Starting 1 October 2025, international travelers flying into India can skip filling out physical disembarkation forms at immigration counters. The government is introducing an optional digital e-arrival card, which visitors can submit online before their journey.

The e-arrival card will collect basic information such as passport number, nationality, visit purpose, local address, and contact details. Travelers will not need to upload any documents. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are exempt from this requirement.

This move is part of India’s effort to streamline airport immigration using technology and reduce delays. Earlier this month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at five airports: Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode, and Amritsar.

The FTI-TTP program, available to Indian citizens and OCI holders, started in Delhi in 2024 and has since expanded to Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. A total of 13 airports currently offer the facility, with Navi Mumbai and Greater Noida soon to join.

According to the government, the program allows travelers to clear immigration in just 30 seconds, avoiding long queues and manual checks. So far, about 3 lakh travelers have registered, and 2.65 lakh have used the service during their trips.

History of Changes in Immigration Cards

Mar 1, 2014: India discontinued the disembarkation (arrival) cards for Indian nationals and embarkation (departure) cards for foreigners.

Jul 1, 2017: India removed the departure card requirement for Indians at international airports. At the same time, embarkation cards for Indians at international airport immigration check posts were also discontinued.

Oct 1, 2025: India will discontinue physical disembarkation cards for foreigners, with the e-arrival card becoming fully functional by April 1, 2026.

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