India switches to online e-Arrival Card for entry; Vietnamese travelers advised to use official websites

Travel, business, and tourism demand abroad are growing, and changes to border procedures are drawing attention. For travelers planning to visit India, a key update is that the country has digitized its entry form, replacing the paper Disembarkation Card with an online e-Arrival Card.

Foreigners and OCI card holders can complete the e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival via boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in, or the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app. The portal states that the e-Arrival Card is for entry purposes and is not a visa.

Timing requirement for the e-Arrival Card

The most important detail for travelers is the time window: the e-Arrival Card must be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival. If the form is submitted too early, it may fall outside the allowed window. If it is completed too close to arrival, travelers may face rushed document preparation and potential information errors.

Practical preparation for Vietnamese travelers

For Vietnamese travelers, the article recommends preparing key information in advance—such as passport details, flight information, and accommodation details—and completing the declaration 2–3 days before landing.

Destination highlights mentioned by the tourism portal

India is described as offering diverse experiences for different travel styles. For first-time visitors, the Delhi–Agra–Jaipur route is presented as the easiest itinerary to picture. According to Incredible India, Delhi combines heritage, traditional markets, and urban life; Agra is home to the Taj Mahal; and Jaipur is part of the Golden Triangle, known for palaces, forts, and its Pink City identity.

For travelers seeking a slower pace, the article points to Kerala’s backwaters in Alappuzha, offering houseboats, village scenery, and more resort-style experiences.

Spiritual travel option: Rishikesh

For those looking for spiritual depth, the article highlights Rishikesh. The official tourism portal describes it as the Yoga Capital of the World, located at the foot of the Himalayas by the Ganges. It is noted for yoga and meditation, ashrams, evening Ganga Aarti, and outdoor activities such as rafting.