India Launches International Digi Yatra Trials
India's Ministry of Civil Aviation has initiated trials for the Digi Yatra service for international passengers at seven key airports across the country. This groundbreaking move allows eligible Indian nationals holding e-passports to utilize a facial recognition-based system for select overseas flights operated by Air India and IndiGo.
The trial phase is scheduled to run from November to December 2026, with the government planning a wider rollout in 2027 based on feedback received. This expansion marks a significant step in integrating digital technology into India's aviation sector, aiming to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Participating Airports and Eligibility
The seven airports where these international Digi Yatra trials are underway include:
- Delhi
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Cochin (Kochi)
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Amritsar
During this initial period, access to the system will be limited to designated terminal entry points, Security Hold Areas (SHA), and boarding gates equipped with the necessary infrastructure. Only Indian nationals possessing e-passports are eligible to participate in these trials.
How to Register for International Digi Yatra
Unlike the existing domestic system, international Digi Yatra requires passengers to create an e-passport-based Verifiable Credential (VC) through the Digi Yatra mobile application. The registration process involves several steps:
- Scanning the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of the e-passport.
- Using a compatible smartphone's Near Field Communication (NFC) feature to read the passport's embedded electronic chip.
- Capturing a selfie for facial recognition.
- Verifying all details for accuracy.
Once successfully completed, the credential will be securely stored in the passenger's Digi Yatra wallet on their smartphone, ready for use at supported airport checkpoints.
Complementing, Not Replacing, Travel Formalities
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has clarified that the international Digi Yatra facility is designed to complement existing airport procedures, not replace mandatory travel formalities. Passengers are still required to carry their physical travel documents, including valid passports and visas (where applicable), and complete all necessary airline document checks and immigration procedures.
This initiative builds upon the significant success of the domestic Digi Yatra platform, which currently boasts over 26.5 million users and has facilitated more than 110 million journeys across 39 domestic airports. The government also plans to extend domestic Digi Yatra to an additional 25 airports by 2027, further solidifying its commitment to digitalizing air travel in India.