Travelers arriving in India from any international destination, particularly those originating from the UAE, must now complete the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form online within 24 hours before their scheduled arrival. This new mandate is part of India's enhanced health screening efforts following a global Ebola outbreak.
Why the Air Suvidha Form is Now Mandatory
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an Ebola/Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, 2026. In response, India has significantly strengthened health screening at all international entry points to mitigate potential health risks.
The Bureau of Immigration has issued an advisory making this health declaration compulsory for all international passengers. This includes Indian passport holders, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and foreign passport holders. The upgraded Air Suvidha 2.0 portal facilitates information sharing among airport health officials, immigration authorities, and disease surveillance teams, enabling them to identify and assess passengers who may require further checks.
How to Complete the Air Suvidha Form
Passengers flying to India are advised to complete the Air Suvidha form online, ideally during web check-in, before boarding their flight. The form is free and accessible via the official Air Suvidha portal. To ensure a smooth process, travelers should have the following details readily available:
- A valid passport and Indian visa (if applicable)
- Flight ticket or boarding pass details
- The address of their intended stay in India
- Comprehensive travel history for the preceding 21 days, including all foreign transit stops (use the 'Add Transit Row' option for multiple stops)
- A medical reference letter, if applicable
- A working mobile number and email address for One-Time Password (OTP) verification
After entering personal and travel details, passengers must complete OTP verification and answer health-related questions concerning potential Ebola exposure or symptoms such as fever or bleeding. Once submitted, it is crucial to download the acknowledgment and keep it accessible throughout the journey, either digitally or as a printout.
Arrival Procedures and Consequences of Non-Compliance
Upon arrival in India, passengers may be required to present their Air Suvidha acknowledgment at the International Travel Health Desk. An Airport Port Health Officer may conduct additional screening based on the information provided in the form.
Travelers who arrive without completing the mandatory form should immediately follow instructions from airport staff and proceed to the health desk. Failing to complete the form beforehand could lead to significant delays in clearance procedures at the airport.