Do you need an entry card for India?
Foreign travelers entering India may need to complete the India e-Arrival Card before arrival. This online form replaces or reduces the need for paper disembarkation forms and helps immigration collect essential travel information before entry.
The India e-Arrival Card is not a visa. Travelers should also check whether they need an India e-Visa, a regular visa, or another form of authorization before travel.
For a full explanation of the online arrival form, read the dedicated India e-Arrival Card guide.
India e-Arrival Card overview
The India e-Arrival Card is the official online arrival form for foreign travelers entering India. It can collect personal details, passport information, arrival details, address in India and contact information.
The form is separate from the visa process. Completing the e-Arrival Card does not give permission to enter India if you still need a valid visa.
Travelers should use the official Indian Visa Online or Bureau of Immigration websites when submitting personal information and avoid unofficial websites that may charge unnecessary fees.
India e-Visa overview
The India e-Visa is the official electronic visa system for eligible travelers visiting India for purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, conference travel or other approved categories.
The documents required for an India e-Visa depend on the type of e-Visa selected. Travelers should prepare the required documents before starting the application.
The India e-Visa is different from the India e-Arrival Card. The e-Visa is a visa authorization, while the e-Arrival Card is an arrival information form.
Visa, e-Visa and length of stay
Entry conditions for India depend on your nationality, travel purpose, passport type and planned length of stay. Some travelers may be eligible for an India e-Visa, while others need a regular visa before travel.
You should check your visa category, permitted length of stay, number of entries and allowed activities before booking long accommodation plans or onward travel.
The India e-Arrival Card does not extend your stay and does not replace a visa.
Passport validity and travel documents
Before traveling to India, check that your passport is valid for your trip and accepted by your airline. Many India visa instructions require a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
You may also be asked about your visa status, accommodation address, return or onward ticket, purpose of visit and contact details in India.
Make sure that all online information matches your passport exactly, especially your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and travel dates.
Arrival by air, land or sea
India receives travelers through international airports, land borders and seaports. The accepted entry points can depend on your visa type, route and travel status.
If you travel with an India e-Visa, check whether your intended airport, seaport or border point is accepted for e-Visa entry. Do not assume that every entry point accepts the same documents.
Always check the latest official guidance before your trip, especially if you are entering India by land or sea.
Official links for entering India
Use official Indian government websites when checking entry requirements, completing the India e-Arrival Card or applying for an India e-Visa.
The official Indian Visa Online website is linked from this site for convenience, but travelers should always verify the domain before entering passport details, travel information or payment information.
Be careful with unofficial websites that look official, charge extra fees or provide unclear visa and arrival card services.
Common mistakes before traveling to India
Common mistakes include completing only the arrival card and forgetting visa rules, applying through unofficial websites, choosing the wrong visa category, entering passport details incorrectly, or using an entry point that does not match the visa conditions.
Prepare your passport, visa status, e-Arrival Card information, accommodation address, arrival date, contact details and onward travel information before departure.
India Entry Requirements