India’s Digi Yatra initiative has expanded its reach with the launch of international passenger trials at seven airports across the country. The trials, running from November to December 2026, will allow eligible Indian nationals holding e-passports to use digital verification at designated airport touchpoints while travelling on select international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo.
The facility is being tested at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mumbai, Chennai and Amritsar airports. Eligible passengers can use Digi Yatra at terminal entry points, Security Hold Areas (SHA) and boarding gates wherever the necessary infrastructure is available.
The trial programme aims to collect passenger feedback and assess the system’s performance before a wider expansion planned for 2027.
How International Passengers Can Use Digi Yatra
To access the international passenger facility, eligible Indian nationals must create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential (VC) through the Digi Yatra mobile application.
The process involves scanning the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of the e-passport and using a compatible smartphone’s Near Field Communication (NFC) feature to read the information stored in its embedded chip. Passengers must then capture a selfie and verify their details to complete the process.
Once generated, the Verifiable Credential is stored in the passenger’s Digi Yatra wallet on their device. It can subsequently be used at airport touchpoints equipped to support the international trials.
The system is intended to make passenger verification more convenient through digital technology while supporting existing airport processes.
Existing Travel and Immigration Requirements Remain Mandatory
The introduction of Digi Yatra for international passengers does not replace conventional travel documentation or mandatory procedures.
Passengers must continue to carry their passports and other required travel documents. They must also complete airline document verification, immigration checks and all other applicable travel formalities.
The digital facility is designed to complement these existing requirements rather than serve as a substitute for them. Its availability will also depend on whether the relevant airport touchpoints have the infrastructure required to support the trials.
Digi Yatra Expands Across India’s Aviation Network
The international trials build on the growing adoption of Digi Yatra across India’s domestic aviation network. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the platform has more than 26.5 million users and has facilitated over 110 million journeys across 39 domestic airports.
The initiative currently serves passengers travelling on domestic airlines, with plans to extend coverage to another 25 domestic airports by 2027.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it remains committed to using digital technology to improve airport operations and make air travel more convenient. The international passenger trials form part of the government’s broader Digital India and Ease of Flying initiatives.
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