This travel rule is for entry into India

If you’re hopping on a flight to India any time soon, you should be aware of this travel rule that has just come into place this month.

From Wednesday October 1, any non-Indian nationals flying to India will now have to get a new e-Arrival Card before flying, this includes holidaymakers and those travelling for business from the UAE. There’s no more paper forms as this new e-Arrival Card replaces the traditional paper ways that were required before. This is a new and more secure online platform.

For Indian Nationals, citizens or Oversees Citizens of India cardholders, this does not apply and they will not need the e-Arrival card.

The Indian e-Arrival Card can be filled in online via the India Bureau of Immigration Website from 72 hours, but it must be completed no later than 24 hours before the flight. Travellers can also use the Su-Swagatam app or the Indian visa website. Applying in advance means that you’ll avoid the long immigration process upon arriving into India. You’ll need to provide personal details, contact details and address when staying in India. If you forget, you can still apply at the airport on arrival however it will take longer to get through the visa process.

It was also recently revealed that there is a new passport application rule for Indian expats in the UAE that came into effect in September. The rule requires updated standards for photographs, which means most applicants will need to take new photographs when submitting passport applications. The consulate’s move follows a directive from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Press Wing of the Indian Consulate confirmed in Dubai that passport applications will only be accepted with photographs meeting ICAO standards. The wing clarified that this requirement is part of ICAO’s international travel regulations.