Digi Yatra Goes Global: International Trials Kick Off at 7 Airports
Digi Yatra starts trials for international passengers at 7 Indian airports. Eligible e-passport holders can now enjoy seamless travel.
In a significant leap toward the "Digital India" vision, Digi Yatra international trials have officially commenced across seven major airports in India. This initiative aims to revolutionize the travel experience for international passengers by integrating advanced digital identification technology into the aviation sector, promising a more seamless journey from the terminal entry to the boarding gate.
Which Airports are Part of the Trial?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has identified seven key aviation hubs to implement these trials. Passengers traveling through the following airports can now potentially experience the digital shift:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Chennai
- Cochin
- Amritsar
Who Can Use the Facility and How?
The trials, which are scheduled to run from November through December 2026, are not open to everyone. To participate, passengers must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow a digital registration process.
Eligibility Requirements
The facility is currently available to eligible Indian nationals who possess an e-passport and are traveling on select international flights operated by Air India and IndiGo.
The Registration Process
To access the seamless experience, users must create a Verifiable Credential (VC) via the Digi Yatra mobile application. The steps include:
- Scanning: The user scans the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) of their e-passport.
- Chip Reading: The app reads the embedded chip using the Near Field Communication (NFC) feature of a compatible smartphone.
- Verification: The passenger captures a selfie to verify their identity.
Once completed, this credential is stored securely in the passenger's Digi Yatra wallet on their device, ready to be used at enabled airport touchpoints.
Where Will it be Used at the Airport?
Eligible passengers can utilize their digital credentials at various stages of their journey, provided the necessary infrastructure is in place. These touchpoints include:
- Terminal entry points
- Security Hold Areas (SHA)
- Boarding gates
Important: Not a Replacement for Documents
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has clarified that this digital facility is intended to complement existing travel processes, not replace them. Passengers are strictly advised that they must still:
Carry all physical travel documents and complete all mandatory airline document checks, immigration procedures, and other legal travel formalities.
The Road Ahead for Digital Aviation
The data and feedback gathered during this trial period will be instrumental in planning a broader, nationwide rollout scheduled for 2027. The Digi Yatra platform has already seen massive adoption in the domestic sector, boasting over 26.5 million users and facilitating more than 110 million journeys across 39 domestic airports.
Looking forward, the government plans to expand the service to an additional 25 domestic airports by 2027, further cementing the "Ease of Flying" initiative for millions of travelers across India.