India Now Requires e-Arrival Card for All Travellers – What Muslim Traveller Need to Know

If you're planning a trip to India for leisure, business, study, or medical purposes, there’s a new, crucial requirement you need to know about!

The Government of India, through its Bureau of Immigration, has implemented a new mandatory arrival process for all international travelers. Starting October 1, 2025, every visitor must complete a digital arrival form, known as the e-Arrival Card, before reaching Indian borders.

Also read: 5 Unbelievable Places to Visit in India For Muslim Travellers

This new measure is designed to significantly streamline the immigration process at the airport. The goal is simple: to make your entry into India faster and eliminate long queues at immigration counters!

What is the e-Arrival Card?

The e-Arrival Card is a digital entry declaration that officially replaces the old physical paper landing cards previously handed out on airplanes or at airport immigration halls.

This digital shift aims to enhance passenger convenience and efficiency. The requirement applies to nearly all categories of international visitors:

• Tourists

• Business Travelers

• Students

• Conference Attendees

• Patients seeking medical treatment

Your Action Plan: The 72-Hour Rule

Timing is everything when it comes to travel documentation. To ensure a smooth journey, you must adhere to the submission deadline for the e-Arrival Card:

• Submission Deadline: You must complete and submit the e-Arrival form a maximum of 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in India.

• Access: The form must be completed online via the official portal designated by the Indian authorities.

What Information Do You Need to Provide?

The form requires standard personal and travel details, including:

• Passport number and nationality.

• The primary purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business, study, medical).

• Your local address in India and expected length of stay.

• Travel history (countries visited in the last six days).

No additional documents need to be uploaded. Once successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation via email. It is strongly advised to carry a printed copy of this confirmation as a backup, even though the digital record is considered valid.

Click here to fill out the India e-arrival card

Crucial Reminder: The Visa Requirement

It is vital to understand that while the system for declaring your arrival has changed, the underlying entry requirements have not:

• The e-Arrival Card does NOT replace your Visa! All international visitors must still possess a valid visa (such as the standard e-Visa commonly used by many travelers) to be granted entry into India.

• Exemptions: The requirement to fill out the e-Arrival Card does not apply to citizens of India or holders of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

Also read: 8 Best Places to Go Eid Shopping in India

By completing the mandatory e-Arrival Card on time, you are ensuring a more efficient and comfortable start to your trip to India. Safe travels!