DUBAI- Emirates Airline (EK) issues an advisory for passengers departing Dubai (DXB) for India about a mandatory e-Arrival Card effective October 1, 2025. This digital form replaces paper arrivals and speeds up immigration for non-Indian nationals.
India’s Bureau of Immigration rolls out the system first at Delhi (DEL), cutting queues and aligning with global digital standards. Travelers complete it online 72 to 24 hours before flights to avoid delays.
Emirates Airbus A350 | Photo: Clément AlloingIndia’s Shift to a Digital Arrival System
India’s immigration authorities activate the e-Arrival Card to modernize entry procedures. The Bureau of Immigration launches this online system on October 1, 2025, targeting all foreign nationals.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), led by GMR Aero, manages rollout at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
This initiative eliminates physical forms at counters. Passengers submit details digitally, which reduces processing times from minutes to seconds.
The move supports India’s digital infrastructure goals, mirroring efficient systems in Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Early adoption at DEL handles high volumes, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalEmirates e-Arrival Card Advisory
Emirates (EK) releases its advisory on September 30, 2025, ahead of the deadline. The airline, connecting Dubai (DXB) to India with hundreds of weekly flights, stresses pre-boarding completion for all non-Indians.
Passengers access alerts through the Manage Your Booking portal. Emirates urges updates to contact details for seamless notifications.
Non-compliance leads to manual processing upon arrival, extending wait times. The free form requires submission within the 72 to 24 hour window to ensure smooth boarding and entry.
Photo: EmiratesHow and Where to Submit the e-Arrival Card
Travelers access the e-Arrival Card through secure government platforms. The Bureau of Immigration portal at boi.gov.in offers direct entry.
The Indian Visa website at indianvisaonline.gov.in integrates the form for visa holders.
The Su-Swagatam app, downloadable on mobile devices, provides on the go access. Delhi Airport’s site at newdelhiairport.in links to the system for DEL arrivals. Submission stays paperless, with no uploads needed.
A confirmation email arrives instantly, usable digitally at immigration. Printed copies offer backup for reliability.
Information Required to Complete the Form
The e-Arrival Card requires passengers to provide accurate personal and travel information, including:
- Full name, nationality, and passport number
- Flight number, airline, and date of travel
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, medical, or study)
- Duration of stay and residential address in India
- Contact number and email address
- List of countries visited in the last six days
After submission, the confirmation acts as your official digital arrival record, replacing any handwritten forms previously used at Indian airports.
Emirates Airbus A380 | Photo: Clément AlloingNew Rule for UAE Travelers
UAE residents, numbering thousands daily on India routes, gain from quicker clearances. Family visits, business trips, and medical tourism benefit most from reduced congestion at DEL.
Emirates (EK) flights from DXB see immediate effects, with aligned carriers issuing similar alerts.
Unprepared arrivals face rerouting to manual lines, adding 30-60 minutes. Proactive completion aligns with UAE’s efficient travel norms, enhancing overall journeys. Delhi Airport advances toward fully automated entries, boosting capacity for peak seasons.
Photo: Clément AlloingExemptions for Indian Citizens and OCI Holders
Indian passport holders skip the e-Arrival Card entirely. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders follow suit, retaining access to the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP).
Launched at DEL in June 2024, FTI-TTP offers dedicated lanes for pre-verified users. This separate track remains operational, unaffected by foreign national changes. Exempt groups enjoy uninterrupted fast processing.
Current travelers from the UAE to India must prioritize the e-Arrival Card. Official platforms process submissions in under five minutes. Secure confirmation today to land hassle free at Delhi or beyond.
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