What is the Air Suvidha Form?
The Air Suvidha form is an online health self-declaration system for international passengers arriving in India. Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the portal has been reactivated as a precautionary measure in response to global health alerts,
such as the Ebola outbreak. It is designed to streamline the collection of passenger information, including travel history and health status, to help public health and immigration officials screen arrivals more effectively. The platform, known as Air Suvidha 2.0, is managed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its purpose is not to add extra hurdles but to assist authorities in monitoring public health risks and providing timely assistance to passengers if needed.
Is It Mandatory for Everyone?
Yes, completing the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form (SDF) is mandatory for all international passengers arriving in India by air. This rule applies universally, regardless of your nationality or country of departure. The Bureau of Immigration has clarified that the requirement covers Indian passport holders, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and foreign nationals. Whether you are a tourist, a business traveller, or an Indian citizen returning home, you must submit the form before your arrival. There are no exemptions based on travel history or vaccination status; everyone entering India via an international flight must comply.
When and Where to Fill the Form
The form must be filled out online via the official Air Suvidha portal. Passengers can complete the declaration up to 72 hours before their arrival in India. However, many official sources recommend completing it within 24 hours of your journey's start, preferably at the same time as you complete your web check-in, to avoid any last-minute issues. You should not use any third-party websites, as the official government service is free of charge. After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement with a registration number. It is crucial to save a digital or printed copy of this acknowledgement to present to authorities upon arrival.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Submission
The process is designed to be straightforward. First, have your documents ready, including your passport, flight details (flight number, airline, date of arrival), and the address of your stay in India. You will also need a valid mobile number and email ID for OTP verification. On the portal, you'll enter your personal and flight details. You must also declare your travel history for the last 21 days, with specific options to note any transit countries. The form includes a health declaration section where you must truthfully answer questions, particularly concerning any travel to Ebola-affected regions or related symptoms. After verifying your details, you submit the form and await the confirmation email.
Travelling with Family and Arrival Process
If you are travelling with family, the portal allows you to add up to four family members in a single submission. However, each passenger will receive an individual Self-Declaration Form based on the details provided. You must download each form and have it ready for clearance procedures in India. Upon arrival, you may be required to show your Air Suvidha acknowledgement at the International Travel Health Desk. While most passengers can proceed through the regular arrival process, an Airport Port Health Officer may conduct additional screening based on the information declared in your form. Arriving without a completed form can lead to delays, so it's essential to complete it before you board your flight.
