New passport and e-Arrival: what travellers should know

Overview

New Passport and e-Arrival: What Travellers Should Know If you've recently obtained a new passport and are planning a trip to India, you’ll need to complete the India e-Arrival Card before your journey. This mandatory document must be submitted within 72 hours of arrival. Here’s everything you need to know about using a new passport for the e-Arrival process.

Why the e-Arrival Card Matters

The India e-Arrival Card is a digital requirement for all foreign travellers entering India, regardless of nationality or visa status. It serves as an advance notification of your arrival, streamlining immigration procedures. Since it’s linked to your passport details, ensuring your new passport is correctly registered is essential.

Using a New Passport for e-Arrival Submission

If your passport was recently issued or renewed, you must ensure the details match exactly when applying for the e-Arrival Card. Mistakes can lead to delays or issues at immigration. Double-check:

If your old passport was linked to previous India visas or e-Arrival submissions, note that the e-Arrival Card is a separate process, and your new passport won’t have any prior records. Always use the latest passport details.

• Your passport number (no typos or missing digits)
• The expiry date (must be valid for at least six months from arrival)
• Your full name (as printed in the passport)
• Nationality (must match the issuing country of your passport)

How to Submit the e-Arrival Card

The official portal for the India e-Arrival Card is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. You must complete the form within 72 hours before your arrival in India. The process involves:

After submitting, you’ll receive an approval, which you should carry digitally or as a printout when entering India.

• Providing personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
• Entering passport information (number, issue/expiry dates)
• Adding travel details (flight number, arrival date, Indian address)
• Confirming the submission and saving the acknowledgment

Common Mistakes When Using a New Passport

Travellers with new passports sometimes encounter issues if they:

If you’ve recently changed your name or other personal details, ensure these updates are reflected in your passport first before applying for the e-Arrival Card.

• Use an old passport number accidentally
• Forget to update frequent flyer or airline profiles (leading to mismatched details)
• Assume prior India visas are transferable (they are not—always use the new passport)

Our Independent e-Arrival Service

At earrivalindia.com, we offer an independent application service for the India e-Arrival Card for $15 per traveller. We are not affiliated with the Indian government, but our service simplifies the process with:

Remember, approval is at the discretion of Indian immigration authorities, and using our paid service does not guarantee entry. Always verify requirements on the official portal before travelling.

• Step-by-step guidance
• Form review to minimize errors
• 24/7 customer support

Can I apply for the e-Arrival Card with an expired passport?

No. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India. Use only your new, valid passport details.

What if my new passport hasn’t arrived yet?

Do not apply for the e-Arrival Card until you have your new passport in hand. The details must match exactly, and you cannot amend the submission later.

Is the e-Arrival Card a visa?

No. The e-Arrival Card is separate from a visa. Even if you have a valid India visa in an old passport, you must complete the e-Arrival Card with your new passport details.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Before submitting your e-Arrival Card with a new passport, verify:

If in doubt, consult the official portal or contact Indian immigration authorities for clarification.

• Your passport is valid for at least six months
• All details (name, passport number, nationality) are error-free
• Your flight and arrival details are correct
• You’ve submitted within the 72-hour pre-arrival window

Conclusion

Travelling to India with a new passport requires careful attention when completing the e-Arrival Card. Ensure accuracy, submit on time, and carry proof of approval. While our service at earrivalindia.com can assist for a fee, always refer to the official government portal for the latest rules. Safe travels!