New Delhi. An important change is going to happen soon at the airport for international passengers. From September 1, 2026, physical boarding passes of passengers leaving India on international flights will not be stamped at the immigration counter. The new system aims to speed up the immigration process and reduce crowding and waiting time for passengers at the airport.
Digital boarding pass will also be valid
In the new system, passengers will be able to show the digital boarding pass present in their mobile phone to the immigration officer. However, passengers holding physical boarding pass will be allowed to carry it. The only difference will be that now the rubber stamp of immigration will not be put on it.
Why was this decision taken?
A review by officials revealed that the process of stamping boarding passes was affecting the speed of work at the immigration counter. Additionally, the ink stamp would sometimes obscure or cover the barcode on the boarding pass, which could cause problems during further scanning. The new system will reduce paperwork and the movement of passengers is expected to be more smooth.
Instructions given to the airport
To implement the new system, international airport operators, airlines and related security personnel have been instructed to make necessary changes. Employees related to check-in and immigration are also being prepared according to the new procedure.
Preparation regarding passport stamp also
Along with eliminating the stamping of boarding passes, work is also underway to reduce or eliminate the physical entry and exit stamps on the passports of Indian travelers in the future. For this, a pilot arrangement is being considered at a different level.