If you are flying abroad from India, there is one less airport formality to worry about from September 1. The Bureau of Immigration has decided to do away with the mandatory requirement of carrying a physical boarding pass and getting it stamped at immigration counters at international airports across the country. Scroll on to know more about this.
Indian Airports To Stop Boarding Pass Stamping At Immigration
According to Hindustan Times, the Bureau of Immigration has informed all stakeholders, including international airport operators and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), about the decision to scrap boarding pass stamping at immigration counters. The move aims to make the immigration clearance process more convenient for international travellers.
Until now, international passengers departing from India were required to present their boarding passes at the immigration counter, where the document would be stamped after clearance. From September 1, this requirement will be discontinued at all international airports in India.
This means that if you have checked in online and received an e-boarding pass, you can display it on your phone at immigration along with your passport. There will be no need to get the boarding pass physically stamped.
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What International Flyers Need To Know
There is an important detail travellers should know. The new rule does not mean physical boarding passes are banned. If you prefer carrying a printed boarding pass, you can still do so. It will continue to be accepted at immigration, but officials will no longer stamp it from September 1. So, travellers who like keeping a paper copy as a backup do not necessarily have to change their routine.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, the earlier process of requiring physical boarding passes and stamping them was causing inconvenience to passengers. Officials also pointed to instances where improper or incorrect stamping made boarding passes difficult to read.
From September 1, international passengers departing from India can keep their e-boarding pass ready on their phone and show it at immigration along with their passport.
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So, the next time you are rushing through an airport before an international flight, there will be one less paper-based step to worry about.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Connor Danylenko
FAQs
When will boarding pass stamping at Indian airports stop?
From September 1, 2026, international passengers departing from India will no longer need to get their boarding passes stamped at immigration counters.
Can I use an e-boarding pass at immigration?
Yes, international travellers can show their e-boarding pass on their smartphone for immigration clearance.
Why has boarding pass stamping been discontinued at Indian airports?
The Bureau of Immigration found that the existing process was causing inconvenience to passengers. Officials also reported instances where improper or incorrect stamping made boarding passes difficult to read.