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India Introduces Mandatory E-Arrival Card System for Foreign Nationals

Complete your e-arrival card 72 hours to 24 hours before your flight to India. Avoid long queues and enjoy smoother immigration procedures.

There is an identity card of some person working as a travel blogger.
There is an identity card of some person working as a travel blogger.

India Introduces Mandatory E-Arrival Card System for Foreign Nationals

Indian authorities have introduced a new mandatory e-arrival card system for foreign nationals entering the country, aiming to streamline airport processes and reduce congestion. The digital process must be completed online via the India Bureau of Immigration website between 72 hours and 24 hours before the flight.

The e-arrival card system is part of a broader initiative to make airports more traveller-friendly. It requires basic information such as passport number, nationality, purpose of visit, Indian address, and contact details. Notably, no document uploads or fees are associated with filling out the card.

The move is expected to ease congestion at major airports by providing immigration officers with traveller data ahead of time. This should result in smoother and faster immigration procedures upon arrival. However, failure to complete the e-arrival card may lead to longer immigration queues.

All non-Indian citizens are required to fill out the electronic arrival card when travelling to India. Indian citizens and OCI cardholders are exempt from this requirement. The online form is free and mandatory, with the process needing to be completed between 72 hours and 24 hours before the flight. The implementation of this system is part of India's ongoing efforts to improve airport infrastructure and enhance the travel experience.

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