UAE passengers get smoother entry as Delhi Airport adopts E-Arrival Card
Digital system allows pre-arrival form completion before landing in Indian capital
DUBAI – From 1 October, passengers flying from the UAE to New Delhi will be able to complete their arrival details online before travel through a new E-Arrival Card system.
The digital facility, introduced by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) under the aegis of the Bureau of Immigration, is expected to cut waiting times, reduce queues, and promote sustainability by eliminating paper-based forms.
With thousands of Gulf-based travellers entering India daily for family visits, tourism, and work, officials expect the initiative to have a major impact during peak holiday and festive seasons when immigration counters at Indira Gandhi International Airport are busiest.
How will it work?
The E-Arrival Card allows foreign nationals to submit their details up to three days before flying via secure platforms. These include:
- Bureau of Immigration portal (boi.gov.in)
- Indian Visa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in)
- Su-Swagatam mobile app
- Delhi airport website (newdelhiairport.in)
On arrival, passengers can bypass manual form-filling, enabling faster processing.
According to DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, digitisation reflects India’s commitment to world-class facilities and “a hassle-free travel experience while promoting sustainable practices.”
Who does it apply to?
The new E-Arrival Card applies only to foreign travellers. Indian citizens and OCI holders continue to benefit from the FTI-TTP, which offers expedited immigration clearance. Officials say both initiatives mark a new era of convenience, sustainability, and efficiency for passengers arriving in India.
The UAE–India route is among the busiest in the world, with traffic surging during Eid breaks, school holidays, and festivals. Similar systems already exist in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, and Malaysia, making Delhi’s adoption an alignment with international best practice.
In June 2024, Delhi airport also launched the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders. Together, both measures aim to streamline clearances and enhance efficiency at India’s busiest airport.