India, with its vibrant tourism, booming business environment, and growing aviation network, welcomes millions of international travellers every year. Whether you’re a tourist, business executive, medical traveller, or flying in via a private charter, understanding the immigration and customs procedures at Indian airports is vital for a seamless journey.
At Safe Fly Aviation, we believe in empowering our clients with the most updated and accurate travel intelligence. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of immigration and customs protocols in India, tailored for every type of traveller.
🛂 General Immigration Requirements at Indian Airports
Two key regulatory bodies govern Indian airports:
- Bureau of Immigration (BoI) – Handles the entry and exit of foreign and Indian nationals.
- Indian Customs Department – Monitors the import/export of goods and currency at ports of entry.
These agencies operate together at all major international terminals, including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Chennai (MAA), and more.
✅ Essential Documents for Immigration Clearance
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Valid Indian Visa or E-Visa: Must match the purpose of travel (tourism, business, medical, etc.)
- Return/Onward Flight Ticket: Proof of planned departure from India.
- Arrival/Departure Card: Required for manual processing at many airports.
- COVID-19 Documents (if applicable): Depending on prevailing international protocols, this may include vaccination proof, negative test reports, or health declarations.
✈️ Major Airports with BoI Checkpoints
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai)
- Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru)
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad)
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata)
✈ Requirements for Outgoing International Passengers from India
✅ Documents Required
- Passport (with adequate validity and unused visa pages)
- Valid Visa for the destination country
- Airline Ticket with confirmed PNR
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Hotel Booking and Itinerary Copies
🔍 Step-by-Step Exit Process
- Initial Airport Entry Check: CISF guards verify passport and ticket.
- Airline Check-in: Baggage drop and boarding pass issuance.
- Immigration Clearance: BoI officers verify documents, departure reasons, and biometric records.
- Final Security Screening (CISF): Comprehensive luggage and body scan.
🧠 Key Points for Departing Passengers
- Arrive 3–4 hours before flight time for international departures.
- Declare foreign currency over permissible limits.
- Carry medical certificates if travelling with prescription drugs.
- Avoid carrying banned items such as sharp objects, e-cigarettes (restricted in some countries), or unexplained cash.
🛬 Immigration Protocol for Incoming International Passengers to India
India welcomes foreign travellers under numerous visa categories and follows a multi-step arrival process.
✅ Documents Required Upon Arrival
- Valid Passport (minimum 6-month validity)
- Indian Visa / E-Visa / OCI Card
- Customs Declaration Form (CDF)
- Air Suvidha / Health Declaration (as per current protocols)
🔍 Arrival Procedure
- Immigration Desk – Document verification, visa check, and biometric data capture.
- Baggage Claim – Luggage retrieval from respective carousels.
- Customs Area – Entry into the Green or Red Channel depends on declaration status.
📌 Categories of Indian Visas for Foreign Travelers
India offers more than 30 types of visas, classified by the purpose of travel.
🎯 Common Visa Categories
- Tourist Visa (T-Visa): For sightseeing and leisure travel.
- Business Visa (B-Visa): For commercial activities, trade fairs, etc.
- Employment Visa: For foreign nationals employed with Indian companies.
- Medical Visa (M-Visa): For those seeking treatment at recognized hospitals.
- Student Visa: For academic courses at Indian institutions.
- Conference Visa: For international summits, seminars, or workshops.
- Journalist Visa
- Research Visa
- Intern Visa
- Film Visa
🔗 OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card
OCI holders enjoy visa-free access to India with multiple-entry, lifelong validity. However, they must still pass immigration procedures and may be asked for supporting documents depending on the purpose of the visit.
🌍 E-Visa and Visa-on-Arrival in India
India’s e-Visa program simplifies travel for citizens of over 160 countries.
📲 E-Visa Categories
- e-Tourist Visa
- e-Business Visa
- e-Conference Visa
- e-Medical Visa
💡 Important Notes on E-Visas
- Must be applied online at Indian Visa Portal at least 4 days before arrival.
- Validity ranges from 30 days to 1 year, depending on visa type.
- Not extendable or convertible once issued.
🌐 Visa-on-Arrival Eligibility
Offered to passport holders from:
- Japan
- South Korea
- United Arab Emirates (for select travellers)
💱 Currency Guidelines for Travelers
✅ Inbound Travelers
- Foreign Currency in Cash: Up to US$5,000 allowed without declaration.
- Combined Currency (Cash + Instruments): Up to US$10,000 without declaration.
- Use Currency Declaration Form (CDF) for higher amounts.
✅ Outbound Travelers
- Indian Residents can carry up to ₹25,000 in Indian currency.
- Foreign Exchange: Up to US$2,50,000 per financial year under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
- Carry receipts from authorized dealers or money exchangers.
🧳 Customs Regulations at Indian Airports
The Indian Customs Department enforces limits on duty-free and dutiable goods.
✅ Duty-Free Allowance
- ₹50,000 worth of goods (for returning Indian residents)
- 2 liters of alcoholic drinks
- Personal electronics like laptops, cameras (1 each)
- Clothes, books, and used personal items
⚠️ Dutiable Goods Include
- Additional electronics or appliances
- Expensive branded goods
- Gold/Silver/Bullion
- Cigarettes beyond 100 sticks or 25 cigars
🔴🟢 Green vs. Red Channel at Customs
- Green Channel: Use if carrying only permitted items.
- Red Channel: Mandatory for passengers with dutiable/restricted items.
🚫 Prohibited and Restricted Items
❌ Banned from Import/Export
- Narcotics, drugs, and psychotropic substances
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives (without permits)
- Counterfeit goods or currency
- Pornographic material
- Products from endangered species
⚠️ Restricted – Requires Permission/Declaration
- Satellite phones
- High-end drones/UAVs
- Excess gold or silver
- Currency above US$10,000
Failure to declare restricted items can lead to confiscation, penalties, or even criminal prosecution.
🛩️ Special Immigration Guidelines for Private Jet Passengers
Private aviation is on the rise in India, especially among HNIs and international business travellers. However, private jet travel demands compliance with additional procedures.
✅ Mandatory Procedures for Private Jet Operations
- Advance Landing Permit (ALP) from DGCA and Airport Authorities
- Passenger Manifest and General Declaration (GD)
- Immigration and Customs Clearance at pre-approved airports only
- Ground handling by registered agents or FBOs
At Safe Fly Aviation, we handle everything from documentation to landing permits, customs, and immigration for private jet clients—ensuring speed, efficiency, and confidentiality.
💼 Safe Fly Aviation – Your Immigration & Travel Partner
We provide luxury and hassle-free aviation solutions, including:
- ✅ Private Jet & Helicopter Charters
- ✅ Visa & Immigration Documentation Support
- ✅ Fast-Track Clearance Services
- ✅ Customs & Baggage Handling
- ✅ Dedicated Concierge Teams at Major Airports
From airborne operations to on-ground documentation, we ensure every detail of your international travel is perfectly orchestrated.
Contact Us:
📧 info@safefly.aero
📞 +91-7840000473 Call us for all your private jet charter requirements
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I carry gold jewellery to India duty-free?
Yes. Indian-origin males can carry gold jewellery up to ₹50,000 and females up to ₹100,000, but beyond this, duty applies.
Q2: What’s the procedure for drones or UAVs?
Declare them at customs and secure approval from DGCA. Import may be restricted for commercial use.
Q3: Is immigration clearance needed for private jet passengers?
Absolutely. Even private flyers must undergo immigration checks at designated airports.
Q4: How early should I arrive for an international flight?
At least 3–4 hours before departure. Delays at immigration or security are common during peak hours.
📌 Final Thoughts
Understanding Indian immigration and customs rules is crucial for both leisure and business travellers. Whether you’re flying first class or on a private jet, being prepared means less stress and fewer surprises.
With Safe Fly Aviation, you’re not just flying—you’re travelling smarter. Let us handle the bureaucracy while you enjoy the experience.