India e-Arrival Card for UK Travellers: Not a Visa — What to File Before You Fly
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Stand: 30 July 2026. If you are flying to India on a British passport, your eVisa (or OCI) is not the only pre-arrival step many travellers face. India also asks foreign nationals to complete an e-Arrival card — arrival information filed online shortly before you land. It is not a visa.
Short answer
- File the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival (Government of India notice; also summarised on GOV.UK).
- It is arrival information, not a visa.
- You still need a separate valid visa or OCI to enter India.
- Official channels named by the Government of India include boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in, and the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile app.
What the e-Arrival card is (and is not)
The e-Arrival card collects arrival information so immigration processing can move faster. Completing it does not replace an India eVisa, a sticker visa, or an OCI card.
Think of the split this way:
| Document | What it does |
|---|---|
| eVisa / visa / OCI | Permission / status to travel and enter (as applicable) |
| e-Arrival card | Pre-arrival information form — not a visa |
When and where to file
- When: up to 72 hours before you arrive in India. GOV.UK advises completing the online process in advance to avoid delays at the airport.
- Where (official): channels named on the Government of India eVisa portal — boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in, or the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app.
Always prefer those official channels for DIY filing. Rules and links can change — confirm on the live Government of India pages before you travel.
How this relates to your India eVisa
Most UK leisure and short business travellers use an India eVisa. That is a separate process from the e-Arrival card. For categories, timing, and apply checks, start with the India eVisa guide and the India hub.
You may need both: a valid eVisa (or other visa/OCI) and a completed e-Arrival card.
How 1avisas.co.uk can help
1avisas.co.uk can assist with e-Arrival form filing (arrival information — not a visa) and with India eVisa electronic application help.
- Offered: e-Arrival form filing assistance · India eVisa application help
- Not offered: sticker visas or consulate appointment services
→ Start on 1avisas.co.uk · or file DIY on the official Government of India channels listed above.
FAQ
Is the India e-Arrival card a visa?
No. It is arrival information. You still need a separate valid visa or OCI to enter India.
When must I file it?
Online within 72 hours before arrival. Complete it before you reach immigration when possible.
Do UK citizens need both an eVisa and an e-Arrival card?
Typically yes for ordinary short visits: an eVisa (unless OCI applies) plus the e-Arrival card. See the eVisa guide.
Where is the official form?
Government of India channels include boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in, and the official Su-Swagatam app. Confirm the live link on those sites before filing.
Sources
Important notice
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 1avisas.co.uk is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.
Entry and eVisa rules can change. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. Only the official rules in force at the time of your travel are authoritative.
As of: 30 July 2026
For binding information, check the Government of India eVisa guidance and GOV.UK India entry requirements (Sources above).