A new immigration requirement for travellers heading to India officially came into effect on October 1, and if you’re flying from the UAE, chances are you’ve already been alerted. Emirates, one of the region’s busiest carriers, had issued a formal notice to passengers on September 30, outlining the change. It’s not a last-minute rule—but it’s one worth revisiting before your next trip. The requirement? A new e-Arrival Card that must be completed before departure. Here’s everything you need to know.
The e-Arrival Card now live for all foreign nationals
India’s Bureau of Immigration has launched a digital e-Arrival Card system, now mandatory for all non-Indian nationals entering the country. The system officially went live on October 1, 2025, replacing the previous paper-based arrival forms. This shift is aimed at streamlining immigration, cutting down processing times, and supporting India’s broader move toward digital-first services at airports. The system is currently operational at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of the busiest gateways into India. The project is being overseen by GMR Aero-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) under the aegis of the Bureau of Immigration. By enabling travellers to pre-submit arrival details online, the process removes the need to fill out physical forms after landing—significantly reducing queue times and congestion at immigration counters.
Emirates issued notice ahead of rollout
Emirates, which operates hundreds of weekly flights between the UAE and India, issued its advisory on September 30, just ahead of the implementation date. The airline notified passengers that starting October 1, all non‑Indian nationals travelling to India would be required to complete the e‑Arrival Card before boarding. Travellers are advised to fill out the form no earlier than 72 hours and no later than 24 hours prior to departure. Emirates has also reminded passengers that failing to submit the form in advance will result in longer processing at the airport upon arrival. There is no registration fee involved. Passengers are encouraged to verify and update their contact information via the ‘Manage Your Booking’ section to receive future travel alerts.
Where and how to submit the form
The e-Arrival Card can be submitted via several official government channels. Travellers can access the digital form through the following platforms: The process is paperless and requires no document uploads. Once submitted, a confirmation email is sent. This can be shown digitally at immigration, although carrying a printed copy is recommended for added convenience.
What information you’ll need to provide
The form is simple, but it must be filled accurately. Travellers are required to submit the following details:
- Full name, nationality, and passport number
- Flight number and travel dates
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, study, or medical)
- Duration of stay
- Residential address in India
- Contact number and email address
- List of countries visited in the last six days
Once submitted, the confirmation serves as your digital arrival card and replaces the need for any handwritten immigration forms upon entry into India.
What this means for travellers from the UAE
With thousands of UAE-based passengers flying to India each day—whether for family visits, work, or medical tourism—the rollout of the e-Arrival Card brings a significant procedural shift. The benefit is clear: faster immigration clearance and less time spent waiting in long queues. But that’s only if the form is filled in advance. Delhi Airport, where the system is currently active, is working to align with international standards by removing all manual paperwork at entry points—similar to processes already followed at airports in Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Travellers who arrive without completing the e-Arrival Card will still be processed but should expect delays and possible re-routing to manual counters.
Indian citizens and OCI holders are exempt
This new rule does not apply to Indian passport holders or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. These travellers already have access to the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), which was introduced at Delhi Airport in June 2024. That programme continues to function separately and is unaffected by the new digital arrival system for foreign nationals.
Already travelling? Don’t leave it to the last minute
The e-Arrival Card system is already in effect and mandatory. With Emirates and other carriers having issued notices ahead of time, travellers are expected to be aware of the rule. But if you’ve got a flight coming up and haven’t yet filled out the form, now’s the time. Head to one of the official platforms listed above, fill in the details, and secure your confirmation. It’s free, takes only a few minutes, and will save you far more time once you land.
