Foreign travelers arriving in Delhi can now enjoy a smoother entry process thanks to the e-Arrival Card system introduced by the Delhi International Airport. This digital platform enables travelers to submit their entry details online through multiple official and secure government platforms, reducing the need for manual paperwork. Operated by GMR Aero-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), these e-cards will be effective from October 1, 2025. Here’s everything you must know about this new launch!
Delhi Airport Introduces e-Arrival Card
The newly launched e-Arrival Card system by Delhi Airport is a game-changing initiative for foreign travelers. It marks a significant step towards digitizing and streamlining the arrival process at India’s busiest international gateway, replacing the traditional paper-based arrival cards with a more efficient digital platform.
What is the e-Arrival card?
The e-Arrival Card is a digital form that foreign nationals must complete online before arriving in Delhi. All the required arrival information, previously filled out by hand on paper cards distributed on flights or at the airport, can now be submitted through a secure online system. This digital transformation aims to reduce waiting times, eliminate manual paperwork, cut queues, and support environmental sustainability by minimizing paper use.
Who Can Use the e-Arrival Card?
The new system is mandatory for all foreign nationals entering India via Delhi Airport, irrespective of their visa category. This includes tourist, business, student, medical, conference, or research visas. Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are not required to fill out the e-Arrival Card. These groups benefit from a separate program called the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), launched in June 2024.
How To Fill The e-Arrival Card?
Travelers can fill out the e-Arrival Card online up to three days (72 hours) before their scheduled arrival in Delhi. The digital form is accessible through multiple official channels:
- Bureau of Immigration portal (boi.gov.in)
- Indian Visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in)
- Indian Visa ‘Su-Swagatam’ mobile app
- Delhi Airport website (newdelhiairport.in)
Travelers are encouraged to print and carry their digital confirmation for the e-Arrival Card submission, as immigration officers may request to see it upon arrival during the transition phase. If the form is not completed in advance, visitors may face delays and longer queues.
Paper Forms Will Still Be Available
The Bureau of Immigration will oversee the program’s implementation, ensuring secure data management and ease of access. After October 1, 2025, Delhi Airport will phase in digital submission of arrival cards. It will be offering a six-month transition window during which paper forms will still be available to support travelers in adjusting to the change.
Impact of e-Arrival Card
Some additional important aspects of the Delhi Airport e-Arrival Card include its impact on data management, border security, and traveler experience. The new digital system allows for real-time tracking of foreign arrivals, enhancing India’s Immigration Management Systems and facilitating smoother identity cross-checks and government database linkages.
This upgrade will enhance border management and pave the way for more advanced applications of biometrics and automated risk profiling in the future.
Summing Up
By leveraging technology, Delhi Airport is enhancing its services and setting a precedent for other airports. The e-Arrival Card system is a welcome development for travelers.
