Travelling internationally often involves navigating a maze of paperwork. For those flying to India, the rules have been updated. The Air Suvidha self-declaration form is now a mandatory requirement for all international passengers.
What is the Air Suvidha Form?
The Air Suvidha portal
is an online system introduced by the Indian government. Initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to collect health information, it has been repurposed. As of recent updates in 2026, the self-declaration form (SDF) on the portal is again mandatory for all international arrivals. This is in response to a global health advisory concerning an Ebola outbreak. The primary goal of the form is to allow health and immigration authorities to screen passengers upon arrival, identify anyone who might need further medical assessment, and ensure a smooth clearance process. This requirement is not optional and applies to everyone entering India by air.
Who Needs to Complete the Form?
The requirement to fill out the Air Suvidha form is universal for all international passengers arriving in India, with no exceptions. This includes Indian citizens returning home, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and all foreign nationals visiting the country. The rule applies regardless of your country of origin, vaccination status, or travel history. Even if you have not travelled to a country affected by the current health advisory, you must complete the declaration. Parents or guardians can complete the form on behalf of children and infants.
When and How to Submit the Declaration
Passengers must complete the Air Suvidha self-declaration form online before their journey. The form can be filled out up to 72 hours before your scheduled arrival time at your first port of entry in India. Authorities strongly advise completing it before you board your flight, preferably during the web check_in process, to avoid any last_minute issues or delays at the airport. The form is available on the official Air Suvidha portal and is a free service. After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement with a registration number, which you should save as a digital or printed copy to present to health officials upon arrival.
What Information Is Required?
To complete the form smoothly, you should have several pieces of information ready. This includes your full name as it appears on your passport, passport details, nationality, and flight information such as flight number and your first airport of entry in India. You will also need to provide your travel history for the last 21 days, including any countries you have transited through. The form requires contact details, including an address in India, a mobile number, and an email address, which will be verified with a one_time password (OTP). Finally, you will need to complete a health declaration, answering questions about potential symptoms or exposure.
What Happens Upon Arrival?
Upon arriving in India, all passengers will undergo thermal screening. You must show your completed Air Suvidha acknowledgement to the airport health staff. Based on the information provided in your declaration, an Airport Port Health Officer may decide if any additional screening is necessary. While most passengers can proceed to immigration after the initial check, those found symptomatic during screening or who have declared specific travel histories may be isolated and taken for further medical evaluation as per health protocols. This system is designed to streamline arrivals while maintaining public health vigilance.
