International travel to India now has a critical extra step. The Indian government has reinstated the mandatory submission of the Air Suvidha self-declaration form for all passengers arriving from abroad, a move aimed at enhancing health surveillance.
What is the Air Suvidha Form?
First introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Air Suvidha form is an online self-declaration portal for international travelers. Its return, in an upgraded 'Air Suvidha 2.0' version, signals a shift towards a permanent digital framework for monitoring public health risks at points of entry. The primary purpose is to collect passenger details, including travel history and health status, before they land in India. This allows health and immigration authorities to conduct a risk assessment in advance, ensuring a more streamlined and contactless clearance process upon arrival. The Bureau of Immigration has emphasized that the form is not optional and applies to everyone.
Why Is It Mandatory Again?
The decision to bring back the Air Suvidha requirement is a direct response to global health concerns. Specifically, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola virus disease outbreak in parts of Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026. In response, India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare mandated the form to strengthen its disease surveillance capabilities and facilitate the early detection of any traveler who may require further medical evaluation. This proactive measure is designed to safeguard public health by identifying and assisting potentially at-risk passengers arriving in the country.
Who Must Complete the Form?
The requirement is universal and applies to all international passengers arriving in India by air, with no exceptions. This includes Indian citizens returning home, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and foreign nationals, regardless of their country of departure or travel history. Even if a traveler has not visited an Ebola-affected country, they must still complete the declaration. Every individual, including children and infants, needs a submitted form. Airlines have been instructed to verify compliance before issuing boarding passes, making it an essential pre-flight task.
How to Fill the Air Suvidha Form
The form must be completed online via the official Air Suvidha portal, which is a free government service. Passengers are advised to fill it out within 72 hours of their scheduled arrival in India, and preferably during their web check_in, to avoid any last_minute issues. Before you start, have these details ready: a valid passport, flight ticket information (including flight number), details of your address in India, and a 21_day travel history. You will also need a working mobile number and email address for OTP verification. The process involves entering personal and travel details, providing your contact information in India, and answering health_related questions, particularly concerning any symptoms or travel to affected regions. After submission, a confirmation acknowledgement will be generated, which you should save on your phone and also carry a printout of as a precaution.
Arrival and Potential Screening
Upon arrival in India, passengers may be asked to show their Air Suvidha acknowledgement at the airport health desk. While most travelers can proceed to immigration as usual, the digital system allows authorities to flag passengers who may require additional screening based on their declaration. An Airport Port Health Officer may conduct a further health assessment depending on the information provided. Arriving without a completed form will likely lead to delays, as you will be directed to the health desk to complete the process before you can proceed to immigration.
