Unable to Access Su-Swagatam App Before Travel

I had almost the same issue when I travelled to India recently from Canada. The Su-Swagatam app wasn't working properly on my phone, so I initially thought I had missed some mandatory visa step.

What helped in my case was waiting until I was within the 72-hour window before arrival and using the official website instead of continuing to fight with the app. The current Indian Visa Online information says the e-Arrival card can be submitted through the official website as well as the Su-Swagatam app.

So I wouldn't assume that an app login problem means your visa is affected. The e-Arrival card is arrival information; it is not a visa itself.

I would keep your passport, valid visa/ETA, and travel documents ready and try the official web option once you're inside the applicable window. I also saved a copy of my submission confirmation after completing it.

The website/app interface can change, so I'd still check the official instructions shortly before your flight rather than relying on an older forum post.

I would try the browser option rather than depending entirely on the mobile app.

The current government information says foreigners and OCI cardholders can submit the e-Arrival card within 72 hours before arriving in India through boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in, or the official Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app.

So if the app is giving you an error, check whether the web form is available and working when your arrival falls within those 72 hours.

Also, don't confuse this with the e-Visa application. An e-Visa has its own application and approval process, and travellers should check that the ETA is granted before travelling.

I would take screenshots or save the confirmation after submitting the e-Arrival information. If the government website itself is unavailable close to your departure, I'd contact the relevant official immigration/visa support channel rather than relying on advice from a random app or third-party site.

My experience was slightly different. I was travelling from the US, and the app worked, but I couldn't complete the form several days before my arrival because I was outside the 72-hour window.

That caused some confusion because I thought there was a technical problem. Once I was inside the permitted period, I was able to complete the arrival information.

One important distinction is that Su-Swagatam/e-Arrival isn't the same thing as applying for an Indian visa. The official Indian Visa Online site specifically describes the e-Arrival card as arrival information and says it is not a visa.

If your visa is already valid, I wouldn't submit another visa application just because the app isn't working. Check the official portal and the current instructions for your nationality and travel date.

Also, make sure the passport details you enter match your travel document exactly. I had to correct a small spelling issue before submitting mine.

I had a similar experience while traveling from Sydney. The app worked fine for entering basic information, but it crashed whenever I tried to continue to the next step.

Instead of spending hours troubleshooting, I completed the application on my laptop. Everything, including the QR code, was available afterward.

Technical issues can happen with any app, especially when many people are traveling. Requirements and system functionality may change over time, so I'd also check any official travel updates before your departure if the problem continues.

I traveled from New York recently and couldn't get the app to open for almost an entire day. I thought it was something wrong with my phone, but later I found other travelers mentioning similar issues online around the same time.

The next morning the app started working again without me changing anything. If your trip is only a few days away, I'd personally avoid waiting too long and see if the official website allows you to complete the same process.

Just make sure you're using the official platform and save your application reference once it's submitted.