The new system enables international passengers to submit arrival information online via secure platforms, helping ease congestion, shorten queues, and support the airport’s sustainability goals by significantly reducing paper usage.
Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the country’s busiest airport operator, has rolled out a new E-Arrival Card facility for foreign travellers arriving at Delhi Airport under the aegis of the Bureau of Immigration, effective Wednesday. The digital-first initiative aims to streamline the arrival process, reduce paperwork, and enhance passenger experience, marking another milestone under the government’s Digital India vision.
The new system enables international passengers to submit arrival information online via secure platforms, eliminating the need for manual paper-based cards at immigration counters. The move is expected to ease congestion, shorten queues, and support the airport’s sustainability goals by significantly reducing paper usage.
“We are delighted to join hands with the Bureau of Immigration to launch the E-Arrival Card facility for international passengers,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO, DIAL. “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.”
Passengers can access the facility via the Bureau of Immigration’s portal (boi.gov.in), the Indian Visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in), the Su-Swagatam mobile app, and Delhi Airport’s official website (newdelhiairport.in). Arrival details can be submitted up to three days before travel.
The E-Arrival Card follows the June 2024 launch of India’s first Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), also introduced at Delhi Airport. The programme allows Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders a faster, more secure immigration experience.
Together, the FTI-TTP and E-Arrival Card initiatives reflect a broader push to modernise the country’s airport infrastructure and passenger services. Similar digital arrival systems are already in place at leading airports in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia.