Planning a trip to India involves navigating travel requirements that can sometimes change. If you're wondering about the Air Suvidha form, the answer is clear: it is currently a mandatory step for all international arrivals.
Air Suvidha 2.0: What You Need to Know
The Air Suvidha Self-Declaration
Form (SDF) is a mandatory online health declaration for all passengers arriving in India, including Indian citizens, OCI cardholders, and foreign nationals. Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the form has been reinstated as 'Air Suvidha 2.0' following a travel advisory from India's Directorate General of Health Services in June 2026. This measure was reintroduced in response to an ongoing Ebola disease outbreak to help health authorities screen international arrivals. The Bureau of Immigration has stressed that filling out this form is not optional and must be completed before arrival.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
To ensure a smooth application process, it's best to have all your information and documents ready before you begin. You will need a valid passport, an Indian visa (if applicable), your flight ticket with flight number, and the address of your stay in India. You'll also need a working mobile number and email address for One-Time Password (OTP) verification. The form is completely free to submit, so be cautious of any third-party websites that ask for payment. You should only use the official government portal: airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in.
Step 2: Filling Out the Form Online
The form should be filled out within 72 hours of your flight to India, with officials recommending you complete it during your airline's web check-in process. You will need to enter personal details, your flight information (including the first airport of arrival in India), and a history of countries visited or transited through in the last 21 days. The form includes specific health questions related to Ebola symptoms and exposure. If you are travelling with family, you can fill out details for up to four members in a single submission, but each passenger will receive an individual SDF to be shown upon arrival.
Step 3: Submission and Arrival
After you submit the form, an acknowledgement with a reference number will be sent to your email. It is crucial to download this confirmation or take a screenshot. You must present this acknowledgement—either as a soft copy on your phone or a hard copy printout—to immigration and health officials when you land in India. Failure to complete the form before your journey could lead to delays upon arrival, as you will be directed to the airport's health desk for further instructions. Completing it in advance ensures a smoother clearance process.
Other Key Travel Requirements
While the Air Suvidha form is a critical health declaration, it is not a visa. All foreign nationals must still secure the appropriate Indian visa before their trip. Depending on the duration and purpose of your stay, this could be a standard visa applied for through an Indian embassy or an e-Tourist visa for shorter stays. Additionally, as of April 2026, all foreign travellers are also required to fill out a separate digital e-Arrival Card to replace the old paper disembarkation forms. This can be submitted online up to 72 hours before arrival through the official Indian visa portal.
