OCI Card and e-Arrival Card – Do We Need Both?

I traveled from Sydney to Bengaluru recently with my OCI card. At the airport, airline staff specifically requested my Australian passport and OCI card because those documents established my eligibility to enter India.

I was never asked whether I had completed an e-Arrival Card, nor was I asked to provide any submission confirmation.

That said, I keep digital copies of all travel documents and review official travel updates a few days before departure. Requirements can change depending on government policies, airport procedures, or airline instructions.

My experience was similar, although I flew from Toronto to Mumbai. Before traveling, I spent a lot of time researching OCI travel requirements because there was conflicting information online.

I completed every online form I could find just to be safe, but nobody asked for proof when I arrived. The airline verified my passport and OCI card at check-in, and immigration only reviewed those documents.

One lesson I've learned is that outdated travel information often continues circulating online. It's a good idea to verify anything you read against current government and airline guidance.

I traveled from Manchester to Delhi in April as an OCI card holder. During airline check-in, the staff checked my British passport and OCI card to verify that I didn't need a visa.

I wasn't asked for any separate e-Arrival Card confirmation. Immigration in Delhi was straightforward, and the officer only reviewed my passport and OCI card before processing my entry.

Based on my experience, the OCI card was the key document for travel authorization. However, I always double-check current travel advisories before departure because procedures can change.