India mandates ‘digital e-arrival card’ for foreign visitors
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: India is going fully digital at airports, and the India e-Arrival Card 2026 is now at the centre of this change. From April 1, 2026, all foreign nationals arriving in the country must fill out a digital arrival form instead of the old paper disembarkation card.
The introduction of the digital e-Arrival Card follows global best practices already used in countries like Singapore and Malaysia. These countries have successfully adopted digital entry forms to make border procedures simpler and more convenient for visitors.
By using similar technology, India aims to make entry smoother for millions of international travellers every year, from tourists visiting cultural landmarks to business professionals attending conferences.
What is the e-Arrival Card?
The e-Arrival Card is a digital version of the Disembarkation Card (Form D) that passengers previously completed on the plane before entering India. It gathers basic personal information, travel history, flight details, and contact data.
This system is directly linked to India’s immigration database, enabling authorities to process arrivals more efficiently. It also reduces data entry errors and supports India’s transition to a paperless, technology-driven border control system.
