If your journey to Bhutan involves transiting through India, please read this update carefully to avoid any travel disruptions.
Mandatory Digital E-arrival Card For India
The Government of India has officially phased out the paper arrival card.
All foreign nationals traveling to India are now required to complete a digital e-arrival card prior to travel, including travelers holding an Indian e-Visa.
This requirement applies to:
- All foreign passport holders
- All e-Visa holders
- All travelers entering India by air
The e-arrival card must be completed online before departure using the official Indian government portal:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Failure to complete this form in advance may result in delays or complications at Indian immigration.
India visa requirement for travelers coming to Bhutan via India:
This is especially important for travelers accessing Bhutan through India.
All foreign nationals traveling to Bhutan via India are required to hold a valid Indian visa or Indian e-Visa.
India does not offer visa-free transit for travelers heading to Bhutan. This applies even if:
- You are only transiting through India
- Your stay in India is short
- India is not your final destination
Airlines may deny boarding, and Indian immigration strictly enforces this requirement if a valid Indian visa is not held.
You can apply for an Indian visa or e-Visa only through the official government portal:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
We strongly advise avoiding third-party visa websites, as they often charge unnecessary service fees.
Good preparation helps avoid delays, missed connections, and unnecessary stress.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is always happy to help.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bhutan.
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