(September 2026)

Traveling to India involves several immigration, customs, and health-related requirements, with specific rules applying to foreign national passengers and operating crew. Because these requirements can differ by traveler type and may change with little notice, all travelers should ensure that the necessary documentation and online declarations are completed before departure.

All foreign nationals entering India must hold a valid passport and the appropriate Indian visa or e-Visa.

Visa Requirements

• Operating crew: Foreign national crew members must travel with a valid Business or e-Business Visa. Tourist or e-Tourist Visas are not permitted for crew. When applying for an e-Business Visa, the purpose of travel should be stated appropriately, such as attending business meetings or conferences. Please use the following government website to apply for your e-Business Visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
• Passengers: Foreign national passengers must hold an appropriate e-Tourist Visa or e-Business Visa, where eligible. Applications should be completed through the official Government of India visa portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Mandatory e-Arrival Card

Effective October 1, 2025, foreign nationals, including Overseas Citizens of India cardholders, are required to complete an e-Arrival Card before entering India. The card can be submitted online within 72 hours of arrival and is separate from the visa requirement.

The e-Arrival Card collects information such as passport details, contact information, purpose of travel, and address in India. It can be completed through any of the following three methods:

1. Bureau of Immigration website: gov.in
2. Indian Visa Online portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
3. Through the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam mobile application

Travelers should retain their confirmation for reference during immigration processing.

Online Crew Declaration – ATITHI 2.0

Operating crew have an additional customs requirement. Crew members arriving in or departing from India must submit an Online Crew Declaration through the ATITHI 2.0 mobile application within 3 days of the operation.

The declaration must include all applicable personal items carried by the crew member, including items such as watches, iPads, laptops, and other electronic equipment, regardless of whether they are being carried for business or personal use. Accurate and complete declarations are essential to avoid delays or complications during Customs clearance. Indian Customs guidance also requires crew to make appropriate declarations regarding currency and valuables.

Please follow the steps below to install and use the ATITHI 2.0 application to complete the required crew declaration:

1. Download and open the ATITHI 2.0 application, available on both Android and iOS devices.
2. Select “Crew Declarations.”
3. If you do not already have an account, select “Register Now” and complete all required fields.
4. An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to complete the verification process.
5. Once registration is complete, log in using your passport number and password.
6. Select “Crew Declaration” and enter all required information.
7. Scan the provided QR code to access the submission link, then complete and submit all required information.

Air Suvidha 2.0 Health Declaration

India also introduced AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 on June 25, 2026, as a digital health self- declaration system for international travelers. The portal was launched to strengthen health screening at Indian points of entry in response to the 2026 Ebola outbreak.

All travelers (crew and passengers) should complete the required health declaration through the official AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 portal  up to 72 hours prior to arrival. Airport and government advisories recommend completing the declaration within 24 hours of arrival. The declaration requires personal and flight information as well as relevant travel within the past 21 days, exposure history, and health information.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited. India prohibits the production, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertising of electronic cigarettes and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems. Therefore, travelers should not carry vapes, e-cigarettes, or similar nicotine-delivery devices into India, even for personal use.

Satellite phones are also highly restricted. Travelers should not bring satellite phones, including Thuraya or Iridium devices, into India unless they have the required government authorization. Current Indian government guidance specifically advises travelers not to carry these devices, noting that they may be detained or confiscated and that penalties may apply.

Plan Ahead

India’s entry process now involves multiple digital requirements in addition to the traditional visa and passport requirements. Crew and passengers should verify their visa eligibility, complete the e-Arrival Card, fulfill any applicable health declaration requirements, and ensure that crew customs declarations are submitted accurately and on time. Travelers should also check their baggage and personal equipment for prohibited or restricted items before departure.

Failure to meet these requirements can result in delays, additional screening, confiscation of prohibited items, or complications with immigration and Customs clearance. Requirements can change, so travelers and operators should always verify the latest information through official Government of India sources before each operation.

Please let FPI know if there is any assistance that can be provided if you plan on visiting India.

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To learn more about FPI, FPC, or regarding the Compliance, Operations, Regulatory, and other Special Services Network (SSN) teams, please contact our Operations staff here at Flight Pro International.

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