India Launches Digital e-Arrival Card to Simplify Travel

Foreign travellers to India will experience a smoother entry process starting from October 1, 2023, as the government introduces the mandatory e-Arrival Card for non-Indian nationals. The initiative aims to eliminate the need for paper disembarkation forms at immigration counters, streamlining the arrival process for international visitors.

The e-Arrival Card is available through several platforms, including the Bureau of Immigration website, the Su-Swagatam app, and the Indian Visa Online portal. It requires only essential information, such as passport number, nationality, purpose of visit, contact details, and a local address in India. Notably, there is no fee associated with this digital form, and no documents need to be uploaded. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are exempt from this requirement, according to reports from the Economic Times.

Streamlining Immigration Procedures

Indian officials emphasize that the introduction of the e-Arrival Card is part of a broader effort to enhance immigration efficiency and reduce congestion at airports. Long queues at arrival counters have historically caused frustration for international travellers, making this digital solution a significant improvement.

The e-Arrival Card complements the government’s ongoing push towards technology-driven border management, which includes the Fast Track Immigration, Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP). Launched earlier in September 2023 at five new airports—Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode, and Amritsar—this programme is now operational at a total of 13 airports across India. Airports in Navi Mumbai and Greater Noida are set to join the initiative soon.

Data indicates a strong uptake of the FTI-TTP, with nearly 300,000 individuals registering for the programme. Over 265,000 have already utilized it, significantly reducing their immigration clearance time to just 30 seconds. This efficiency reinforces India’s position as a welcoming destination for both tourists and business travellers.

Enhancing Travel Experience

With both the e-Arrival Card and the FTI-TTP operating simultaneously, India is making strides to become a more tourist- and business-friendly environment. The government aims to provide faster, more seamless entry for foreign visitors while also facilitating a smoother travel experience for returning Indians and OCI holders.

As India continues to modernize its immigration processes, the focus remains on leveraging technology to enhance the overall travel experience. The shift to digital solutions aims not only to improve efficiency but also to position the country favorably on the global tourism map.