Do OCI Card Holders Need to Complete the Digital e-Arrival Card?

I arrived in Bengaluru a couple of weeks ago from London.

Nobody specifically asked me to show the e-Arrival confirmation, but I had completed it anyway because several airlines had reminded passengers before departure.

It's a quick process, and I'd rather spend a few minutes filling it out than risk any confusion at check-in or immigration. Even if airport staff don't ask every traveler, requirements can be enforced differently depending on the airport and airline.

My experience was similar when flying from Toronto to Mumbai.

I also have an OCI card and initially thought the arrival card wasn't required because OCI isn't a visa. Before traveling, I checked the Bureau of Immigration guidance and found that OCI holders are included.

I completed the form within the recommended window before arrival and had no issues during immigration.

Since procedures can change, I'd suggest checking the latest official instructions before every trip rather than relying only on forum posts.

I traveled from New York to Delhi earlier this month using my OCI card and completed the e-Arrival Card about two days before departure.

The airline staff asked whether I'd completed the arrival form, although they didn't spend much time checking it. Immigration in Delhi was straightforward, and having everything done beforehand probably saved a little time.

From what I've read on the official government websites, the e-Arrival Card applies to foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, so I didn't want to take any chances. It only took a few minutes to complete online.

I travel frequently between Dubai and India, and I’ve seen how this rule is evolving.

Initially, OCI holders were confused because early announcements were not clear. But now, airlines and immigration systems seem aligned that all foreign passport holders (including OCI) should complete the e-Arrival Card.

The system under the Bureau of Immigration India is part of India’s digital entry modernization, so they are slowly removing paper-based processes.

One thing I noticed: even when airlines don’t strictly check it, immigration at arrival expects it to be completed, so skipping it can slow you down at the airport.

From a practical point of view, it’s just safer to assume it is required for OCI holders as well.

Better to fill it 1–3 days before travel and keep a screenshot of the QR code.

I had a slightly different experience flying from London to Bangalore.

I’m also an OCI holder and initially didn’t complete the e-Arrival Card because I thought it was optional. At Heathrow, the airline staff reminded me and gave me around 30 minutes to complete it before boarding.

What I noticed is that enforcement depends a lot on the airline and departure airport, but overall the trend is clearly moving toward mandatory compliance.

A friend of mine who traveled a week later from Toronto said they were not allowed to check in until they completed it.

So even though some older blogs mention exemptions, practically speaking OCI card holders are now included in the requirement.

One suggestion: don’t leave it for the airport. The portal sometimes has OTP delays, and that can create unnecessary stress before boarding.