India e-Arrival Card for US Travelers: Not a Visa, What to File Before You Fly
Navigation: ← India hub · India eVisa guide · Start on my-evisas.com
The India e-Arrival card is digital arrival information — it is not a visa and does not replace an eVisa, sticker visa, or OCI status. This companion page covers who must file, the 72-hour window, official channels, and how my-evisas.com can assist with e-Arrival form filing. For the separate electronic eVisa path, see the India eVisa guide.
Quick answer
- The Government of India describes the e-Arrival card as arrival information, not a visa.
- Per the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, effective 1 October 2025, all foreign nationals — including OCI cardholders — are required to complete the Electronic Arrival Card prior to entry into India.
- Submit online within 72 hours before arrival.
- Official channels: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/, indianvisaonline.gov.in, boi.gov.in, or the official ‘Indian Visa Su-Swagatam’ Mobile App.
- Also review Bureau of Immigration instructions at boi.gov.in.
- my-evisas.com assists with e-Arrival form filing (still not a visa). You can also file yourself via the official DIY links above. If you still need an India eVisa, that is a separate step — see the India eVisa guide.
Not a visa — how e-Arrival differs from eVisa and OCI
| Path | What it is |
|---|---|
| eVisa | Electronic visa / ETA path for eligible nationalities (including USA) — see eVisa guide |
| OCI | Overseas Citizen of India status — not a substitute for the e-Arrival card |
| e-Arrival card | Arrival information filed before landing — not a visa |
Having an eVisa, sticker visa, or OCI does not turn the e-Arrival step into “optional paperwork you can skip.” Official wording treats e-Arrival as arrival information and, for foreign nationals including OCI holders, as something you complete prior to entry.
Who needs to complete it
According to CGI San Francisco’s public advisory on digitization of the disembarkation (arrival) card:
- Effective 1 October 2025, all foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, are required to complete the Electronic Arrival Card prior to entry into India.
The Government of India eVisa portal likewise addresses foreigners and OCI card holders for the e-Arrival card. For any edge case, confirm on the live official pages before you travel.
When and where to submit
Timing: complete and submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival in India.
Official government channels (DIY):
- Online form: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
- indianvisaonline.gov.in / boi.gov.in as stated on the T1 portal
- Official ‘Indian Visa Su-Swagatam’ Mobile App
Travelers are also advised to review instructions on the Bureau of Immigration site at https://boi.gov.in.
If you prefer assisted filing, see the next section — my-evisas.com can help with the e-Arrival form.
e-Arrival form help — my-evisas.com + official DIY
my-evisas.com can assist with filing the India e-Arrival card (arrival information — not a visa). Start on my-evisas.com. You may also complete the form yourself using the official DIY links above.
If you still need an India eVisa (separate from e-Arrival), US passport holders are among nationalities on the official eVisa eligible list. See the India eVisa guide or begin on my-evisas.com.
FAQ
Is the e-Arrival card the same as an India eVisa?
No. Official wording: it is for arrival information, not a visa. eVisa rules, fees, and apply steps live in the India eVisa guide.
Do OCI cardholders need an e-Arrival card?
Yes per CGI San Francisco: foreign nationals including OCI cardholders are required to complete the E-Arrival Card prior to entry. The T1 portal also lists foreigners and OCI card holders for the e-Arrival card.
How soon before arrival can I submit?
Within 72 hours before arrival in India. Do not treat older secondary “paper cutoff” dates as authoritative unless they appear on the official pages you check before travel.
Where is the official form?
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/, or via the channels named on the Government of India eVisa portal and CGI SF advisory.
Can my-evisas.com file the e-Arrival card for me?
Yes — my-evisas.com assists with e-Arrival form filing. You can also use the official DIY form/app above. For a separate India eVisa, see my-evisas.com and the India eVisa guide.
Related reading & next steps
- Hub: India hub
- e-Arrival form help: Start on my-evisas.com · official DIY: e-Arrival form · BOI · Su-Swagatam app
- eVisa (separate electronic path): India eVisa guide · my-evisas.com
Last updated: 29 July 2026
Important Notice
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. my-evisas.com is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.
Visa requirements and entry rules can change at short notice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Only the official rules in force when you travel are authoritative.
As of: 29 July 2026
Binding information: Government of India — eVisa portal · e-Arrival form · CGI San Francisco — Digitization of Disembarkation Card · Bureau of Immigration