entries more efficiently.
Passengers are advised to complete the e-Arrival Card within a 72-hour window before arrival to avoid delays at immigration counters.
From April 1, 2026, physical disembarkation cards will be discontinued. All foreign nationals travelling to India are requested to complete the digitised e‑Arrival Card within 72 hours prior to arrival via the Indian Visa website or the Su‑Swagatam Mobile App for a smooth entry… pic.twitter.com/i6aZV8eF0R
— BLR Airport (@BLRAirport) March 25, 2026
Faster clearances, less paperwork
The discontinuation of physical cards is expected to significantly reduce congestion at major international airports, where manual form-filling has often led to delays, especially during peak travel seasons.
By shifting the process online, authorities aim to minimise queues at arrival halls, reduce human error in form submissions and enable quicker verification and clearance.
What travellers need to do?
Foreign nationals planning to visit India must now ensure that their e-Arrival Card is submitted before departure.
The process involves:
- Filling in personal and passport details
- Providing travel itinerary information
- Submitting the form through the official portal
Travellers can access the form via the official government website.
Alternatively, the Su-Swagatam app offers a mobile-friendly option for completing the process.
Authorities have urged passengers to complete the form well in advance to ensure a "smooth arrival experience."
Implications for International Travel
For frequent travellers and tourists, the change is expected to simplify the arrival process—but it also places greater responsibility on passengers to complete documentation in advance.
Failure to submit the e-Arrival Card within the stipulated time frame could lead to delays or additional checks upon arrival.
Airlines and travel agencies are likely to incorporate reminders into booking and check-in processes to ensure compliance.
