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      Effective 1 October 2025, India launched a digital e-Arrival Card for all foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders entering the country, replacing the traditional paper-based Disembarkation Card as part of a broader modernisation of immigration procedures.1

      WHY THIS MATTERS

      The digital process is designed to enhance efficiency at entry points, reduce paperwork, and support real-time immigration monitoring.  It is expected to be a convenient and flexible way to comply with necessary entry documentation.

      What’s Changing?

      Previously, all foreign nationals and OCI card holders entering India were required to complete a paper-based application process for their Disembarkation Cards on arrival.  The new e-Arrival Card initiative replaces the paper-based process with a digital submission, although the paper filing will remain available for up to six months or until further notice.

      Key Highlights

      Applicability

      • Mandatory for all foreign nationals (regular visa, e-visa, OCI card holders).

      • Indian nationals are exempt.

      Digital Application Process

      • It must be completed online within 72 hours prior to arrival.

      • Submission portals:
        1. Indian Visa Online Portal2

        2. Bureau of Immigration Portal3

        3. Indian Visa Su-Swagatam Mobile App.

      Information Required

      • Passport details

      • Nationality

      • Travel history for past six days

      • Address during stay in India

      • Contact details.

      Transition Period

      As noted above, paper-based Disembarkation Cards will remain available for up to six months or until further notice.

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      Individuals with plans to travel to India and global mobility managers who are responsible for their travel affairs – particularly for those accustomed to paper-based processes and paper documentation – may wish to familiarise themselves with the new procedures.  Organisations involved in travel management or cross-border operations should consider updating their policies and guidance for employees and clients that are travelling to India in order to foster compliance with the new requirements. 

      If travellers – including mobile employees and/or their mobility managers who are responsible for their travel needs – have any questions or concerns about the new system and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their usual travel agent and/or immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG in India (see the Contacts section).

      FOOTNOTES:

      1  Consulate General of India, San Francisco, California, “Digitization of Disembarkation Card for Foreign Nationals Visiting India,” posted on October 01, 2025.

      2  Please check - indianvisaonline.gov.in.

      3  Please check - Bureau of Immigration.

      Contacts

      Parizad Sirwalla
      Parizad Sirwalla

      Partner and National Head – Tax, Global Mobility Services

      KPMG in India

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      Disclaimer

      * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

      The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in India.

      GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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