Planning a trip to India? The Air Suvidha self-declaration form is a mandatory step for all international arrivals. This guide simplifies the process, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth and stress-free journey.
An Essential Pre-Travel Task
India has made the Air Suvidha
form a mandatory requirement for all international passengers arriving in the country, including Indian nationals, OCI cardholders, and foreign citizens. Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'Air Suvidha 2.0' portal has been activated for health surveillance in response to global health advisories, such as the recent Ebola outbreak. This online self-declaration form collects your travel and health details to facilitate a smoother clearance process upon arrival and allow health authorities to provide assistance if needed. Submission is free and must be done through the official government portal.
Information and Documents to Keep Ready
To ensure a quick and seamless process, gather the following details before you start filling out the form. You will need your valid passport for details like your full name, nationality, and passport number. Keep your flight ticket handy for your flight number, date of arrival, and your first port of entry in India. You'll also need to provide the address of your stay in India, a 21-day travel history (including any transit countries), and a valid mobile number and email address for One-Time Password (OTP) verification.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling the Form
First, navigate to the official Air Suvidha portal at airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in. Be cautious of unofficial third-party websites. On the portal, select the option for the new Self-Declaration Form (SDF). The form is broken into sections. Begin by entering your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Next, provide your flight information. You will then be asked to declare your travel history for the preceding 21 days. The subsequent section requires your contact information, including your address in India and the mobile number and email ID where you will receive an OTP to verify your details. Finally, review all the information for accuracy before submitting.
When and How to Submit
The Air Suvidha form can be submitted up to 72 hours before your arrival in India, but it's recommended to complete it within 24 hours of your journey. Many travellers find it convenient to fill it out during their airline's web checkin process to avoid any last minute rush. The form is designed for individual travellers and families; you can add up to four family members in a single submission, but each passenger will receive an individual SDF. If you are travelling in a larger group with different itineraries, you must make separate submissions.
After You Submit the Form
Once you have successfully submitted your self declaration, you will receive an acknowledgement email with an application reference number. This email will contain a downloadable PDF of your completed form. It is crucial to save this document on your phone or take a printout. You will be required to present this acknowledgement—either the soft or hard copy—to health officials and at the immigration desk upon your arrival at your first airport in India. Failing to complete the form beforehand can lead to delays, as you will be directed to the health desk to complete the process on arrival.
