India has started testing Digi Yatra for international flights at seven major airports, taking its digital airport entry system beyond domestic travel.

The trials began on November 1, 2026, and are scheduled to continue through December. Eligible Indian citizens with e-passports can use the service on selected international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo.

However, there is an important distinction for overseas visitors: the current international trials are not open to all foreign travellers. For now, participation is limited to eligible Indian nationals holding e-passports.

Here is what has changed, which airports are participating, how the system works, and what travellers should know before their next flight.

What Has Changed with Digi Yatra?

Digi Yatra is a digital identification system that uses facial recognition technology to help passengers move through supported airport checkpoints.

Until this expansion, the platform was primarily used for domestic flights within India. The new trials extend its use to selected international departures.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s announcement on November 1, eligible passengers may use Digi Yatra at participating terminal entrances, security hold areas, and boarding gates.

However, these facilities are available only where the necessary infrastructure has been enabled for the trial.

The government will evaluate passenger feedback before deciding how to expand international operations in 2027.

Which 7 Indian Airports Are Included?

The international Digi Yatra trials are taking place at the following airports:

Although these airports are participating, Digi Yatra may not be available at every terminal, checkpoint or international boarding gate.

Passengers should confirm availability with their airline or airport before departure.

Who Can Use Digi Yatra on International Flights?

Not everyone departing from an Indian airport can participate in the new international trials.

Currently, passengers must meet the following conditions:

• Be an eligible Indian national.
• Hold a valid Indian e-passport with an embedded electronic chip.
• Travel on a participating international flight operated by Air India or IndiGo.
• Complete the required digital identity registration in the Digi Yatra application.
• Use airport checkpoints where international trial facilities are available.

The programme can also be relevant to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) travelling overseas, provided they hold an eligible Indian e-passport and meet the flight and airport requirements.

An ordinary passport without the required electronic chip is not sufficient for the international trial registration process.

Can Foreign Tourists Use Digi Yatra?

This is an important question for visitors arriving from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, South Africa and other countries.

As of November 2026, the newly announced international Digi Yatra trials are restricted to eligible Indian nationals with e-passports.

Therefore, foreign tourists holding non-Indian passports should not expect to use this international trial facility, even if their passport contains an electronic chip.

Similarly, holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card does not by itself establish eligibility for the trial.

Foreign visitors should continue following their airline’s normal check-in procedures and all applicable passport, visa, security and immigration requirements.

For help preparing a first visit, explore our India tours for first-time travellers, which include guidance on routes, accommodation and travel arrangements.

How Does Digi Yatra Work for International Travel?

Eligible passengers must create a digital identity credential using their e-passport and the Digi Yatra mobile app.

The process involves several steps.

Step 1: Open the Digi Yatra App

Use the official Digi Yatra application and follow the instructions for creating an e-passport-based verifiable credential.

Step 2: Scan Your E-Passport

The app requires passengers to scan the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), the lines of letters and numbers printed on the passport’s identity page.

Step 3: Read the Passport Chip

Passengers must use a smartphone with Near Field Communication (NFC) capability to read the electronic chip inside their e-passport.

This helps verify the passport information required for the digital credential.

Step 4: Complete Facial Verification

The registration process includes taking a selfie and verifying the passport details.

Once verification is completed, the credential is stored in the Digi Yatra wallet on the passenger’s device.

Step 5: Use Supported Airport Checkpoints

Passengers can present their digital credential at participating airport touchpoints.

Depending on the facilities available, these may include terminal entry, security areas and boarding gates.

However, travellers must still complete any mandatory airline document checks, immigration clearance and other international departure formalities.

Does Digi Yatra Replace Passports or Immigration?

No. The new facility is designed to simplify certain airport processes, not remove international travel requirements.

Even after registering successfully, passengers must carry their original passports and any other documents required for their journey.

They must also complete:

• Airline check-in and document verification.
• Applicable visa and destination-entry checks.
• Airport security screening.
• Immigration procedures.
• Any additional requirements set by their airline or destination country.

For example, an Indian passenger travelling from Delhi to London cannot use Digi Yatra as a substitute for the travel documents required to enter the United Kingdom.

The same principle applies to other international destinations.

Digital airport identification and immigration permission are two separate processes.

What Does This Mean for Travellers Visiting India?

For most foreign tourists, the immediate impact is limited.

The current international trial focuses on eligible Indian passport holders departing from India. It does not introduce a new arrival procedure for foreign tourists landing at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru or the other participating airports.

However, the development is worth following because it represents another step towards more digital airport processing in India.

For now, overseas visitors should focus on the requirements that directly affect their journeys.

Check Your Indian Visa

Many foreign nationals need a valid Indian visa before travelling. Eligible travellers may be able to apply online, depending on their nationality and purpose of visit.

If you are planning a holiday, our guide to India’s tourist e-Visa application updates explains recent changes to the application process.

Remember that an Indian e-Visa is not the same as an Indian e-passport or a Digi Yatra credential.

Keep Arrival Documents Accessible

Before flying to India, keep your passport, approved visa or other applicable entry permission, accommodation details and onward travel information readily available.

Also check whether you need to complete India’s digital arrival declaration under the rules applying to your trip.

For additional information about travel documents, transfers and tour arrangements, see our India travel FAQs.

Allow Time for Airport Formalities

Whether you are arriving in India or departing for another country, allow sufficient time for airline procedures, baggage handling, security and immigration.

Travellers with onward domestic connections should also check whether they need to collect and recheck their baggage.

Airport procedures vary depending on the route, airline and terminal, so it is better to confirm these details before departure rather than rely on assumptions about Digi Yatra.

What Happens After the Trials End?

The Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to use feedback gathered during November and December 2026 to guide a wider international rollout in 2027.

However, the government has not confirmed that every foreign traveller or every international airline will become eligible when the system expands.

Future availability will depend on further announcements, technical readiness and applicable operational requirements.

Digi Yatra already has a substantial domestic presence. According to the ministry’s November 2026 announcement, the platform has more than 26.5 million users and has supported over 110 million journeys across 39 domestic airports.

The government also plans to expand domestic coverage to an additional 25 airports by 2027.

For passengers, the most important development to watch is whether future international phases introduce broader airline participation and additional eligibility categories.

Planning an India Trip? A Few Practical Tips

Airport improvements can make the journey easier, but choosing the right route is just as important, especially on a first visit.

Delhi is a popular starting point for travellers exploring North India’s historic cities. A Golden Triangle tour connects Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with the option to include Varanasi, Ranthambore or other destinations.

Meanwhile, travellers interested in South India often plan their journeys around arrival or departure points such as Kochi, Bengaluru or Chennai.

When comparing flights, consider where your tour begins and ends. Flying into one city and leaving from another may sometimes reduce unnecessary return journeys.

At Tusk Travel, we help international visitors plan private India itineraries with suitable arrival cities, comfortable road transfers, local guides and flexible sightseeing schedules.

Explore our private India tour packages to find a route that suits your travel dates and interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Digi Yatra available for international flights in 2026?

Yes, but only on a trial basis. International Digi Yatra trials started on November 1, 2026, at seven Indian airports. They are available to eligible Indian nationals holding e-passports on participating Air India and IndiGo international flights. Availability also depends on whether the relevant airport checkpoints support the trial.

2. Can US or UK passport holders use Digi Yatra for international travel?

Not under the international trial announced in November 2026. The current programme is restricted to eligible Indian nationals with e-passports. Travellers holding US, UK or other foreign passports must continue using the applicable standard airport and immigration procedures.

3. Which airlines support the international Digi Yatra trials?

Air India and IndiGo are participating. However, this does not mean every international flight operated by these airlines is included. Passengers should confirm eligibility for their specific service before travelling.

4. Is an e-passport compulsory for the new international trial?

Yes. Eligible participants need an Indian e-passport containing an electronic chip. The registration process uses that chip to create a verifiable digital identity credential through the Digi Yatra application.

5. Will Digi Yatra help me skip immigration?

No. Digi Yatra does not replace immigration clearance, airline document verification or other mandatory international travel procedures. Passengers must still carry their passports and any required visas or supporting documents.

6. Is Digi Yatra compulsory for international travellers?

The November 2026 announcement describes a limited trial facility rather than a new mandatory procedure for all international passengers. Travellers who are not eligible should continue using the usual airport processes.

7. When will Digi Yatra become available to more international passengers?

A wider rollout is being planned for 2027, based on feedback from the current trials. However, no universal launch date or confirmed eligibility for all foreign-passport travellers has been announced.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of Digi Yatra trials for international flights is an important development in India’s airport modernisation.

For eligible Indian e-passport holders, it offers an opportunity to experience digital identity verification on selected overseas journeys. For foreign tourists, however, the international trial does not currently change entry or departure requirements.

Travellers should continue checking official airline and government guidance before flying, particularly as the system develops towards its proposed 2027 expansion.

Sources and verification

• Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India: Official announcement, November 1, 2026
• ETTravelWorld: Digi Yatra Begins International Passenger Trials at Seven Indian Airports

Information updated: November 5, 2026. Trial conditions and passenger eligibility may change following official announcements.