Changes for International Travelers at Indian Airports
Starting September 1, international travelers leaving India will no longer need to carry a physical boarding pass or have it stamped by immigration officials. This update, reported by the local newspaper Hindustan Times, aims to streamline the departure process for passengers.
All international airports in India will implement this change, making it quicker and more convenient for travelers. Instead of showing a paper boarding pass, passengers can simply present an electronic boarding pass on their smartphones or other devices at immigration counters for clearance. While paper boarding passes will still be accepted, immigration officers will no longer stamp them.
This decision comes in response to concerns about the previous process, which required travelers to show a physical boarding pass and receive a stamp during immigration clearance. The Bureau of Immigration has directed airport operators and other aviation authorities to prepare staff for the new procedure.
Officials highlighted that the previous requirement was often inconvenient for passengers. There have also been issues with boarding passes being misread due to incorrect stamping, prompting the Bureau of Immigration to eliminate the requirement for physical boarding passes and their stamping altogether.
This change signifies a broader move towards digital travel practices in India. It should particularly benefit those who check in using airline apps or online services, as they will face less paperwork at the airport.
For international travelers and Indian residents going abroad, this new system means one less document to manage while traveling. However, for those who still prefer a paper boarding pass, there’s good news: they will continue to be available for use at immigration counters after September 1.
