🇮🇳

India Su-Swagatam e-Arrival Card

Arrival Card Asia | सु-स्वागतम ई-अराइवल कार्ड

Last updated

September 29, 2026

✈️ Before You Go

The Su-Swagatam e-Arrival Card is your digital passport through Indian customs, and yes, *every* foreign visitor must complete it—children included. Don’t let the official jargon intimidate you: the actual online process takes under ten minutes if you have your passport, flight details, and a stable connection handy. The biggest surprise for first-timers? The form asks for your address in India, and many travelers panic trying to recall a hotel’s full postal code—so save that booking confirmation before you start. Another shock: the form only opens within 72 hours before your arrival — not a month ahead — so time it to your flight and don’t leave it until the gate. Here’s your insider tip: after you submit, *immediately* screenshot the confirmation page and email it to yourself. The system is reliable, but airport Wi-Fi is not, and immigration officers will ask to see the QR code on your phone or a printout. And remember—this form is completely free. If any website asks for a payment, you’re on a scam site. Breathe, fill it out calmly, and enjoy the chai once you land.

⚠️ Important Notes

⏰

Fill Time Window

Submit online within 72 hours before arrival (including the day of arrival). A QR code is generated for immigration.

💰

Cost

Free

0
  • • Only use official channels: the Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival) or the official app 'Indian Visa Su-Swagatam'. Any website or app that charges a fee is a scam—this form is completely FREE.
  • • Double-check your passport number, name spelling, and date of birth before submitting. A single letter or digit error can lead to entry denial or long delays.
  • • Immediately take a screenshot or save the confirmation page (with QR code or reference number) after submission. You won't be able to access it without internet, and airport staff may ask for proof.
  • • You must submit within 72 hours before arrival (including the day of arrival) — the official portal states 'within 72 hours before their arrival in India'. Submitting earlier may render it invalid, and you'll need to redo it.
  • • This form is NOT a visa or e-visa. It does not replace entry permission. You still need a valid visa, e-visa, or OCI card — otherwise you will be refused entry even with a completed form.
  • • Use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari on your phone or computer, with JavaScript enabled. Disable pop-up blockers, otherwise the form may not submit properly.
  • • Maintain a stable internet connection while filling out. If the connection drops, save a draft (if available) or restart. Do not submit multiple times for the same trip to avoid confusion.
  • • The Indian address you enter must match your hotel booking or accommodation proof. If it mismatches, you may be questioned at immigration, causing delays.
  • • If you fail to complete this form, from April 1, 2026, at Delhi International Airport, there will be no paper alternative. You may be forced to fill it digitally on the spot, leading to long queues or fines.
  • • Children and infants must also have this form completed. Do not omit minors traveling with you, or they may be denied entry. Use their separate passport details.
  • • Per the Bureau of Immigration advisory: all passengers must also fill the Self-Declaration Form (Air Suvidha) at airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in before reaching the arrival immigration counters — this is a separate form from the Su-Swagatam e-Arrival Card.

📋 Field Guide

Field Name Tips & Notes
Passport Number

Passport Number

Enter the alphanumeric code (e.g., P1234567) found in the top right corner of your passport's bio page. Do NOT use the number printed on the cover. Avoid spaces or hyphens. Double-check for zero vs. letter O errors. If you have a diplomatic or official passport, it still follows the same format.
Date of Birth (DD-MMM-YYYY)

Date of Birth (DD-MMM-YYYY)

Use the exact format day-3-letter-month-year, e.g., 05-APR-1990. Numeric months (05-04-1990) or full month names (April) will be rejected. Convert your birth date to this format before starting. The system will not autofill or correct it. If you were born on the 1st-9th, use a leading zero (01-09).
Visa Number / ETA Reference

Visa Number / ETA Reference

For e-Tourist Visa holders, enter the 14-character reference number from your visa approval email (e.g., M1234567890). For sticker visas, use the red number in the bottom right corner of the visa page. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., Japan, South Korea) can leave this blank but must write 'VISA EXEMPT' in the remarks field. Do NOT enter your passport number here.
Flight Number / Vessel Name

Flight Number / Vessel Name

Enter the exact flight number (e.g., AI101) or vessel name (e.g., MSC Grandiosa) from your boarding pass or ticket. Format: 2-letter airline code + digits (e.g., UK821). Do NOT use your booking reference (PNR). For connecting flights, use the final flight that lands in India, not your departure leg. If arriving by land (e.g., from Nepal), type 'LAND'.
Address in India (Hotel / Residence)

Address in India (Hotel / Residence)

Provide the full address of your first night's accommodation in India. Format: Hotel name, street/area, city, PIN code (e.g., The Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bandar, Mumbai, 400001). If you are not entering India (same-day connection), type 'IN TRANSIT'. Do not use abbreviations or just the city name – immigration officers verify the address. For private residences, include the host's full name and complete door number.
Visit Official Site
Free to use Last Confirmed: September 29, 2026

💬 Travel Experience Exchange

Applying or already traveled? Share your entry/exit experience, real problems encountered, or recent changes to help fellow travelers — our editors will also respond regularly.

  • Share pitfalls or surprises during your entry process
  • Let others know about recent entry procedure changes
  • Read the guide and warnings above before asking
  • Comments are moderated by the editorial team; inappropriate content is removed

💬 Leave a comment

Just enter your name and comment.