USA to India Travel – Was the QR Code Checked Before Boarding?

My experience was slightly different.

I flew from San Francisco to Delhi, and the airline employee did ask whether I had completed the India arrival form. I showed the confirmation on my phone and they let me continue with check-in.

They didn't physically scan the QR code in front of me, though. They just looked at the confirmation.

So I think it may depend on the airline, airport, staff and the particular check-in process that day.

One thing I'd recommend is not relying entirely on the QR code being stored inside the app. Take a screenshot or save the confirmation somewhere accessible offline. Airport Wi-Fi and mobile connections aren't always reliable.

Also make sure the information on your e-Arrival Card matches the passport you're actually travelling with.

I travelled from Dallas to Hyderabad a few weeks ago.

Nobody asked me for the QR code at the US check-in counter. The check-in agent asked for my passport and checked my Indian visa. I had completed the e-Arrival Card beforehand, but I wasn't asked to show the confirmation.

I also didn't have to stand there trying to explain the app to the airline employee.

That said, I wouldn't skip the e-Arrival Card just because an airline employee may not check it before boarding. The government website says foreign nationals and OCI cardholders can submit the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arriving in India.

It's basically one of those situations where you should complete the required online process even if you don't know exactly when the QR code will be checked.

I saved mine as a screenshot and also had the email/confirmation available.

I flew from Newark to Mumbai recently and completed the e-Arrival Card before travelling.

At the US airport, the airline staff checked my passport and Indian visa during check-in. In my case, they did not specifically ask to see the e-Arrival Card QR code.

I still had the confirmation open on my phone because I didn't want to take any chances.

When I arrived in Mumbai, immigration was where I actually expected the arrival information to be relevant. I had the confirmation available, although the exact process can depend on how the immigration system handles the submission.

I wouldn't assume that because one airline didn't check the QR code, another airline won't ask about it. Airline staff can have their own document-checking procedures.

Also, don't confuse the QR code with your Indian visa. I had both available, and the visa was still my travel document for entry.

My advice would be to keep the QR code/confirmation on your phone and, if it's easy, carry a printout as a backup.

I traveled from New York (JFK) to Delhi recently.

The check-in agent specifically asked if I had completed the e-Arrival Card and requested the QR code confirmation. They did not scan it but wanted to see proof that the submission had been completed.

A few passengers nearby were searching through their emails at the counter because they hadn't saved the confirmation.

Since then, I always keep:

• A screenshot of the QR code
• The confirmation email
• A printed copy in my carry-on bag

It takes very little effort and provides peace of mind.

My experience was a little different. I flew from Dallas to Bengaluru through Frankfurt.

The airline representative never asked for the QR code at check-in, and I wasn't required to show it during boarding either. However, I had it ready because several people in online travel groups recommended carrying it.

I only kept the confirmation email and a screenshot on my phone. That was sufficient for my trip.

One thing I've learned is that procedures can vary significantly depending on the airline and departure airport.