India Airport Survival Guide 2025: Navigating Customs & Immigration at Delhi (DEL) & Mumbai (BOM)
Table of Contents
The moment your aircraft breaks through the clouds and India unfolds beneath you, the excitement begins to rise — often mixed with the quiet fear of the unknown. It’s at this very point that most travellers wish they had a clear, trustworthy India airport survival guide in their hands, because landing in a new country is never just about touching down; it’s about navigating that crucial first hour that can shape your entire journey.
And truly, who hasn’t felt that rush of questions — Where do I go? What will the officers ask? Will I understand the process? — swirl in their mind the moment the wheels hit the runway?
You may have your itinerary sorted, your e-Visa approved, and your hotel booked, yet the biggest gateway between you and the magic that awaits in India is Immigration and Customs. For first-time visitors arriving at major hubs such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), or Bengaluru (BLR), this arrival phase can feel overwhelming — a blend of unfamiliar signs, long queues, and the pressure of doing everything correctly.
If you’re also planning to explore India beyond the airport, my Complete India Travel Guide for First-Time Travellers is the perfect companion — covering visas, budgeting, safety, cultural etiquette, and even a full 20-day itinerary to help you travel confidently. (Insert your pillar blog link here with this anchor text.)
.But you genuinely need not worry.
This guide acts like a personal expert walking right beside you — showing you what truly happens from the moment you step off the aircraft to the instant you push your trolley into the warm, bustling Indian air. Whether it’s the queues, the officer’s questions, the biometric process, or the choice between the Green and Red Customs channels, everything is explained here with absolute clarity so that your very first steps in India feel calm, confident, and completely seamless.
Stage 0:Pre-Landing Preparation — Your Final Ready-Check
1. Pre-Landing Preparation (The Final Checklist)
The smoothest airport experience begins before your wheels touch the runway. A few small steps taken during the final stretch of your flight can save you time, stress, and unnecessary delays.
The Mandatory E-Arrival Card (Replaces the Old Paper Landing Card)
Since 1 October 2025, India has introduced a fully digital E-Arrival Card — a modern replacement for the traditional printed disembarkation form.
Where to fill it (official sources only):
- Bureau of Immigration – https://boi.gov.in
- Indian Visa Online Portal – https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
- Su-Swagatam Official Mobile App
🕒 Time Window: Must be completed within 72 hours before arrival.
📌 Pro Tip: After submission, take a screenshot or printout of the confirmation page. Officers occasionally ask to see it.
Information required includes:
- Your first Indian address (use your hotel’s address)
- Flight number
- Purpose of visit (Tourism / Business / Medical etc.)
Completing this beforehand ensures tum directly Immigration lines mein ja sakte ho — without fumbling for documents.
Stage 1:From Aircraft Door to Immigration — The First Rush
Upon landing, the cabin crew will open the doors and, very quickly, hundreds of people begin moving at once. Stay calm and simply follow the signs.
How to Navigate the Terminal
All major Indian airports use clear English-Hindi signboards. Look for “Immigration / Arrivals” in distinct yellow and green panels.
Be prepared for a fairly long walk — terminals like Delhi’s T3 are massive, and the stroll can easily take 10–15 minutes.
If You Are Connecting Domestically
Regardless of your next flight, you must clear Immigration + Customs first.
Follow signs for “Transfers”, but remember:
✔ You cannot skip Immigration
✔ You must collect your checked luggage
✔ You must re-check your bags after Customs .
Stage 2: Immigration — Your Official Entry into India
Passing through Immigration is the most crucial checkpoint in the entire arrival process, and every traveller is required to complete it with the correct paperwork and a clear understanding of their visa status. This stage determines whether you can officially enter the country, so staying attentive and organised is essential.
Selecting the Right Queue
As you approach the Immigration hall, observe the overhead signboards carefully. Each line is designated for a specific category of traveller:
- Foreign Passport Holders – meant for visitors carrying a physical visa label inside their passport.
- E-Visa Passengers – for those who already hold an electronically sanctioned visa and have their approval letter ready.
- Indian Citizens / OCI Cardholders – this line is strictly for nationals and Overseas Citizens of India, so do not join it if you are travelling on another passport type.
💡 Clarification for E-Visa Travellers:
E-Visa approval is pre-authorised. You are not a Visa-on-Arrival applicant, so move straight to the E-Visa queue without hesitation.
What Takes Place at the Immigration Desk
as of standard checks to verify your identity and the validity of your entry documents. Typically, the officer will:
- Run your passport through the electronic scanner
- Review your printed e-Visa confirmation or approval letter
- Capture a live photograph for official records
- Record your fingerprints for biometric verification
These steps are routine and usually completed within a couple of minutes if all documents are in order.
Questions You May Need to Answer
The officer may ask a few straightforward questions to confirm your travel intentions. Some commonly asked queries include:
- “What is the purpose of your trip?”
State your reason directly — such as leisure travel, meetings, or visiting relatives. - “How long do you intend to remain in the country?”
Mention the exact duration you have planned. - “Where will you be staying initially?”
Provide the name and address of your first hotel or accommodation confidently.
Keeping your responses short, clear, and factual helps ensure a smooth interaction.
The Rule of Ideal Conduct
A calm and respectful demeanour goes a long way. Maintain polite, minimal eye contact, listen carefully, and respond only to what the officer asks. Offering additional or unrelated information is unnecessary and can complicate the process.
Final Checks Before You Leave the Counter
Before you move away, confirm the following details on your passport:
- ✔ An arrival stamp is present and clearly visible
- ✔ The permitted stay duration matches the terms of your visa
- ✔ The visa type recorded by the officer corresponds correctly to your actual visa
Ensuring these points immediately prevents any issues later in your trip .
Stage 3: Baggage Claim — Collecting Your Luggage Smoothly
After Immigration, follow the hall into the baggage zone.
Finding Your Carousel
Large digital boards display flight numbers and carousel assignments.
Trolleys
Free, easily accessible, and available right beside the belts.
Final Baggage Security Scan
Delhi and a few other airports conduct an X-ray scan after baggage pickup.
If selected for random screening, cooperate calmly — it’s routine.
Stage 4: Clearing Indian Customs — Green or Red Channel?
Customs is essentially a declaration process. Most tourists use the Green Channel.
Green Channel – “Nothing to Declare”
Use this when your belongings fall within duty-free limits.
⚠ Misuse leads to fines, confiscation, or legal action.
If unsure, always choose the Red Channel.
Red Channel – “Goods to Declare”
Required for:
- Excess alcohol or tobacco
- High-value electronics
- Currency above permitted limits
- Any restricted/prohibited item
You will complete a declaration form and may need to pay duty.
Duty-Free Allowances (Tourists Over 18)
Alcohol: 2 litres
Cigarettes/Tobacco: 100 cigarettes / 25 cigars / 125g tobacco
Foreign Currency Notes: Declare if over USD 5,000
Total Foreign Exchange: Declare if over USD 10,000
Indian Currency: Foreign tourists are not allowed to bring Indian Rupees from abroad.
Jewellery Rules (Strict & Often Ignored)
| Traveller | Duty-Free Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Male Tourist | Up to ₹50,000 (max 20g) | Maintain purchase invoices |
| Female Tourist | Up to ₹1,00,000 (max 40g) | Proof of authenticity strongly advised |
If jewellery exceeds the limit and cannot be justified, it may be seized under the Customs Act, 1962.
Critical Legal & Security Restrictions
These rules are non-negotiable:
Drones – cannot be flown without DGCA authorisation
E-Visa is valid only at designated airports/seaports
Visas over 180 days require FRRO registration within 14 days
Satellite phones – prohibited without government permission
E-Cigarettes/Vaping devices – banned in India
Stage 5: After Customs — Entering India with Confidence
You’ve crossed the hardest part. Welcome to the arrivals hall.
Currency — Smart Money Choices
- Avoid airport exchange counters except for tiny emergency amounts
- Use official bank ATMs (SBI / ICICI / HDFC) outside the hall for best rates
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Look for official telecom counters: Airtel, Jio, Vodafone.
For activation, you’ll need:
- Passport photocopy
- Visa page / e-Visa printout
- Passport-size photo (or digital photo taken there)
Activation may take a few hours.
Safe Transport — Avoid Touts Completely
Ignore anyone approaching you with “Taxi?” offers.
Use Only:
- Official Pre-Paid Taxi Counters
- App-based rides (Uber / Ola) from marked pickup zones
Estimated Pre-Paid Fares
| Route | Distance | Fare (Approx) | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEL → Connaught Place | 15–20 km | ₹400–₹600 | $5–$7 |
| BOM → Colaba | 25–30 km | ₹1100–₹1300 | $13–$16 |
Scam Alerts — Your Personal Safety Handbook
1. Unofficial Porter Scam
They offer “help” with trolleys → then demand ₹500–₹1000.
Only use badge-wearing official porters.
2. “Hotel is Closed” Diversion
Driver claims your hotel is shut → tries taking you elsewhere.
Always call your hotel directly, not the number the driver gives.
3. Fake Pre-Paid Counters (Delhi)
Touts may guide you to imitation counters.
Use only Delhi Police Pre-Paid or legitimate radio taxis.
4. Currency Change Trick
Driver insists you gave a smaller note.
Count your cash aloud and check returned notes immediately.
Emergency Contacts (Trusted & Verified)
- Emergency Number: 112
- Delhi Airport T3 Info: +91 124 479 7300
- Mumbai Airport T2 Info: +91 22 6685 1010
- Tourist Police: Available at major terminals
- Your Blog Support Email: Add your designated help address
Terminal Guide — Quick Access Data
| Airport | Code | International Arrivals Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | DEL | Terminal 3 |
| Mumbai | BOM | Terminal 2 |
| Bengaluru | BLR | Terminal 2 |
| Chennai | MAA | Terminal 4 |
Free Wi-Fi:
All major airports offer 30–45 minutes of free Wi-Fi — perfect for booking taxis or contacting your hotel.
Stage 6: The Next Step — Your Journey Truly Begins
You’ve navigated the queues, the officers, the paperwork, and the taxi maze. Congratulations — tumne sabse tough phase successfully complete kar liya.
Stepping out of the terminal often feels like stepping into a living storybook. India isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling — layered with history, noise, colour, flavours, and moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Whether you’re here for serenity, architecture, spirituality, or simply to taste the world’s most diverse cuisine, Incredible India now belongs to you.
Conclusion: You’ve Arrived — Let the Adventure Begin
You are no longer just a visitor trying to figure out the process. You’ve cleared India’s international airport systems with clarity and confidence — the mark of a well-prepared traveller who understands exactly how to begin their journey on the right foot.
As the doors slide open and the rush of warm Indian air greets you, remember this simple truth:
Every city breathes stories.
Every journey changes you.
And your Indian chapter has only just begun.
And now that you’ve mastered the arrival experience, why not discover what the rest of the country holds for you? After all, isn’t the true adventure waiting just beyond the airport?
If you’d like help planning the path ahead — destinations, budgets, tips, routes, and more — my Complete India Travel Guide for First-Time Travellers is the perfect next step.
Official Government Sources:-
🔵 1- Bureau of Immigration (India)
Arrival rules, visa validity, immigration process, foreigner entry requirements.
Official Link: https://boi.gov.in
🔵 2- CISF – Central Industrial Security Force (Airport Security)
Airport security rules, screening procedure, cabin restrictions, allowed & prohibited items.
Official Link: https://www.cisf.gov.in
🔵 3-BCAS – Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
Aviation security norms, prohibited items list, cabin baggage rules, security directives.
Official Link: https://bcas.gov.in
🔵 4- CBIC – Customs (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs)
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I just landed in India—what exactly do I do from the plane door to the city?
Once your plane parks and the doors open, simply follow the stream of passengers towards the Immigration area. The signs are very clear, and everything is written in both English and Hindi. Join the queue that matches your visa type — most international visitors use the E-Visa line. The officer will check your passport, take your photo and fingerprints, ask a couple of basic questions, and then stamp you in.
After Immigration, head to Baggage Claim and look for your flight number on the screens to find your carousel. Collect your luggage and, if required, place it through the quick security scan before moving on to Customs. Most tourists walk through the Green Channel as long as they’re not carrying anything that needs to be declared.
Once outside the Customs area, you’ll step into the public arrivals hall. Here you can withdraw cash from an ATM, buy a local SIM card, or simply head straight to transport. For a safe and predictable journey into the city, use an official pre-paid taxi counter or book an Uber/Ola from the designated pick-up zone. Avoid anyone approaching you with unsolicited taxi offers.
In short: follow the signs, clear Immigration, collect your bags, pass through Customs, and use official transport — and your first hour in India will feel smooth and straightforward.
Is the old paper Disembarkation Card still required?
No. From 1 Oct 2025 the paper card is scrapped. Every passenger must complete the digital E-Arrival Card online (up to 72 h before landing) and carry a screenshot/print-out of the confirmation.
Why is an India airport customs and immigration guide helpful for first-time visitors?
A clear India airport customs and immigration guide helps first-time travellers understand every step of the arrival process before they even land. It explains how to navigate Immigration queues, what documents officers expect, how to collect luggage quickly, and which Customs channel is correct for your situation. With this knowledge in hand, your entry into India becomes far smoother, saving you from confusion the moment you step off the plane.
What documents do tourists need for Immigration when arriving in India?
Tourists should keep their passport, e-Visa approval printout, E-Arrival Card confirmation, and first-night accommodation details ready before reaching the Immigration counter. Officers may also check your return ticket or onward travel plan, so having these accessible on your phone is helpful. Keeping everything organised ensures the process is quicker and far less stressful.
Is it legal to bring Indian rupee cash?
Absolutely not for foreigners. Import of Indian currency is prohibited; bring zero rupees. Use airport ATMs (SBI, HDFC, ICICI) outside customs for the best exchange rate.
Can I activate an Indian SIM inside the terminal?
Yes—at Airtel, Jio or Vodafone counters. You must hand over: photocopy of passport photo page, visa page, and one passport-size photo. Activation can take 2-4 hours; keep your home-SIM active until then.
Which items will land me in immediate legal trouble if brought in?
Satellite phones, e-cigarettes/vapes, drones without DGCA permission, narcotics, and Indian rupee cash. Possession can trigger arrest, fines or instant deportation.
What are the key Customs rules in India that foreign travellers must follow?
Foreign visitors must follow India’s duty-free and declaration rules strictly. You may carry up to 2 litres of alcohol, 100 cigarettes or equivalent tobacco, and foreign currency below the official declaration limits. Expensive jewellery or electronics should have proof of purchase to avoid issues. Most tourists can use the Green Channel, but if any item seems doubtful, choosing the Red Channel is the safest way to avoid penalties.
How do I clear Immigration at an Indian airport?”
To clear Immigration at an Indian airport, follow the signs to the arrivals hall and join the queue that matches your visa type (most tourists use the E-Visa line). Keep your passport, e-Visa approval, E-Arrival Card confirmation, and hotel details ready. The officer will check your documents, take your photo and fingerprints, ask simple questions, and then stamp your passport. Once stamped, you can proceed directly to the baggage claim area.
