Planning a trip to India has a new mandatory step. The Indian government has reinstated the Air Suvidha self-declaration form for all international passengers, a move aimed at enhancing health screening at all points of entry.
What Is the Air Suvidha Form?
The Air Suvidha is a digital
self-declaration form where international travellers provide their personal details, flight information, and health status before arriving in India. First introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the system has been updated to 'Air Suvidha 2.0' and made compulsory again to monitor and safeguard public health. The Bureau of Immigration has emphasised that the form is not optional and must be completed by all passengers before their journey begins. The primary goal is to streamline the arrival process and allow health authorities to identify any passengers who might require further medical assessment.
Why Has It Been Reinstated?
The decision to bring back the mandatory self-declaration follows a global health advisory concerning an Ebola virus outbreak. On May 17, 2026, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), prompting India to strengthen its health screening measures at airports and other entry points. The Air Suvidha 2.0 portal facilitates a contactless process for collecting crucial data, allowing airport health officials, immigration authorities, and disease surveillance teams to coordinate effectively. This digital system helps in the early identification of travellers who may pose a health risk, thereby preventing the spread of infectious diseases within the country.
Who Needs to Complete the Form?
The mandate is universal and applies to every single international passenger arriving in India by air, without exception. This includes Indian citizens returning from abroad, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and all foreign nationals, regardless of their country of departure or travel history. The requirement stands irrespective of the airline, the reason for travel, or whether the passenger has visited an Ebola-affected country. Even infants and children must have a form submitted on their behalf.
How to Fill and Submit the Form
The form must be filled out online via the official Air Suvidha portal (airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in) and is completely free of charge. Travellers are advised to be wary of third_party websites asking for payment. It is recommended to complete the form during web check_in, although it can be filled out up to 72 hours before arrival. You will need several documents handy: your passport, flight ticket, address of stay in India, and details of any transit countries. The process involves entering personal and flight details, providing contact information for OTP verification, and answering health_related questions, including your travel history for the last 21 days. One person can fill the form for up to four family members in a single submission, but each individual will receive a separate acknowledgement.
What Happens After Submission?
After successfully submitting the form, you will receive an acknowledgement, which you should download and save as a digital or printed copy. This acknowledgement may be checked by airline staff before boarding and by health officials at the International Travel Health Desk upon your arrival in India. While most passengers can proceed to immigration as usual, those whose forms indicate potential health risks—such as recent travel to affected regions or symptoms of illness—may be subject to additional screening by an Airport Port Health Officer. Arriving without a completed form can lead to significant delays, as you will be directed to the health desk to complete the formalities before you can proceed.
