Planning a trip to India? The Air Suvidha self-declaration form is once again a mandatory step for all international arrivals. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do, ensuring your entry into the country is as seamless as possible.
What Is the Air Suvidha Form?
The Air
Suvidha form is an online self-declaration that all international passengers must submit before arriving in India. Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 'Air Suvidha 2.0' portal has been repurposed as a health surveillance measure. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it is now used to screen passengers in response to the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak. The form collects your personal details, flight information, and travel history for the preceding 21 days. This allows airport health officials and immigration authorities to identify any passengers who might require further health assessment upon arrival, ensuring a streamlined and safe process for everyone.
Who Needs to Fill the Form?
The requirement is universal and applies to every single passenger arriving in India via an international flight. The Bureau of Immigration has clarified that this is not an optional step. The mandate includes Indian passport holders returning home, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and all foreign nationals, regardless of their country of origin or vaccination status. Even infants and children must have a form filled out on their behalf by a parent or guardian. If you are travelling in a group, note that while you can add up to four family members in a single submission, each individual will receive a separate acknowledgement that must be presented.
Information and Documents to Keep Ready
To ensure a quick and error-free submission, gather all your necessary documents and information before you begin. You will need your valid passport, flight details (including airline and flight number), and the name of your first port of arrival in India. Also required are the full address of your stay in India, a recent travel history covering the last 21 days, and details of any transit countries. Crucially, you must have a working mobile number and a valid email address accessible, as you will need to verify them with a One-Time Password (OTP) to proceed with the form.
Step-byStep Guide to Filling the Form
Filling out the form is a straightforward process. First, navigate to the official Air Suvidha portal at 'airsuvidha.civilaviation.gov.in'. Be wary of fraudulent websites that charge a fee; the official form is completely free. The process involves four main steps:
1. Personal and Flight Details: Enter your full name, passport number, nationality, and other details exactly as they appear on your passport. Provide your flight number and first airport of entry. You'll also declare any travel to Ebola-affected countries in the last 21 days.
2. Contact and Address: Provide the address where you will be staying in India and your contact information.
3. OTP Verification: The system will send an OTP to your registered mobile number and email address. You must enter this to verify your contact details before proceeding.
4. Consent and Submit: Review all the information you have entered. Read the consent declaration, and if everything is accurate, submit the form.
After You Submit
Once you successfully submit the form, you will receive an acknowledgement with a registration number via email. It is essential to save a digital copy of this acknowledgement on your phone or carry a printout. You may be asked to present this document to airline staff before boarding and to health officials at the International Travel Health Desk upon arrival in India. Passengers are advised to fill the form well in advance, preferably at the time of web checkin. The portal allows you to submit the form up to 72 hours before your arrival time in India. If you make a mistake, the portal has an option to edit your submitted form up until your arrival.
