Planning a trip to India? You might have heard the Air Suvidha form was discontinued, but as of late 2026, a mandatory health self-declaration is back. Here’s what all international travellers need to know for a smooth arrival.
Air Suvidha Is Back And Mandatory
While it's true that the
original COVID-19-era Air Suvidha form was discontinued in November 2022, the Indian government has since reactivated a similar requirement. As of mid-2026, all international passengers, including Indian citizens, OCI cardholders, and foreign nationals, must complete a mandatory online Self-Declaration Form (SDF) before arriving in India. This new iteration, known as Air Suvidha 2.0, was reintroduced as a precautionary public health measure following a World Health Organisation declaration regarding an Ebola virus outbreak. It is not related to COVID-19, and official advisories warn travellers not to rely on outdated information about the form's previous discontinuation.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Air Suvidha Form
Completing the form is a straightforward online process that is completely free of charge. Be wary of look-alike websites that ask for payment. The form must be submitted through the official Air Suvidha portal, which is managed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. You should fill it out within 24 hours of your scheduled arrival in India; completing it before you leave for the airport is highly recommended to avoid any last-minute issues. After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement with a reference number, which you should save to your phone or print out. Airport health officials may ask to see this confirmation upon arrival.
Information You Will Need
To ensure a quick and hassle-free submission, have your documents ready before you begin. The form requires several key pieces of information. You will need to provide your personal details, including your full name and passport number. Flight information is also necessary, such as your flight number, PNR, and your first airport of entry in India. A crucial part of the declaration is your travel history covering the last 21 days; you must declare all countries you have visited or transited through. Finally, you will need to provide the address of your stay in India and complete a brief health declaration concerning potential exposure and symptoms like fever.
Why You Shouldn't Skip This Step
The Bureau of Immigration has stressed that the Air Suvidha self_declaration is not optional. It is a mandatory requirement for all international arrivals, regardless of your nationality or recent travel history. The digital system, Air Suvidha 2.0, allows public health officials and immigration authorities to effectively screen and identify passengers who might require further medical assessment upon landing. Arriving without having completed the form can lead to significant delays at the airport, as you will likely be directed to the health desk to complete the process there. Completing it in advance ensures a much smoother clearance process.
Not a Visa, Just a Declaration
It is important for travellers to understand that the Air Suvidha form is a health declaration, not a travel visa. Successfully submitting the form does not grant you permission to enter India. All passengers must still meet the standard entry requirements for their nationality, which includes having a valid passport and, if required, a valid Indian visa or an OCI card. The Air Suvidha requirement is an additional, separate step focused purely on public health surveillance. For foreign nationals, there is also a separate Digital Arrival Card that may be required, so it's essential to check all entry formalities.
