The experience of arriving at an Indian airport sets the tone for your entire trip. Know what to expect, move through the process confidently, and you will be sipping your first cup of chai within an hour of landing. Get caught unprepared and it can be an overwhelming experience.
Before You Land: What to Have Ready
Have printed (or easily accessible offline on your phone):
- Your e-Visa approval document
- Your passport (and copies stored separately)
- Your onward travel booking confirmation or hotel reservation (immigration officers sometimes ask)
- Your health declaration if required (check current entry requirements before travel)
Fill in the arrival card on the plane. Most Indian airlines distribute these; if not, pick one up at immigration.
Immigration
Follow signs for "Foreign Nationals" or "e-Visa" queues — these are separate from Indian nationals. At major airports, dedicated e-Visa counters often have shorter queues than the general foreign national desks, so actively look for the sign. Your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be taken on first entry.
Immigration queues at Delhi and Mumbai can be 30–60 minutes at peak times (early morning international arrivals). Be patient and have your documents in hand before you reach the desk.
Baggage Claim and Customs
Baggage carousels are clearly numbered and displayed on screens. Once you have your bags, you will pass through customs. The "green channel" (nothing to declare) is for most tourists. The "red channel" is for those bringing in goods above the duty-free limit (₹50,000 worth of goods for international travellers, plus the standard alcohol and tobacco allowances). Declaring foreign currency above US$5,000 or equivalent is mandatory.
The Moment You Exit Arrivals: Scams to Know
The arrivals hall — where you emerge after customs — is where the highest concentration of scams occurs, particularly for first-time visitors to India.
Fake pre-paid taxi desks: Only use the official pre-paid taxi counter operated by the airport authority (signage will say "Airport Authority of India" or the airport name). Ignore everyone approaching you in the arrivals hall offering taxis. The walk to the official counter may be 50–100 metres further; it is worth it.
"Your hotel is closed/flooded/full": A classic scam where someone claiming to be from your hotel intercepts you in arrivals and tells you there is a problem, directing you instead to a commission-paying hotel. Your hotel will not send someone to meet you in arrivals unless you specifically arranged it.
Unofficial SIM card sellers: Buy SIMs only from official Airtel or Jio kiosks inside the terminal.
Airport-Specific Tips
Delhi (IGI Airport, Terminal 3): India's busiest airport is well-organised. The Metro (Delhi Airport Express Line) connects Terminal 3 to central Delhi in 20 minutes for around ₹60. It is the fastest and cheapest option to New Delhi railway station or Connaught Place. The Ola/Uber pick-up zone is clearly marked outside the terminal.
Mumbai (CSIA, Terminal 2): Architecturally spectacular (decorated with 7,000 works of Indian art). The pre-paid taxi counter is inside the terminal. The Monorail and local train are not particularly convenient from the airport — a taxi or Uber to your hotel is the practical choice.
Bengaluru (KIA): Well-organised with a dedicated Volvo bus service to the city centre running every 30 minutes (cheap and comfortable). Ola/Uber are abundant and reliable.
Chennai (MAA): Compact and relatively easy to navigate. The MRTS rail link connects the airport to central Chennai.