India Arrival Card Guide: How to Complete the e-Arrival Card

Filipino travelers flying to India must complete the free India e-Arrival Card before passing through immigration. This online form replaces the old paper disembarkation card and must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival. It does not replace your Indian visa or e-Visa, so prepare both documents before leaving the Philippines.

What is the Indian Arrival Card?

Source: India Visa Online

The India e-Arrival Card is a digital immigration form that collects your passport, contact, arrival, accommodation, and travel purpose details. Foreign travelers complete it online before entering India, helping immigration officers verify arrival information faster.

The e-Arrival Card is free and is not a visa. Filipino passport holders must still obtain a valid Indian visa or approved e-Visa before traveling.

Do I need an Arrival Card to enter India?

Yes. Philippine passport holders must complete the e-Arrival Card before entering India. The requirement also applies to other foreign nationals and OCI cardholders.

You generally need the form if you are:

• Visiting India for tourism or to see family and friends
• Traveling for business, study, medical care, or a conference
• Entering India using a Philippine or another foreign passport
• Passing through immigration during a layover
• Collecting baggage or changing terminals outside the international transit area

Indian passport holders do not need the e-Arrival Card. Transit passengers who remain inside the international transit area without clearing immigration generally do not need it. Check with your airline if you are unsure about your connection.

How to fill out the e‑Arrival Card for India

Step 1: Open the Official Portal

Visit the official India e-Arrival Card portal. You may also access it through the Bureau of Immigration website or the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app.

Step 2: Prepare Your Information

Have the following details ready:

• Full name as shown on your passport
• Passport number, nationality, and expiry date
• Date of arrival in India
• Flight or transportation details
• Purpose of your visit
• Address of your first hotel or accommodation in India
• Email address and contact number
• Visa, e-Visa, or OCI details, when requested

Step 3: Complete the Online Form

Enter your information exactly as it appears on your passport and visa. Double-check your passport number, name, arrival date, flight details, and accommodation address before submitting.

Step 4: Save Your Confirmation

After submitting the form, save the digital confirmation or QR code on your phone. It is also helpful to carry a printed copy in case your phone has no internet connection or battery.

Step 5: Present It When Requested

Keep your confirmation ready during airline check-in and after landing in India. Immigration officers can normally retrieve your submitted information electronically, but they may ask to see your confirmation.

When Should I Complete the India e-Arrival Card?

Submit the form within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in India. For example, if you will arrive on Friday at 3:00 PM, complete it from Tuesday at 3:00 PM onward.

There is no official rule requiring submission at least 24 hours before arrival. However, Filipino travelers should avoid waiting until the last minute. Completing it around 24 to 48 hours before arrival gives you time to correct possible mistakes.

India e-Visa vs. e-Arrival Card

Source: backpackers - Franky_Hung

2026 India Entry Requirements for Filipino Travelers

Filipino travelers applying for an Indian e-Visa should also prepare:

• A passport valid for at least six months when applying
• At least two blank passport pages
• A confirmed return or onward ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds for the trip
• A copy of the approved Electronic Travel Authorization marked “Granted”

These requirements are listed on the official Indian e-Visa website.

Common India Arrival Card Mistakes

• Entering a name or passport number that does not match the passport
• Confusing the e-Arrival Card with the Indian e-Visa
• Completing the form more than 72 hours before arrival
• Using unofficial websites that charge unnecessary fees
• Entering the wrong flight number or arrival airport
• Providing an incomplete hotel or accommodation address
• Forgetting to save the confirmation or QR code
• Waiting until check-in to complete the form

Tips for Filipino Travelers Completing the India Arrival Card

• Apply for your Indian e-Visa first. The e-Arrival Card does not replace a visa. Make sure your e-Visa status shows “Granted” before flying.
• Complete the form within 72 hours before arrival. Do not submit it too early. Ideally, complete it 24 to 48 hours before landing in India.
• Use the official government website only. The India e-Arrival Card is free. Avoid websites or agents asking for payment.
• Match your passport details exactly. Check your complete name, passport number, nationality, birth date, and expiry date before submitting.
• Prepare your first hotel address. Enter the complete address and contact details of your first accommodation in India.
• Use the same passport linked to your visa. If your e-Visa was issued using an old passport, bring both your old and new passports.
• Save an offline copy. Download the confirmation or QR code and keep a screenshot on your phone. Carrying a printed backup is also helpful.
• Prepare your supporting documents. Immigration may request your return ticket, hotel booking, travel itinerary, or proof of sufficient funds.
• Check your passport validity. Your passport should be valid for at least six months when applying for an e-Visa and have at least two blank pages.
• Do not wait until airport check-in. Complete the form before leaving home to avoid internet problems, missing information, or check-in delays.