As of 26 August 2026, India’s official visa portal states that foreign nationals and OCI/eOCI cardholders must complete the e-Arrival Card, and that all passengers must complete the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form before reaching the immigration counters. The e-Arrival Card can be submitted online within 72 hours before arrival. (Indian Visa Online)
The OCI point needs a little care. A new OCI card is not required every time someone gets a new passport. The requirements depend on age and circumstances. For example, an OCI card generally needs to be re-issued once when a new passport is issued after turning 20, while passport/photo updates apply in certain other situations. (OCI Services)
Here is a cleaner Indus Age web article:
Travellers heading to India are being encouraged to check the latest entry and immigration requirements before leaving Australia, particularly with updated digital arrival procedures now in place.
India’s travel and immigration requirements can change, so taking a few minutes to check the official government portals before travelling could save unnecessary delays or frustration at the airport.
1. Complete the India e-Arrival Card
Foreign nationals and OCI/eOCI cardholders travelling to India are required to complete the Digital e-Arrival Card before immigration clearance.
The e-Arrival Card can be submitted online within 72 hours before arrival in India.
The card is an arrival information form and does not replace a valid visa, eVisa or OCI card.
Official portal:
2. Check Air Suvidha 2.0
Travellers should also check the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration requirements before departure.
India’s official immigration portal currently advises that all passengers must complete the Self-Declaration Form before reaching the Arrival Immigration Counters.
Official portal:
Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form
3. OCI cardholders with a new passport
If you are an OCI cardholder and have recently received a new passport, check whether your passport details, photograph or OCI card need to be updated.
Importantly, getting a new passport does not automatically mean that everyone needs a new OCI card. The requirements vary according to age and individual circumstances.
OCI cardholders should check their particular requirements through the official OCI Services portal rather than relying on older information or social media messages.
Official portal:
OCI Services, Government of India
Check before you leave
India’s entry and immigration procedures can be updated from time to time. Travellers should check the official Government of India websites shortly before departure, even if they have travelled to India recently.
If you are booking through a travel agent, ask them to confirm the latest requirements. If you are booking independently, check the official government portals and your airline’s current travel advice.
A few minutes of preparation before leaving home can help avoid unnecessary delays or surprises at check-in or immigration.
Indus Age recommends travellers rely on official Government of India sources for the latest requirements rather than forwarded WhatsApp messages or outdated travel advice.
Please share this information with friends and family travelling to India.
Information checked by Indus Age on 26 August 2026. Travellers should confirm requirements again before departure as immigration and travel rules may change.
Travelling to India? Check These Entry Requirements Before You Fly added by Indian newspaper Sydney on
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