India Travel Alerts & Entry Updates
India now requires all foreign nationals to submit a digital e-Arrival Card 72 hours before departure, replacing paper forms with a mandatory QR code system. Recent updates include the removal of physical boarding pass stamps at international airports and stricter permit requirements for Rajasthan’s border zones. Travelers must also obtain formal visas for terminal-switching transits, while Air India passengers from 16 cities can now access streamlined local immigration.
India ends boarding pass stamps at all international airports Sept. 1
The Bureau of Immigration will no longer require physical immigration stamps on boarding passes for international departures starting Sept. 1. Departing travelers and digital nomads can use digital e-boarding passes on smartphones to clear airport exit controls.
India mandates 72 hour e-Arrival Card filings for all foreign nationals
All foreign nationals, including digital nomads and business travelers, must now complete a digital arrival card at least 72 hours before flying to India. This requirement is mandatory in addition to holding a valid visa or OCI card for entry.
The small print in India's 24 hour Transit Visa rule
Travelers routing through Indian airports must now obtain a formal visa if their itinerary requires switching terminals, even for short layovers. This update affects digital nomads and expats planning multi-leg journeys where baggage re-checks or terminal transfers are necessary.
Foreigners face stricter entry as India expands Rajasthan Protected Area Permit zones
India has reclassified parts of Rajasthan's border districts, including Pokhran and Jaisalmer, as protected areas requiring special authorization for foreign nationals. While mainstream tourist spots like Sam and Kuldhara remain exempt, off-beat desert routes now require a Protected Area Permit.
Will Air India passengers skip Delhi transit security starting June 25?
International travelers departing from 16 smaller Indian cities can now complete customs and immigration locally before connecting through major hubs. This 'Easy Connect' service includes through-check baggage and domestic-to-international transfers without re-clearing security.
India Transitions to Mandatory e-Arrival Cards
All foreign travelers and OCI cardholders must submit a digital e-Arrival Card prior to entry, as paper forms will be phased out by March 31, 2026. Travelers will need to present a QR code confirmation to airlines during check-in and at immigration checkpoints.
India Updates Travel Guidance for Iran and Israel
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued a safety advisory for citizens and travelers regarding transit through or residence in Iran and Israel. Expats and travelers currently in these regions are urged to register with their respective embassies and maintain high vigilance regarding local security updates.