Travelling to India in late 2026 requires careful preparation. Amid changing health advisories, the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form has become a critical and mandatory step for all international passengers before they even board their flight.
What is the Air Suvidha Form?
The Air
Suvidha Self-Declaration Form (SDF) is an online system established by India's Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Originally introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the portal has been updated and is now used to screen international passengers for other public health concerns. As of late 2026, the form is mandatory due to an ongoing Ebola disease outbreak advisory. It requires travellers to submit their personal details, flight information, travel history, and a health declaration before arriving in India. This digital-first approach helps authorities streamline arrival procedures, identify passengers who might need further medical assessment, and make the overall entry process smoother and more contactless.
Is the Form Really Compulsory?
Yes, the Air Suvidha form is currently mandatory for all international passengers arriving by air. The Bureau of Immigration has issued reminders clarifying that the form is not optional. This rule applies to everyone, regardless of nationality or travel history, including Indian passport holders, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and foreign nationals. The requirement is enforced to allow health authorities to effectively monitor arrivals and provide assistance where needed. Passengers are strongly advised to complete the form before departure to avoid delays or complications upon landing.
How to Fill the Air Suvidha Form: A Step-by-Step Guide
Filling the form is a straightforward online process. It is free of charge and can be accessed through the official Air Suvidha portal (airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in). It is recommended to complete it during web check-in, though it can be done up to 72 hours before arrival. First, you will need to enter your personal and flight details. This includes your full name, passport number, nationality, flight number, and your first port of entry in India. You must also declare your travel history for the last 21 days. The next step involves providing your contact information, including an address in India and a valid email and mobile number for OTP verification. A specific health declaration section will only appear if you report travel to an Ebola-affected country. Finally, you must review and consent to the declaration before submitting.
Documents and Information Needed
To ensure a smooth application process, have the following information and documents ready before you begin: your passport, your flight ticket or boarding pass with flight number, the address of your stay in India, and details of any transit countries. You will also need a working mobile number and access to your email to receive the One-Time Password (OTP) required for verification. Having all these details prepared in advance will help you complete the form in just a few minutes.
What Happens After Submission?
Once you submit the form, you will receive an acknowledgement with a unique registration number. This confirmation is typically sent to your registered email address. You should save a digital copy of this acknowledgement on your phone or carry a printout. Upon arrival in India, you may be required to show this confirmation at the International Travel Health Desk. While most passengers can then proceed to immigration, an Airport Port Health Officer may conduct additional screening based on the information you provided in your declaration.
Common Questions and Key Tips
One common point of confusion is its relation to the e-Arrival Card. These are two separate forms; Air Suvidha is a health declaration for all passengers, while the e-Arrival Card is a digital landing card for foreign nationals. To avoid issues, always use the official government website and doublecheck that all details, especially your name and passport number, match your travel documents exactly. If you are travelling with family, you can include up to four members in a single submission, but each individual will receive a separate form that needs to be shown on arrival. It is best to fill the form well in advance rather than at the last minute to ensure a stressfree start to your journey.
