Homepage Fill Out Your India Immigration Form
Article Structure

When entering India, it's crucial to complete the India Immigration form accurately to ensure a smooth journey. This form covers essential details about your identity, including your name, sex, nationality, date of birth, and passport information, guiding immigration officials through your entry. You will need to indicate your country of residence and specify your visa type, if applicable. This helps determine your eligibility and purpose for visiting. The form also inquires about any customs declarations, such as dutiable goods or prohibited items, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Furthermore, you must provide your arrival and departure information, including flight number and expected date of departure. If you hold a PIO or OCI status, be sure to note that on the form. Be prepared to include the addresses where you'll be staying in India, and take note of any additional requirements specific to your visa type as well as your customs obligations upon arrival. Ensuring that the form is filled out completely and clearly can facilitate a hassle-free entry experience.

India Immigration Example

I

A

 

ARRIVAL CARD FOR PASSENGERS

t2sgo993

Pleasewritein CAPITALSonly.OneCharaclerin oneboxasshownbelow.

 

 

 

 

llo nottrite acrGsthelines.Leaveoneboxblanktor sDace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

l A l B l c l p l E 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 l s I

1. Name(as in passport) Leaveone box blankafterercry partof the namefinitial

2. Sex (tick/appropriate box)

3. Nationality

f-],","f-'l,".","

4. Dateof Birth (DD/MM/Y0

5. Gountry of Residence

6. NRUPIO/OCIStatus (ticky'appropdateboxl

7. PIO/OCICard No., if any

I**,

Dr,o Io",

l-l*on"

 

8. PassportNumber

 

9. Dateof lssue (DDnrlilfYY)

10. Flight Number

11. Port of Boardlng

12.Dateof Arrlval(DD/MM/Yn 13. Countrles vlsfted In last 6 days

14.Addreag In lndla

'15.Telephone No.

To be filled in by Indians only

16,Do$yourPurportcaryanEcR!mp? (ttcky'rppropd{bor}.17. whdrcromplrydonna (eky'.pfofi{r bor}

Er""

I*o

Ir""

Ino

 

18.lf answerls yo! to 17,r6asonfor rctum (tlcky'approprlatebox)

 

r_l

 

[]

*n"r"

 

 

I

lCompletion of Employment

 

 

 

To be filled in by foreigners (lncluding PIO/OCI)and NRls

19. VlsaNumber

 

 

20. Dateof Explry(DDrftil/YY)

21. Type of Visa

22. Expec'ted daie of Departure (DD/frlM/YY)

23.Purposeof vlslt (tlck/approprlatebox)

 

 

 

 

 

ft

fr

T-1

 

I

N

"H"-

 

n

[t

r]

 

 

I |

| I

t l

 

 

 

BElre

Tnmlt

O{fcld

Employmant

Educrton.

 

L--_t

t-t

Ll

 

u r

T

 

Vlllt FdrndJRehlhtrr lt.dlcal lH.allh Rellglon/Pllgdmgc L.lruF/tlolldry Sport

 

*Not to be filled by NRls

 

 

lmmigratlon Stamp

Siqnatureof Passenqer

T

CUSTOMS

ONARRIVALHANDOVERTHISPARTOFTHE CARDTO THECUSTOMS

OFFICERIN INDIAWHILELEAVINGTHEAIRPORT/ CHECKPOST

1 . N a m e i n f u l l

 

2 . F l i g h t N o .

 

3

. No . of checked in baggage(s)

4 . No . of hand baggage(s) -

5

. Total value of dutiable goods being imported

 

6

. (a) Are you carrying any plants/soeds/fruits/flow € rs/vegetables/bulbs/otherplanting materials ?

Yes/No

(b)Are you carryingany meat& meat products/dairyproducts/liveor ornam€ntalfish/poultry/poultryproducts? Yes/No

Signafure of the. passenger

GOVERNMENTOF INDIA

ARRIVAL CARD

(Rule 5 & 15 of Registration of Foreigners Rules)

hecredrblelndra

Uohpbffi

h.rl-:i*.

1.Government ol lndia - http!/india.gov.in 2. Ministry of Home Affairs-www.mha.nic.in

3.Bureau of fmmigration - www.immigrationindia.nic.in4. Airport Authority of India- www.airpoftsindia.org.in5, Central Board of Excise & Customs - www.cbec.gov.in

6.Ministry of Tourism - www.incredibleindia.org,www.touism.gov.in 7. Ministry of Agriculture - www.plantquarantineinindia.org8.Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs - www.moia.gov.ing.Bureau of Civil Aviation Security - www.bcasindia.nlc.lnlO.Ministry of Civil Aviation - www.moca.gov.rn11.DirectorateGeneralof Civil Aviation - hftpf/dgca.gov.in

 

 

 

TMPORTANTTNSTRUCTTONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.tt k c6lgdEry

bfuetiir$

 

F@crqFF,b&ck*etl.r*its'dphdsi

 

 

 

F*c!:tx*ri*

ir tbc- brgnga cn' aikl

ifr t&

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.REGISTRATIONFORMALITIES FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS

 

 

 

 

?..tf ypu ae enrecbp h]lda qr

a Shdeat

gq@nmrnq

ksedqj?,

iilffi

 

cF Me5idrar

VISA,. uflii*

is ydd firr

nFrs thai t8O @,3,

Fr,l

ad rqtird

b

r8gi8br

vlitr

tle

FRFICdFFE!urld*\dlceirlisdii$dnletpro6bq.

 

 

 

TTri3studdbe

&ns

wifiin. 14

dEyscf aritHf inkrdia, irrory€tiveof yorra(tdFeriod:of sEF

 

 

 

 

 

 

f Fcreigners visitrns ffi

fi-

ary drr

oditgsry

ot \triA

ftd.

i6 vdd

 

lbr more thm

1&)

dsys, are rrf

teqrirGd b. rE{isiEr thmdre

F $*

d

 

rlilf

&.r

aof r*acd

tt!

-tit

G €dl

iitril. |f s*dr

a tna(pr

*b6

 

b s|!f

iB H*

fol lFsG

frs

tet

lEls

drirE

a pdtc1iarvieiL Hsfte sfioqti

gst flEi$r€d

*ithin 1ffi

@f$

crfdrivd

in.lhda

F|o Cad ho{tb sttsGdd*o

qftbrftr

ffi

sq

m#.rg

 

fe}

&JF

 

 

 

 

3' T-neltdL*virg

cq{FgaiE

cf Erdgn n*aab

a

e*ry#.Fom

q}rUz$cr

:

 

 

(ai Tho€e vi$ting lnde cnneny short Emi VISA i.e. vdid ficr 1ffl days ar hss.

 

 

(b)Chikt€fl betuw fGyea*dage. (ir€see{licedrytFG.f VE{

(c)Fkfdirg Overw. Cnilcn of Flda (€$,VlS .

{ Pakiskr rdionefs are mqriadF regisfrrrrftfrin 2i hours of f}ehdrivC Lr lhdia

Afrl|eni#r

rrf*reh

m |4qdlcdbrt$skwitrrin

7 @s dhairanird!*!

Irda

5.Fs u@atEd iflftrF"athn plsae contact mrnigrafim CXllccr/FRR€VFRO"

C.INFORMATIONREGARD]NG CUSTOMS

1.lndian Customs requinr you to dedare goods in exce3s of the free albwance, prohibited or resiricited goods & commerciai goods d Red Channel counter. Export or lmport sf NarrDtic drugs, Wiidlifu and its products and cwmercial goods ard arrns & explosives are prohibite<lrestricH. Attempt to export or import these goods ,:an l€d to penal cotlsequen€, incMing aneS.

Z Frea ailowance for tourists od Indlan origin k normally Rs. 25,00€i/- per passenger, irTckJdtngtwo liters of whisky/wine and 200 nos. cigarettes. Hcriyever, this free

allowance is burer for pffin[Fs aniving fiom Na@, Bhutan, Mvanma and Chhra

ard fur childien ft:ss than 10 yeas of age. &tr tffi computer impored 6 @g€ge is allowed duty fi'ee for an adult pas€figer. Tourists of imeQn cigin can also import duty free gifts and souvenirs worth Rs. 80001.

3, All tourists can import used persnd efiac.Ee.g. Latop, P#ep Ccmputeli ressrable jerudlery free of duty, if theryare b re-e&ort thes€ items at .Jle time oJdeparh.rre-

.{. Passeng€ts slu,ld dadare fuefun onrcncy in the etrrency dslardbn fofm, if dlflency nats, bank nob ot TCs are in exess of US$ 10,fi8 or equivaler-u In cffe oFcurrency notes'onl_v,these are tc be dedared if Eie sam€ are h ex-cdSiof LjS$ 5,00Otjr equivalelt.

5. In care ]rotF bqqage

is mi:firdled

(d)

oc erdvd,

ple€e efisure trat

you have

ohtairred the Cusbms

enqirorsernent&ut

the tnava]ed

free allffi|ee.

ln cffi of any

dtffiCufV w

comem,

phese

ccfiffi

fie

etrrp

Ollfter on eCy d

t|G

re4ie

kdnrArc*:.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A For up#d

ii*rr&e

pk

efffiE!

Gffi

OScE.

 

 

 

ABBREVIATIONS

PIO - Personsof IndianOrigin ; OCI - OverseasCitizensot India; NRI - Non-Residentlndians FRRO - FcreignersRegionalRegistrataonOfficer;FRO - ForeignersRegistrationOfficer

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Details
Form Title Arrival Card for Passengers
Governing Law Registration of Foreigners Rules, Rule 5 & 15
Required Information Full name, nationality, passport number, address in India, and purpose of visit.
Sex Selection Participants must tick the appropriate box (male or female).
Visa Information Visa number, type, and expiry date must be included for foreign nationals.
Customs Declaration Carry a separate section for declaring dutiable goods and facilitating customs checks.
Plant Products Passengers must declare if carrying any plants or plant materials, which is subject to regulations.
Duration of Stay Foreigners must register with FRRO if staying for more than 180 days.
Emergency Contact Necessary for foreigners who may face difficulties upon arrival.
Customs Free Allowance Tourists can bring goods worth up to Rs. 25,000 duty-free, with some exceptions.

Guidelines on Utilizing India Immigration

Filling out the India Immigration form is a straightforward process, but it is important to ensure that all information is correctly provided. The form must be filled out in capital letters, using one character per box. Incorrect or incomplete forms can lead to delays or issues during immigration. Below are the steps to help you fill out the form properly.

  1. Provide Your Name: Write your full name as it appears in your passport. Leave a box blank after each part of your name.
  2. Indicate Your Sex: Check the appropriate box for your gender.
  3. Fill in Your Nationality: Write your nationality in the designated area.
  4. Enter Your Date of Birth: Use the format DD/MM/YYYY.
  5. List Your Country of Residence: Provide the country where you currently reside.
  6. NRIs or OCI Status: Check the appropriate box if applicable.
  7. PIO/OCI Card Number: Fill this in if you have one; otherwise, leave it blank.
  8. Passport Number: Write your passport number clearly.
  9. Date of Issue: Use the format DD/MM/YYYY for when your passport was issued.
  10. Flight Number: Provide your flight number for your arrival in India.
  11. Port of Boarding: Indicate the airport or port where you boarded your flight.
  12. Date of Arrival: Again, use the format DD/MM/YYYY.
  13. Countries Visited: List any countries you have visited in the last 6 days.
  14. Address in India: Provide the address where you will be staying in India.
  15. Telephone Number: This is for Indian residents only; fill it in if applicable.
  16. Carrying ECR Document: Check the appropriate box regarding whether you have an ECR stamp.
  17. Complete Employment Status: This section needs to be filled out by foreigners and NRIs; check the correct box as needed.
  18. Visa Number: Enter your visa number if applicable.
  19. Date of Expiry: Use the format DD/MM/YYYY for your visa’s expiration date.
  20. Type of Visa: Fill in the type of visa you hold.
  21. Expected Date of Departure: Again, use the format DD/MM/YYYY.
  22. Purpose of Visit: Check the appropriate box that describes the reason for your visit.
  23. Signature: Don’t forget to sign the form before submitting.

Once you complete the form, keep a copy for your records. You will present the relevant sections to the customs officer upon arrival in India. Ensure that you follow all instructions precisely to avoid any complications during your immigration process.

What You Should Know About This Form

1. What is the India Immigration Form?

The India Immigration Form, often referred to as the Arrival Card, is a document that passengers must fill out upon their entry into India. This form collects essential information about travelers, including their name, nationality, date of birth, passport details, and travel itinerary. It assists immigration officials in processing entries and maintaining proper records.

2. How should I fill out the form?

When completing the form, use capital letters only and write one character per box. Avoid writing across the lines and leave one box blank after each part of your name. Follow the form's instructions carefully, and ensure all required sections are filled out accurately to avoid delays in processing.

3. What information is required on the form?

The form requires several types of information, including: your full name (as it appears in your passport), sex, nationality, date of birth, country of residence, passport number, flight number, and itinerary details. Additionally, you will need to provide the purpose of your visit and any relevant visa information if applicable.

4. What should I do if I have a visa?

If you possess a visa, make sure to include your visa number and the date of expiry on the form. Also, provide the type of visa you hold and your expected date of departure. It’s critical to have this information ready to comply with immigration regulations.

5. Are there any restrictions for carrying goods into India?

Yes, there are restrictions based on the type of goods. Any dutiable goods exceeding a certain value must be declared at customs. Additionally, there are strict regulations regarding the importation of certain items, such as narcotics, weapons, and goods that may not be permitted. Familiarize yourself with these restrictions to avoid legal issues upon arrival.

6. Is there a limit on the amount of currency I can bring into India?

Travelers must declare any currency exceeding $10,000 (or its equivalent) upon arrival. If you are carrying cash alone that exceeds $5,000, that too must be declared. Be prepared with the necessary documentation to ensure compliance with customs regulations.

7. Can I import personal belongings duty-free?

Yes, personal belongings such as laptops or mobile phones can typically be imported duty-free, provided they are for personal use. However, these items should be declared and re-exported when you leave India to maintain their duty-free status. Always retain your original purchase receipts for reference.

8. What if I fill out the form incorrectly?

If you make a mistake while filling out the form, notify an immigration officer immediately upon arrival. Corrections may be made at that time, but failing to disclose accurate information may lead to complications or delays in processing. Always double-check your answers before submitting the form.

9. Where can I find further information about Indian immigration regulations?

For additional details regarding immigration processes, you can visit official government websites like the Bureau of Immigration or the Ministry of Home Affairs. These resources provide comprehensive guidelines about arriving in India and other necessary regulations for travelers.

Common mistakes

Filling out the India Immigration form can be tricky. Here are five common mistakes people make when completing this form:

1. Writing in lowercase letters. The guidelines clearly state that all information must be written in CAPITALS only. Using lowercase letters can lead to misinterpretations or delays in processing.

2. Incorrectly spacing out names. When entering names, it is essential to leave one box blank after every part of the name, including initials. Failing to do this can result in confusion for immigration officials.

3. Not ticking the right boxes. Many sections require a simple tick to indicate specific answers, such as sex, nationality, and whether certain restrictions apply. Overlooking these ticks could lead to incomplete forms, which may cause delays.

4. Failing to include travel details. Sections asking for the flight number, port of boarding, and dates of travel must be filled out accurately. Missing or incorrect information can lead to complications upon entry.

5. Ignoring the customs declaration. There are specific questions regarding the import of certain goods. Not declaring items, especially dutiable or prohibited ones, can lead to serious legal issues. Passengers should take extra care in this section.

Documents used along the form

When preparing to travel to India, several important documents accompany the India Immigration form, ensuring a smooth entry process into the country. Below are some of these documents, each serving a distinct purpose.

  • Passport: A valid passport is required for entry into India. It should include personal details, as well as relevant visa pages, and must remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
  • Visa: A visa is mandatory for most travelers entering India. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit, such as tourism, business, or education. Ensure the visa details align with your visit intentions.
  • Return Flight Itinerary: Travelers are often required to present a copy of their return flight itinerary to confirm exit from India. This document reassures authorities of your planned departure.
  • Accommodation Details: Evidence of accommodation, such as hotel bookings, may be requested at immigration. This helps outline your stay's legitimacy and duration.
  • Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, having travel insurance is recommended. It covers unexpected medical emergencies or trip disruptions and provides an added layer of security.
  • Customs Declaration Form: This form may be necessary for declaring any goods you are bringing into India. It helps in processing through customs efficiently and ensures compliance with local laws.

All these documents work together with the India Immigration form to facilitate your travel. Preparing them in advance reduces stress and aids in compliance with Indian regulations.

Similar forms

  • Arrival Card: Similar to other countries' arrival cards, the India Immigration form collects basic personal information, travel details, and customs information, ensuring compliance with immigration laws upon entry.
  • Customs Declaration Form: This document requires passengers to declare any dutiable goods and applicable exemptions, much like the areas covered in the customs sections of the India Immigration form.
  • Visa Application Form: Similar to the India Immigration form, a visa application gathers personal data, purpose of travel, and duration of stay, necessary for entry into foreign countries.
  • Health Declaration Form: Many countries require travelers to disclose health information, aligning with sections of the India Immigration form that ask about health implications upon entry.
  • Airport Security Screening Form: This form serves to collect data related to security checks and passenger identity, paralleling information checks found in the India Immigration form.
  • Travel Insurance Information Document: This document requires travelers to affirm their coverage and is often linked to visa and entry requirements, similar to verifying details on the India Immigration form.
  • Registration Forms for Foreign Nationals: Many countries have specific registration forms for visitors requiring data about foreigners, much like the detailed requests in the India Immigration form regarding NRIs and foreign nationals.

Dos and Don'ts

  • Do fill out the form in capital letters. It's important to use clear and legible writing to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • Do leave one box blank after each part of your name. This helps maintain proper spacing and readability on the form.
  • Do check your passport details thoroughly. Ensure that your name, passport number, and other vital information match your passport exactly.
  • Don’t write across the lines. Stick to writing inside the designated boxes to meet the formatting requirements.
  • Don’t forget to declare any dutiable items. This includes items that exceed the set limits or are prohibited.
  • Don’t leave fields empty unless specifically instructed. Every applicable section should be completed to avoid delays in processing.
  • Do double-check for any mistakes before submission. A quick review can prevent issues during your immigration process.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions surrounding the India Immigration form can lead to confusion for travelers. Here are four common misconceptions along with clarifications:

  • Misconception 1: The form must be filled out completely or it will be rejected.
  • While completing the form accurately is essential, not every section may apply to every traveler. For instance, individuals who do not possess a PIO or OCI card can simply skip those sections without any issue.

  • Misconception 2: Only Indian citizens need to provide an address in India.
  • This is not true. All passengers are required to provide an address in India, regardless of their nationality. It is crucial to have this information ready for submission.

  • Misconception 3: The immigration form is only necessary for foreign travelers.
  • In fact, both foreign travelers and Indians returning to the country must fill out the form. Each group must follow the guidelines specific to their status.

  • Misconception 4: You do not need to keep a copy of the immigration form once it is submitted.
  • It is advisable to retain a copy of the completed form as a record. This can help clarify any potential issues that may arise later during travel or for verification purposes.

Key takeaways

When filling out the India Immigration form, keep the following key points in mind:

  • Print all information in CAPITAL LETTERS. Each character should fit in the designated boxes.
  • Leave a box blank between each part of your name (like first name, middle name, and last name).
  • Make sure to complete each section accurately, especially your passport number and flight details.
  • Tick the appropriate boxes for your sex, nationality, and NRIs/OCI status.
  • Keep in mind that travelers must provide detailed information about their previous countries visited within the last six days.
  • Be honest when asked about carrying any restricted items or large sums of money.
  • Once completed, hand over the customs part of the card to the officer when leaving the airport.
  • Understand the customs regulations and free allowances to avoid any issues upon entry.

Following these tips will help you navigate the immigration process smoothly. Make sure to double-check all your entries before submission!