Delhi Airport goes digital with e-arrival card facility for foreign travellers from October 1 – all details inside

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is set to streamline the arrival process for international passengers with the introduction of the E-Arrival Card facility, effective from today. This digital initiative aims to replace the traditional paper-based disembarkation cards, which will enhance efficiency and will be in line with sustainability efforts. For more details, check this official press release.

How the E-Arrival card works

Travellers can complete their arrival information online through official platforms such as the Bureau of Immigration website, the Indian Visa website, the “Su-Swagatam” mobile app, or the Delhi Airport website. The form can be submitted up to three days before arrival, allowing for a smoother entry process upon landing.

Benefits of the new system

Faster immigration process: By eliminating the need for filling the form manually, the E-Arrival Card system will not only reduce waiting times at immigration counters, but will also facilitate quicker processing for passengers.Enhanced efficiency: The digital submission of arrival details will help in streamlining data collection and processing, leading to improved operational efficiency at the airport.Read more: 8 underrated destinations in India that tourists often skipSustainability: The process will ultimately help in reducing the reliance on paper forms, which aligns with environmental goals, contributing to the airport’s commitment to greener operations.Back in June 2024, Delhi Airport rolled out India’s first Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveler Programme (FTI-TTP), giving Indian nationals and OCI cardholders a quicker, smoother, and more secure immigration experience.Now, with the launch of the E-Arrival Card facility, these initiatives together highlight the government’s push to make travel into India faster, hassle-free, and more efficient. By combining convenience with sustainability, Delhi Airport is ushering in a new era of seamless, eco-friendly, and passenger-focused arrivals for international travelers.Read more: 10 best national parks in Africa for amazing wildlife experienceThis move aligns with global trends in airport digitization. Similar e-arrival systems have been implemented at major international airports in countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, and Malaysia.Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “We are delighted to join hands with the Bureau of Immigration to launch the E-Arrival Card facility for international passengers. This initiative reflects the Government of India’s commitment to delivering a world-class, hassle-free travel experience while promoting sustainable practices. By digitising the arrival card process, we are enabling faster clearances, shorter waiting times, and greater convenience to enhance the overall passenger experience.”The introduction of the E-Arrival Card facility at Delhi Airport marks a significant step towards modernising the travel experience for international passengers. By embracing digital solutions, the airport enhances efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and aligns with global standards in airport operations.