E-Arrival Card for OCI Holders Travelling to India: Requirements & Process (2026)

The India e-Arrival Card is an online form that allows travellers to submit their arrival details to Indian immigration authorities before entering the country. If you are travelling to India with an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, it is important to understand the latest e-Arrival Card requirements before your journey.

OCI cardholders travelling on foreign passports should check the latest Indian immigration guidelines and complete any required arrival formalities within the specified timeframe.

Keep reading this guide to know OCI cardholders need an e-Arrival Card, when to submit it, what information you need, and how to complete the form through the official government portal.

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Quick Summary: India e-Arrival Card for OCI Holders

E-Arrival Card is required document.
The official Indian Visa Online portal states that foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must complete the e-Arrival Card.
You can apply Within 72 hours before your scheduled arrival in India.
The official e-Arrival Card service is free.
You can apply through the official India e-Arrival Card portal.
It is different from Visa.

Always check the official portal before travelling, as immigration procedures may change.

Do OCI Holders Need an E-Arrival Card for India in 2026?

Yes, OCI cardholders must submit the India e-Arrival Card before travelling to India.

The form should be completed online within 72 hours before arrival and is free of charge. It is an arrival information form, not a visa, and does not replace your OCI card or foreign passport.

Why Is the E-Arrival Card Required?

The main reasons as follows:

Digital Arrival Information: Submit the required personal and travel details online before arrival.
Immigration Preparation: Help ensure your arrival information is ready for the applicable immigration formalities.
Travel Details: Provide information such as passport details, arrival date, and accommodation address, as requested.
Separate from OCI Status: The e-Arrival Card does not replace your OCI card, foreign passport, or any applicable visa requirements.
Pre-Travel Compliance: Complete the form within the prescribed timeframe and follow the latest official instructions.

OCI cardholders should use the official India e-Arrival Card portal to check the current requirements and submit their details.

Documents and Information Required for the India E-Arrival Card

Before filling India e-Arrival Card, keep these ready:

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Indian visa/eVisa number or OCI card number
Flight number, arrival date & time, and airport of entry
Full address of first stay in India (hotel/host)
Email ID and phone number
Emergency contact name & number
List of countries visited in last 6–14 days
Purpose of visit (Tourism/Business/Visit, etc.)

Not required for e-Arrival Card:

No photo upload
No passport scan
No fee/payment
No printing (but saving the QR code is recommended)

When and Where to Submit

When: Between 72 hours and 24 hours before your scheduled arrival in India.trip+1
Where: Official portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/

or via the Su-Swagatam / Indian Visa

After submission: Save or screenshot the QR code/confirmation; you may be asked to show it at immigration.

India E-Arrival Card for OCI Holders: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Below is a simple, step-by-step guide to complete your e-Arrival Card correctly and avoid delays.

Step 1: Open the Official India e-Arrival Card Portal

Go to the official government website:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival

or use the government’s Su-Swagatam mobile app.

Important: The e-Arrival Card service is 100% free.
Do not use third‑party sites that ask for payment or “processing fees”.

Step 2: Enter Your Personal and Passport Details

Fill in all fields exactly as they appear in your passport:

Full name (first, middle, last – no nicknames)
Passport number
Country of passport issue
Gender
Date of birth
Travel status: Select OCI Cardholder (or your correct visa category if not OCI).

Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or typos; they must match your passport and ticket.

Step 3: Add Your Flight and 6-Day Travel History

Provide your arrival details:

Port of arrival in India (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru)
Airline name
Flight number
Planned date of arrival

Then complete the health and transit declaration:

List all foreign countries visited or transited in the last 6 days.
If you have not traveled anywhere else in the last 6 days, select “None” or leave that section blank as instructed.

Note on timing: You can submit the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in India.

Step 4: Enter Your Indian Address and Contact Information

You must provide where you will stay in India:

Full address in India (hotel, residence, or other accommodation)
State, district, and PIN code
Email address (to receive the confirmation)
Mobile number (Indian or international, but working)

Double‑check the address and phone number; immigration or airlines may use these to contact you.

Step 5: Add Family Members or Minors (If Traveling Together)

If you are traveling with family on the same flight:

Use the “Add Member” option on the portal.
Enter separate passport and travel details for each person, including:
- Spouse
- Children
- Infants (even newborns)

Every passenger must have their own e-Arrival Card submission and QR code.

Step 6: Review, Submit, and Save Your QR Code

Before submitting:

Carefully review all entries (names, passport number, flight number, dates, address).
Correct any mistakes.

Then:

Click Submit.
The system will generate your e-Arrival Confirmation Slip with a QR code.
Download the PDF and:
- Save it on your phone
- Take a screenshot of the QR code
- Ideally, also carry a printed copy for boarding and immigration.

You may be asked to show this QR code at:

Airline check‑in / boarding gate
Indian immigration counters on arrival

OCI Card vs E-Arrival Card vs Indian E-Visa

Although these documents relate to travel to India, they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference can help OCI cardholders avoid confusion before departure.

Feature	OCI Card	E-Arrival Card	Indian E-Visa
Main purpose	Provides eligible foreign citizens with OCI travel and immigration benefits	Collects arrival information	Provides eligible foreign nationals with travel authorization
Who needs it?	Eligible applicants who obtain OCI status	Foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, as instructed by the government	Eligible foreign nationals who require and qualify for an e-Visa
Application fee	Depends on the OCI service	Free on the official portal	Depends on the visa category and applicable rules
Validity	Generally provides lifelong OCI status, subject to applicable rules	Submitted for a planned arrival	Depends on the visa granted
Does it replace the other documents?	No	No	No; requirements depend on the traveller’s status

Important: An OCI cardholder should not apply for an Indian e-Visa merely because the e-Arrival Card is required. OCI status and the e-Arrival Card serve different purposes.