Yes, you must print your Indian eVisa. A physical paper copy is required at both airline check-in and the Immigration Check Post. Digital copies on phones are not accepted. Print two A4 copies in colour or black-and-white.
The e-Arrival Card must be submitted separately online within 72 hours before your arrival in India. It is not a visa but an arrival information form. You can complete it via the designated portal or the ‘Indian Visa Su-Swagatam’ mobile app.
Keep a digital backup of your eVisa PDF on your phone for emergency situations only. You must present the printed eVisa, your valid passport, and the e-Arrival Card confirmation at immigration. Last reviewed: 9 September 2026 by our UK travel editorial team.
Do I Need to Print My Indian eVisa?
Yes, the Bureau of Immigration requires a printed physical eVisa copy at the Immigration Check Post; digital copies on phones are not accepted. The Indian eVisa must be printed on standard A4 paper before you travel. Print two copies in either colour or black-and-white; both formats are accepted without restriction.
According to the Bureau of Immigration’s advisory on indianvisaonline.gov.in: “Print ETA and present at Immigration Check Post where eVisa will be stamped on passport.” The Indian eVisa will be stamped directly onto your passport upon arrival.
The Indian eVisa is available in limited categories: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Conference, e-Student, and e-Transit. A regular visa issued by an Indian Mission/Post remains valid for entry but does not require online printing.
Can I Show the eVisa on My Phone Instead?
No. Showing the document on a mobile screen is not permitted at the check-in desk or at border control. Keep a PDF backup on your phone for emergencies only; if you lose your printed copies during transit, reprint at an airport print shop or hotel business centre before reaching the immigration counter.
Do Airlines Require a Printed eVisa Before Boarding?
Yes. Airlines operating UK-India routes, including British Airways, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, check the printed eVisa at check-in before you reach immigration. Missing a printed copy can lead to boarding denial and a missed flight.
How to Fill the e-Arrival Card Within 72 Hours Before Travel
The e-Arrival Card is an arrival information form, not a visa, and must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival in India via indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ (web) or the ‘Indian Visa Su-Swagatam’ mobile app.
The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for foreign nationals and OCI/eOCI cardholders. It is not a substitute for the Indian eVisa; both documents serve separate purposes in the entry process.
Visit the portal or app
Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ or download the ‘Indian Visa Su-Swagatam’ app.
Enter your details
Provide personal information, passport number, flight details, and accommodation address in India.
Submit and save confirmation
Upon submission, you receive a QR code or reference number. Present this at the immigration counter alongside your printed eVisa and valid passport.
| Aspect | eVisa (ETA) | e-Arrival Card |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Electronic travel authorisation | Arrival information form |
| Purpose | Permission to enter India | Provide arrival details to immigration |
| When to submit | Before travel (application) | Within 72 hours before arrival |
| Print requirement | Must print (physical copy) | Digital-first; confirmation code or QR |
| Portal | indianvisaonline.gov.in | indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ |
What If I Miss the 72-Hour Window?
You can fill the e-Arrival Card at self-service kiosks upon arrival at the airport, but expect longer processing times. Best practice: complete the form online 48 to 72 hours before your departure from the UK.
What to Present at Indian Immigration – Complete Document Checklist
Indian immigration requires a printed eVisa, valid passport with 6-month validity and 2+ blank pages, e-Arrival Card confirmation, and a Self-Declaration Form.
- Valid passport – 6 months validity, 2+ blank pages.
- Printed eVisa / ETA – physical A4 copy for stamping on your passport.
- e-Arrival Card confirmation – QR code or reference number from submission within 72 hours.
- Self-Declaration Form (Air Suvidha) – submit at airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in. Note: verify current requirements before travel, as this mandate may have been relaxed.
- Return or onward ticket – airlines may deny boarding without it.
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking or host’s address in India.
At the eVisa counter: the officer scans your printout, verifies passport details, captures biometrics (fingerprints of both hands and a facial photograph), and stamps the eVisa on your passport. Our editorial team verified this procedure on a UK-India route in 2026; the process took under 5 minutes at Delhi airport.
Visa on Arrival is available under bilateral arrangements for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (UAE nationals must have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular/paper visa). Available airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Beware of Third-Party eVisa Scams
The Government of India does not authorise any agent or intermediaries to charge fees for emergency, express visa, eVisas and eArrival card. The Indian eVisa and e-Arrival Card must be obtained exclusively through indianvisaonline.gov.in, the portal managed by the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Scam sites use .com or .org mirrors of the genuine .gov.in address. Red flags: ‘guaranteed approval’ claims, extra processing charges above standard fees, and unofficial payment channels. Before entering any details, verify the URL reads exactly indianvisaonline.gov.in.
FAQ
Do I have to print my India eVisa or can I use a digital copy?
Yes, printed A4 required; digital copies are not accepted at immigration or airline check-in. Keep a PDF backup for emergencies only.
Do I need to print the e-arrival card as well, or is the digital version enough?
The e-Arrival Card is digital-first; phone screen likely accepted at immigration. Print the confirmation as a backup.
What is the 72-hour rule for the Indian e-arrival card?
Must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival via indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/ or the ‘Indian Visa Su-Swagatam’ app.
Can I fill the Indian e-arrival card at the airport?
Yes, at self-service kiosks, but expect longer queues. Complete online 48 to 72 hours before departure from the UK.
What happens if I arrive at Indian immigration without a printed eVisa?
Risk significant delays or entry denial. Airlines may deny boarding at UK departure before you reach India.
What documents must I present at Indian immigration as an eVisa holder?
Printed eVisa, passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages), e-Arrival Card confirmation, and Self-Declaration Form.
How do I download and save the Indian eVisa PDF after approval?
Check your approval email from the Bureau of Immigration; download the PDF attachment, save to your phone, and print two copies.
Do airlines require a printed Indian eVisa before boarding the flight?
Yes. British Airways, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara check printed eVisas at UK check-in before you reach immigration.
What should I do if I lose my printed Indian eVisa before travel?
Reprint from your approval email or log in to indianvisaonline.gov.in to re-download the PDF.
Is a passport valid for less than 6 months accepted at Indian immigration?
No. Minimum 6 months validity from date of arrival and at least 2 blank pages required.
How do I check if an Indian eVisa website is authentic?
Verify the URL is indianvisaonline.gov.in (not .com or .org). Managed by the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.
