Biometrics-based immigration check But Indian airports soon! The Indian government is planning to implement a Faster biometrics-based process For international traveler To speed up immigration checks at airports. The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to develop India’s airports as global transit hubs.
Airports in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru will introduce automatic immigration clearance, allowing international entry and departure without physical passport verification. According to the ET report, the authentication process will be done through facial recognition or fingerprints.
Last week, Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia discussed the plans with the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and CEOs of private airports. He also inquired about the feasibility of using DigiYatra App. Currently, domestic air travelers can use the DigiYatra app for a paperless process, saving their time.

The DigiYatra project, which is managed by private non-profit organization DigiYatra Foundation, is working on developing a prototype for electronic passport-based enrolment. Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation, said that the testing is still going on. The Foundation aims to collaborate with immigration bureaus and visa issuing agencies to enable this service for international visitors.
Use of e-passport
Initially, first-time visitors to India will have to undergo enrollment and immigration clearance using iris, facial and fingerprint biometrics at manual counters. However, they will have the option to use the automatic evacuation route during departure. On subsequent visits, if they use the same passport, they can be cleared of iris and facial biometrics at manual counters.
Khadakbhavi said that this system will be initially launched for international travelers, when the government starts issuing e-passports, Indian citizens will also get the facility. This new process will significantly reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at various touch points, ensuring a more seamless and convenient journey.

External Affairs Ministry officials revealed that the government is planning to issue e-passports to Indian citizens from this year. These e-passports will be a combination of paper and electronic passports, with a radio frequency identification chip and antenna embedded in the back cover. The passport’s vital information will be printed on its data page and stored in the chip. Indian Security Press, Nashik has prepared samples of electronic passports which meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Once the technical ecosystem and infrastructure is complete, full-scale production and issuance of e-passports will begin.
The government is in the process of formulating a national policy to transform Indian airports into major international hubs. The policy aims to address issues such as long queues at immigration counters, security and immigration barriers, allocation of international flying rights and development of necessary infrastructure. The aim is to establish airports in India like the national capital as competitive transit hubs like Dubai and Singapore. The policy will require approval from the Cabinet.