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U.S. Mission in India urges travelers to fill electronic arrival form
It also urged U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive security updates and travel alerts.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 09, Apr 2026
- 14:59 EDT
- 23
U.S. embassy & consulates in india / Wikipedia
The U.S. Mission in India issued an advisory informing American citizens about India’s shift to a mandatory electronic arrival form for foreign travelers, as authorities move to phase out paper-based disembarkation cards.
In the notice released April 9, the mission said the digital system, introduced by the Government of India in October 2025, requires foreign nationals to submit an online arrival form within 72 hours prior to entering the country.
“Foreign nationals arriving in India should fill out an electronic arrival form within 72 hours before their arrival in India,” the mission said, adding that the form can be submitted through the Indian government’s visa portal or the Indian visa Su-Swagatam mobile app. It said there is no fee for submission.
“We understand that the traditional paper arrival form will soon no longer be an option as an arrival document,” the mission said clarifying that the arrival form requirement is separate from India’s visa process and does not replace existing entry rules.
“U.S. citizens should note that this arrival form change is separate from any Indian visa application process,” the advisory said. “U.S. citizens still need to obtain the appropriate visa before traveling to India (unless they are exempt from the visa requirement).”
India’s official e-arrival portal requires travelers to submit passport details, nationality, flight information and other travel-related data before arrival. Airline and immigration guidance has also advised passengers to retain proof of submission during travel.
The advisory comes as India’s transition away from paper arrival cards appears to be entering its final stage. While the paper disembarkation form remained available during a transition period after the digital system was rolled out last year, recent travel and immigration guidance has indicated that the paper option is being phased out at major entry points.
The advisory directed travelers to verify visa requirements with the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., and to confirm entry conditions with their airline at the time of ticket purchase.
It also urged U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive security updates and travel alerts.
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