Every day, hundreds of international flights land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi T3) — from London Heathrow, New York JFK, Toronto, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Melbourne, Zurich, Amsterdam, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Riyadh, Jeddah, Hong Kong, Tashkent, Hanoi, and many more global hubs.
Most foreign travellers today arrive with a valid Indian eVisa (ETA). However, many are surprised to learn that an approved eVisa alone is not always enough for a smooth immigration experience at Delhi Airport.
In several cases, passengers are also required to complete an India e Arrival Card (online arrival form) before entering the country.
This article explains:
- What the India e Arrival Card is
- Why it is required even if you already have an Indian eVisa
- What happens if it is not completed
- How to avoid delays at Delhi Airport
✈️ Massive International Arrivals at Delhi Airport
Delhi’s IGI Airport (T3) handles long-haul arrivals from:
- 🇬🇧 London (Heathrow)
- 🇺🇸 New York (JFK), Newark, Chicago, San Francisco
- 🇨🇦 Toronto, Vancouver
- 🇫🇷 Paris
- 🇩🇪 Frankfurt, Munich
- 🇦🇪 Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
- 🇸🇬 Singapore
- 🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur
- 🇹🇭 Bangkok, Phuket
- 🇯🇵 Tokyo (Haneda)
- 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
- 🇦🇺 Melbourne, Sydney
- 🇶🇦 Doha
- 🇸🇦 Jeddah, Riyadh
- 🇳🇵 Kathmandu
- 🇱🇰 Colombo
- 🇹🇷 Istanbul
- 🇫🇮 Helsinki
- 🇨🇭 Zurich
- 🇮🇹 Milan
- 🇳🇱 Amsterdam
- 🇦🇿 Baku
- 🇷🇺 Moscow
- 🇪🇬 Cairo
- 🇧🇭 Bahrain
- 🇰🇼 Kuwait
- 🇮🇱 Tel Aviv
- 🇵🇭 Manila
- 🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi
- 🇧🇩 Dhaka
- 🇧🇹 Paro
With such high international traffic, compliance checks at immigration are strict and systematic.
🛂 What Is the India eVisa (ETA)?
The Indian eVisa (Electronic Travel Authorization) allows eligible foreign nationals to enter India for:
- Tourism
- Business
- Medical treatment
- Conferences
It is issued electronically and linked to your passport.
However…
👉 The eVisa is your entry permission — not your arrival declaration.
📋 What Is the India e Arrival Card?
The India e Arrival Card is an online declaration form that collects:
- Passport details
- Flight information
- Travel history
- Health declaration (if applicable)
- Address in India
- Contact details
This is similar to arrival declaration systems used in countries like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia.
Even if you already have:
✔️ Approved Indian eVisa
✔️ Printed ETA copy
✔️ Return tickets
✔️ Hotel bookings
You may still be required to complete the arrival declaration form before immigration clearance.
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Have the e Arrival Card?
Travellers arriving at Delhi Airport without the required arrival form may experience:
- Additional questioning
- Secondary screening
- Delays at immigration counters
- Being asked to complete documentation on arrival
- Stress after long-haul flights
After 10–15 hour journeys from New York, London, Toronto or Sydney, the last thing you want is documentation issues at immigration.
In peak arrival windows (late night and early morning long-haul banks), processing delays can compound quickly.
🧾 Why Many Travellers Get Confused
Many tourists assume:
“I already have my Indian eVisa approved — I’m fully cleared.”
But immigration systems often require separate arrival documentation beyond the visa approval itself.
Common mistakes include:
- Not checking latest arrival declaration requirements
- Assuming airlines will notify them
- Believing visa approval automatically includes arrival form submission
- Confusing ETA copy with arrival documentation
This misunderstanding leads to unnecessary airport stress.
🧠 Important Clarification
An Indian eVisa (Electronic Travel Authorization – ETA) and an e-Arrival Card serve different purposes in the travel process. The Indian eVisa (ETA) grants official entry permission to travel to India, while the e-Arrival Card is used to declare arrival details to immigration authorities upon entry. In many cases, travellers may be required to present both documents to ensure a smooth and seamless entry into the country.
🛬 Preparing Before Landing at Delhi Airport
Before boarding your flight to Delhi, ensure you have:
- ✅ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- ✅ Approved Indian eVisa (ETA copy)
- ✅ Return/onward ticket
- ✅ Accommodation details
- ✅ Completed e Arrival Card (if applicable)
Preparation prevents airport complications.
🌍 Smooth Entry Starts With Documentation
Delhi Airport processes thousands of international passengers daily from Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Immigration clearance is typically smooth when documentation is complete and aligned with current entry procedures.
If you're unsure whether your arrival documentation is correctly completed, it’s wise to verify before travel rather than resolve it after landing.
For guidance or assistance with the India e Arrival Card process, you may visit: https://leso.co.in/india-evisa
