Planning a trip to India involves navigating a checklist of documents. For years, the Air Suvidha form was a key step, but has it been reinstated? Let’s clear up the confusion and explain exactly what you need for a smooth arrival.
The Current Status of Air Suvidha
Here is the critical
update for all international travellers: the Air Suvidha form is once again mandatory for all passengers arriving in India. This requirement, which was discontinued in November 2022, has been reinstated due to global health advisories concerning the Ebola outbreak. The Bureau of Immigration has clarified that this is not optional and applies to everyone, including Indian passport holders, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and all foreign nationals, regardless of their travel history. The purpose of the 'Air Suvidha 2.0' portal is to allow health authorities to monitor passenger health status and travel history for public safety.
How to Fill the Air Suvidha Form
The process is entirely online and must be completed before your journey begins. Travellers should visit the official government portal at airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in to fill out the Self-Declaration Form (SDF). It is strongly recommended to complete this during web check-in to avoid last-minute issues. The form can be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival. You will need your passport, flight ticket, address of stay in India, and details of your travel history for the past 21 days. The system is free to use; beware of third-party websites that charge a fee. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation which you should save on your phone or as a printout.
A Different Form: The e-Arrival Card
Separate from the health-related Air Suvidha form, India has also digitized its immigration disembarkation process. As of April 1, 2026, the paper arrival form handed out on flights has been discontinued. All foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, must now fill out a digital e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before landing. This form is for immigration purposes, not health screening, and requires details like your passport information and flight number. Indian passport holders are exempt from this specific requirement. It's crucial not to confuse the e-Arrival Card (for immigration) with the Air Suvidha SDF (for health declaration); both may be required depending on your nationality.
Don't Forget Your Customs Declaration
Upon arrival, you will also need to clear customs, which operates on a Red Channel and Green Channel system. The Green Channel is for travellers with nothing to declare. You must proceed to the Red Channel if you are carrying items that are restricted, prohibited, or exceed the duty free allowance. This includes foreign currency notes over the equivalent of USD $5,000, or a total of USD $10,000 in cash and traveller's cheques combined. For foreign tourists, the duty free allowance for general goods is ₹$25,000, while for Indian residents and certain other categories, it is ₹$75,000 under the Baggage Rules, $2026$. Declaring goods is a legal requirement to avoid penalties or confiscation.
Your Pre-$Travel Checklist
To ensure a hassle-$free entry into India, double-$check this list before you fly. First, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and has two blank pages. Second, secure the correct Indian visa (e-$Visa or regular visa sticker) well in advance. Third, complete the mandatory Air Suvidha Self-$Declaration Form online before departure. Fourth, if you are a foreign national, also complete the separate e-$Arrival Card for immigration. Finally, keep digital and physical copies of all these documents, including your passport, visa, flight tickets, and form submission confirmations.
