India Entry Requirements: International Travellers Urged to Check Passport, Visa and Health Documentation Rules

International travellers planning to visit India are being advised to check the latest entry requirements and complete the necessary documentation before departure. Passport validity, visa requirements, electronic arrival forms and health declarations are among the key requirements passengers should review before boarding their flights.

India’s official immigration portal provides guidance on visa applications and arrival documentation, while health authorities have introduced additional screening measures in response to the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. <Cite refs={[“turn748045search3″,”turn748045search0”]}/>

e-Arrival Card: Who Needs to Complete It?

Foreign nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can submit India’s electronic e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival.

The form collects personal information, passport details, arrival information, recent travel history, accommodation details in India and contact information. Travellers should ensure that all details match their official documents.

The e-Arrival Card is free and is used to provide arrival information. It is not a visa and does not replace the requirement to hold a valid visa or other authorised travel document. <Cite refs={[“turn748045search3″,”turn748045search6”]}/>

Travellers can access the official form through the Indian Visa Online portal.

Visa and Passport Requirements

Foreign nationals entering India generally need a valid passport and an appropriate visa, unless they qualify for an exemption under applicable arrangements.

Eligible travellers may apply for an Indian e-Visa through the official government portal. Requirements, eligibility and permitted activities vary according to nationality and visa category.

Passengers should check the validity of their travel documents and confirm that their visa covers the purpose and duration of their visit. They should also review any conditions applicable to their category of visa before travelling. <Cite refs={[“turn748045search3″,”turn748045search7”]}/>

Air Suvidha 2.0: Health Declaration for International Arrivals

India introduced the upgraded Air Suvidha 2.0 portal in June 2026 to strengthen health surveillance at international points of entry amid the Ebola outbreak.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the system enables international passengers arriving in India to submit a mandatory online health self-declaration up to 24 hours before arrival.

The declaration covers travel history over the preceding 21 days, possible exposure to the disease and relevant symptoms. Travellers are advised to complete the form before boarding and retain the downloaded declaration for presentation at the designated health or immigration counter, as required. <Cite refs={[“turn748045search0″,”turn748045search1”]}/>

Passengers can access the official portal at Air Suvidha.

Additional Screening for Travellers From Affected Regions

India has strengthened airport health surveillance following the Ebola outbreak involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. South Sudan has also been identified among the countries considered at higher risk of transmission.

Travellers arriving from affected regions may face additional health screening, depending on their travel history, exposure and symptoms. Health authorities may direct passengers for further assessment or other public-health measures where necessary. <Cite refs={[“turn748045search20″,”turn748045search22”]}/>

Passengers should provide accurate information in health declarations and follow instructions issued by airport health officials.

Checklist for Travellers Visiting India

Before departure, international passengers should:

• Check passport validity and visa or OCI documentation.
• Complete the e-Arrival Card, where applicable, within the permitted 72-hour window.
• Submit the Air Suvidha health self-declaration within 24 hours before arrival, as required.
• Keep copies of flight details, accommodation information and relevant travel documents.
• Review any additional health-screening or vaccination requirements applicable to their itinerary.
• Use official government websites rather than unofficial agents charging fees for free arrival forms.

What Travellers Should Know

India’s entry procedures combine immigration documentation with public-health screening requirements. Completing the relevant forms in advance can help passengers prepare for arrival and reduce avoidable delays.

Travellers should verify the latest rules through the official Indian Visa Online portal and the Air Suvidha portal before travelling, as requirements can change in response to public-health developments or immigration policy updates.