OCI cards and entry rules for India

We are a travel operator, not an immigration lawyer or a government agency. Entry, OCI and visa rules are set by the Government of India and its official portals, and they change — this page reflects what we understand at the time of writing, flagged where we are not certain, and is not a substitute for checking the official source for your specific situation before you book or travel. (confirmed on enquiry)

• OCI cardholders travel to India visa-free on their OCI card itself.
• India's e-Arrival Card — a short online arrival declaration, separate from any visa or the OCI card — became mandatory for OCI cardholders in October 2025, and for all other foreign nationals from 1 April 2026, replacing the old paper disembarkation form.
• The e-Arrival Card is free to submit, filed only at the official government portal or its official app, within 72 hours before landing.
• Indian citizens travelling on an Indian passport are exempt from the e-Arrival Card requirement.

Always confirm the current, exact requirements for your nationality and card status on the official Government of India visa and immigration portals directly before travelling — rules, forms and deadlines can be updated, and we would rather send you to the primary source than risk restating something out of date. (confirmed on enquiry)

When you plan a trip with us, we remind you about the current entry requirements we're aware of — including the e-Arrival Card and its 72-hour window — as part of your pre-departure checklist, alongside the right visa category if you're travelling on a foreign passport rather than an OCI card. We do not charge a fee for this guidance, and we do not process the e-Arrival Card or any visa on your behalf — that is submitted directly by you on the official government channel.