First time flying to India, India welcomes over 10 million international visitors every year — and for most first-timers, the airport arrival is the very first impression of the country. The good news? Indian airports have modernised dramatically. The not-so-good news? They can still feel overwhelming if you do not know what to expect.
This guide walks you through every stage of arriving at an Indian airport — from the moment your flight touches down to the moment you step into your vehicle outside — so you can start your trip feeling confident, not confused.
If you want to skip the stress entirely, a professional airport meet and greet service can handle every step for you. More on that below.
What to Have Ready Before You Land
Before your aircraft begins its descent, make sure these documents are within easy reach — not buried in your checked luggage.
Your passport — valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Indian immigration officers check this carefully.
Your visa — whether it is an e-Visa printout, a visa sticker in your passport, or a Visa on Arrival receipt. Keep a printed copy even if you have a digital version; airport Wi-Fi is not always available before immigration.
A completed arrival card — some airlines distribute these on board, while others have them at kiosks before the immigration counters. The card asks for your name, passport number, flight number, address in India, and purpose of visit.
Your return or onward ticket — immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof that you plan to leave India within your visa validity period.
Hotel confirmation or a local address — you will need an address in India for the arrival card.
| Pro Tip: Take a photo of your passport data page, your visa, and your hotel booking on your phone. If any physical document goes missing during transit, you will have a backup to show at the counter. |
You can apply for an Indian e-Visa at the official Indian Visa Online portal. Apply at least 4 days before travel; processing usually takes 72 hours.
Step-by-Step: Your Airport Arrival in India
Step 1 — Deplaning and the First Corridor
Once your flight arrives and the seatbelt sign goes off, follow the stream of passengers toward the “Arrivals” signs. In major airports like Delhi (IGI), Mumbai (CSMIA), and Bangalore (KIA), the walk from the aircraft to the immigration hall can be surprisingly long — sometimes 10 to 15 minutes through air-conditioned corridors and travelators.
During this walk, you will pass directional signs for “Indian Passport Holders” and “Foreign Passport Holders.” Make sure you follow the signs for foreign nationals — the queues and counters are separate.
If you have booked a meet and greet service, your personal assistant will typically meet you right after you step off the jet bridge or at a designated meeting point inside the terminal. They will guide you past the crowds and, in many cases, escort you through a fast-track immigration lane — saving you 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours.
Step 2 — Immigration (Passport Control)
This is the stage most first-time visitors are nervous about. Here is exactly what happens.
You will enter a large hall with multiple counters. Look for the ones marked “Foreigner / Foreign Passport” — they are always separated from the Indian citizen counters.
The queue can be long. During peak arrival windows — roughly 10 PM to 2 AM and 5 AM to 9 AM at Delhi and Mumbai — wait times of 30 to 60 minutes are common. Flights from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe tend to cluster at these hours.
What Happens at the Immigration Counter
The immigration officer will scan your passport, check your visa validity and type, take your photograph using biometric cameras installed at the counter, and collect your fingerprints (both index fingers, usually). They will then ask you one or two questions — typically “What is the purpose of your visit?” and “How long are you staying?” Keep your answers simple and honest. “Tourism, 14 days” or “Business meeting, five days” is all they need.
Finally, the officer will stamp your passport with an arrival stamp and return it to you. You are now officially in India.
E-Visa and Visa on Arrival Holders
E-Visa holders: you will use the same foreign-national counters. Your e-Visa is linked to your passport electronically, but carry the printed approval letter just in case.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): if your nationality qualifies (Japan, South Korea, UAE, and a few others), you will fill out a separate VOA form and pay the fee at a dedicated counter before joining the regular immigration queue.
| Heads Up: Indian immigration has been rolling out automated e-gates at major airports, but they are currently available only for Indian passport holders and select OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders. As a first-time foreign tourist, plan on using the manual counter. |
Step 3 — Baggage Claim
Once you clear immigration, follow the signs to the baggage carousel area. Screens above the carousels display flight numbers — find yours and wait. Baggage can take 15 to 40 minutes to start appearing on the belt after you arrive at the carousel, depending on the airport and the time of day. Delhi Terminal 3 and Mumbai Terminal 2 are generally faster; smaller airports may take longer.
Trolleys are free at all major Indian airports. You will find them lined up near the carousels.
If your bag does not appear, head to the “Lost and Found” or “Baggage Services” counter located near the carousels. Keep your baggage tags (the small stickers attached to your boarding pass) — the staff will need the tag number to trace your luggage.
Porter services are available at all airports. If you have arranged a VIP meet and greet service, porter assistance and priority baggage handling are included.
Step 4 — Customs Clearance
Green Channel vs Red Channel
Green Channel — Nothing to Declare. If you are carrying only personal belongings, clothes, a laptop, a phone, a camera, and gifts under the duty-free allowance (₹50,000 for most items), walk through the green channel. In most cases, no one will stop you.
Red Channel — Goods to Declare. If you are carrying items above the duty-free limits, large amounts of foreign currency (over USD 5,000 in cash or USD 10,000 in total including traveller’s cheques), commercial goods, or restricted items, use the red channel.
Items That Attract Customs Attention
Excessive electronics (multiple new phones or laptops still in packaging), large quantities of alcohol or tobacco beyond the free allowance (typically 2 litres of alcohol and 200 cigarettes), gold and jewellery above personal use limits, and drones (which require separate DGCA approval to bring into India).
If you are an ordinary tourist with a suitcase of clothes, a phone, and a camera, you will walk through the green channel without any stop in 99 per cent of cases.
Step 5 — Navigating the Arrivals Hall
Once you step through the customs exit, you are in the arrivals hall — the public area of the airport. This is where things can feel chaotic for the first time. You will immediately see a crowd of people: hotel drivers holding name placards, taxi touts calling out, tour operators, families waiting for relatives, and uniformed representatives.
If someone is picking you up — your hotel, a tour operator, or a friend — look for your name on a placard. Drivers typically stand behind a railing. Walk past anyone who approaches you unsolicited; legitimate pickup drivers will have your name clearly displayed.
If you have booked a meet and greet service — your concierge will already be with you by this point, guiding you through the crowd directly to your vehicle at the curbside. No confusion, no haggling, no wrong turns.
→ Meet and greet service in Delhi (IGI Airport)
→ Meet and greet service in Mumbai (CSMIA)
→ Meet and greet service in Bangalore (KIA)
→ Meet and greet service in Chennai (MAA)
→ Meet and greet service in Hyderabad (RGIA)
→ Meet and greet service in Kolkata (NSCBI)
→ Meet and greet service in Pune
→ Meet and greet service in Ahmedabad (SVP)
Step 6 — SIM Cards and Currency Exchange
Getting an Indian SIM Card at the Airport
Major Indian telecom providers — Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) — have counters in the arrivals hall of every major international airport. A prepaid tourist SIM card costs roughly ₹500 to ₹900 and includes data, local calls, and a validity of 28 to 84 days.
Documents Required for SIM Purchase
You will need your passport (original — they will photocopy it) and a passport-size photograph (carry two spare photos; some counters ask for them). SIM activation takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Jio tends to activate fastest, often within an hour.
eSIM as an Alternative
If your home carrier supports international roaming or an eSIM, you can activate an India eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, and similar services) before you even land. This gives you data the moment you switch your phone on — no counter, no paperwork, no waiting.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Currency exchange counters are available in the arrivals hall (after customs). Airport exchange rates are not the best, but they are regulated, so you will not be cheated.
How Much Cash to Exchange at the Airport
Exchange enough for your first day or two — roughly ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 (about USD 35 to 60). You can withdraw more from ATMs later at better rates. ATMs are available inside the arrivals hall and just outside, and they accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. The per-transaction withdrawal limit is typically ₹10,000 to ₹20,000.
UPI and Digital Payments for Foreign Tourists
UPI and digital payments are extremely widespread in India — from street vendors to luxury hotels. Once your Indian SIM is active, you can set up Google Pay or PhonePe with your Indian number. However, linking a foreign bank account to UPI is still limited, so carry some cash for the first day or two. India’s RBI has been piloting UPI access for international tourists via prepaid wallets — check the latest status before your trip.
Step 7 — Airport Transfers: Getting to Your Hotel
This is where many first-timers make avoidable mistakes. Here are your options, ranked from most hassle-free to most adventurous.
Option 1: Pre-Booked Meet & Greet with Curbside Transfer
The smoothest option, especially after a long flight. A professional concierge meets you inside the terminal (or even at the aircraft door for VIP services), handles your luggage, walks you through immigration and customs, and escorts you directly to a waiting vehicle at the curbside. No queues, no negotiating, no figuring out parking zones.
This is what Meet and Greet City Tours by Shikhar Travels specialises in — premium airport assistance across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad, backed by 46 years of operational experience.
Option 2: Pre-Paid Taxi
Every major Indian airport has an official pre-paid taxi counter run by the airport authority or the state tourism department. You pay a fixed fare at the counter based on your destination, receive a slip, and then walk to the designated taxi stand. This eliminates haggling and overcharging. Look for the counter inside the arrivals hall before you exit. Fares are displayed on a board. Keep the slip — you hand it to the driver at the end.
Option 3: App-Based Cabs (Uber & Ola)
Both Uber and Ola operate at every major Indian airport. You will need a working phone number (Indian or international) and mobile data or Wi-Fi to book. Follow the signs to the “App Cab” or “Ride-Hailing” pickup zone. Pros: transparent pricing, GPS-tracked ride, digital receipt. Cons: surge pricing during peak hours (late night arrivals), wait times of 10 to 20 minutes, and the pickup zone can be a 5 to 10 minute walk from the terminal exit.
Download Uber India: uber.com/in/en/
Download Ola Cabs: olacabs.com
Option 4: Airport Metro or Express Train
Delhi has the Airport Express Line connecting IGI Airport to New Delhi Railway Station in about 20 minutes — fast, clean, air-conditioned, and very affordable (₹60). The station is inside Terminal 3. Bangalore’s airport bus service (BMTC Vayu Vajra) connects KIA to multiple city points.
Delhi Metro timetable and routes: delhimetrorail.com
For most first-time visitors arriving late at night with luggage, a pre-booked transfer or pre-paid taxi is the safer and more comfortable choice.
India’s Major International Airports — What to Expect
Here is a quick-reference guide to each airport served by Meet and Greet City Tours:
| City | Airport Code | Key Terminal | Link |
| Delhi | DEL (IGI) | Terminal 3 (international) | Book M&G → |
| Mumbai | BOM (CSMIA) | Terminal 2 (international) | Book M&G → |
| Bangalore | BLR (KIA) | Terminal 1 & 2 | Book M&G → |
| Chennai | MAA | International Terminal | Book M&G → |
| Hyderabad | HYD (RGIA) | Integrated Terminal | Book M&G → |
| Kolkata | CCU (NSCBI) | Integrated Terminal | Book M&G → |
| Pune | PNQ | Domestic + Limited Intl | Book M&G → |
| Ahmedabad | AMD (SVP) | Terminal 2 (international) | Book M&G → |
Delhi IGI: India’s busiest airport. Terminal 3 handles most international flights. Immigration queues during the midnight-to-2 AM window can exceed 45 minutes.
Mumbai CSMIA: Terminal 2 is architecturally stunning, with a famous art wall. Immigration is generally faster than Delhi, but baggage delivery can be slow during peak hours.
Bangalore KIA: A newer, well-designed airport. The city is about 35 to 40 km away — plan for a 60 to 90 minute drive depending on traffic.
Chennai MAA: Compact international terminal, easy to navigate. Close to the city centre — about 20 km.
Hyderabad RGIA: One of India’s most efficient airports. Clean, well-organised, and rarely overcrowded.
Kolkata NSCBI: Integrated terminal for domestic and international. Smaller than Delhi or Mumbai, so navigation is easier.
Pune PNQ: Primarily domestic with limited international operations. You will likely connect through Delhi or Mumbai first.
Ahmedabad SVP: Growing international airport with direct flights to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Modern terminal.
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make at Indian Airports
Not carrying a printed visa copy. Digital copies on your phone are a backup, not a replacement. Some immigration counters still ask for a paper printout.
Exchanging all their currency at the airport. Airport rates are acceptable for small amounts, but you will get better rates at city exchange shops or ATMs.
Accepting help from random strangers in the arrivals hall. Politely decline anyone who approaches you unsolicited offering to carry your bags, book a taxi, or “help with immigration.” Use only official counters and services.
Not having Indian cash for the first ride. Pre-paid taxis accept cash only. Exchange at least ₹2,000 before you exit.
Underestimating airport-to-city travel time. Delhi to South Delhi can take 60 to 90 minutes. Mumbai airport to South Mumbai can take 90 minutes or more. Bangalore airport to the city centre is routinely 90 minutes. Plan accordingly.
Not downloading offline maps. Google Maps works well in India, but if your SIM is not yet active, download the offline map of your destination city before you leave home.
Forgetting to carry passport-size photos. You need them for SIM cards, and sometimes for visa extensions or hotel check-ins in smaller cities.
How a Meet & Greet Service Makes Your First Arrival Effortless
If you have never been to India before, the single biggest upgrade you can make to your arrival experience is booking a professional meet and greet service. Here is what that looks like in practice:
Your dedicated concierge tracks your flight in real time. When you land, they are already positioned inside the terminal. They meet you as you step off the jet bridge or at the arrivals corridor, help you fill out your arrival card, escort you to a fast-track immigration lane (where available), accompany you to the baggage carousel, handle porter services, guide you through customs, and walk you straight to your vehicle at the curbside.
The entire process — from aircraft door to car door — is managed by one person who knows the airport inside out.
Meet and Greet City Tours by Shikhar Travels has been providing this service for over 46 years across all major Indian airports. Whether you are a solo traveller, a family with children, a corporate executive, or a group of 50, the service is tailored to your needs.
| Book Now: Reserve your airport meet and greet service → shikhar.com/booking |
Explore city tours across India: meetandgreetcitytours.com/tours
Learn about Shikhar Travels: meetandgreetcitytours.com/about-us
Frequently Asked Questions — First Time Flying to India
Below are the most common questions first-time visitors ask about arriving at Indian airports. This section is structured for FAQPage schema markup — paste the JSON-LD provided at the end of this document into your page’s HTML head.
Q 1: Do I need a visa to enter India?
Most nationalities need a visa. Citizens of over 160 countries can apply for an e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in before travel. The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, and medical purposes. A few countries — including Japan, South Korea, and UAE — are eligible for Visa on Arrival. Apply for your e-Visa at least 4 days before your departure date.
Q 2: How long does immigration take at Indian airports?
During off-peak hours, immigration typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. During peak arrival windows (10 PM to 2 AM and 5 AM to 9 AM at Delhi and Mumbai), wait times of 30 to 60 minutes are common. Booking a meet and greet service with fast-track immigration can reduce this to under 10 minutes.
Q 3: Is Wi-Fi available at Indian airports?
Yes. Most major airports offer free Wi-Fi for 30 to 60 minutes. You will need an OTP (one-time password) sent to a phone number — which can be tricky if your foreign number does not receive Indian SMS. Having an eSIM or international roaming active before landing solves this problem.
Q 4: Can I carry food into India?
Personal snacks and packaged sealed food are generally allowed. However, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products, and dairy items are restricted or prohibited by India’s Plant Quarantine authorities. Packaged and commercially sealed food is fine.
Q 5: What is the duty-free alcohol allowance for India?
You can bring up to 2 litres of alcoholic beverages into India duty-free. Beyond that, you will need to declare it at the red channel and pay applicable duties.
Q 6: How do I get from the domestic terminal to the international terminal?
At Delhi, a free shuttle bus connects Terminal 1 (domestic) to Terminal 3 (international). At Mumbai, Terminals 1 and 2 are about 5 km apart — a taxi or shuttle is needed. At most other airports (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata), the terminals are integrated, so no transfer is required.
Q 7: Is it safe to take a taxi from the airport late at night?
Yes, if you use the official pre-paid taxi counter inside the terminal or an app-based cab (Uber or Ola). Avoid unlicensed taxis parked outside the terminal. For complete peace of mind — especially for solo travellers, women travelling alone, or families — a pre-booked airport meet and greet with curbside transfer is the safest option.
Q 8: How much Indian currency should I carry when I arrive?
Exchange enough for your first day or two at the airport — roughly ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 (about USD 35 to 60). You can withdraw more from ATMs in the city at better rates. Most urban shops, restaurants, and hotels also accept international credit and debit cards.
Q 9: Do Indian airports have luggage trolleys?
Yes. Trolleys are free at all major Indian airports. You will find them lined up near the baggage carousels.
Q 10: What happens if my luggage is lost or delayed?
Head to the “Lost and Found” or “Baggage Services” counter near the carousels. Keep your baggage tags (the stickers on your boarding pass) — the airline staff will need these to trace your luggage. Most delayed bags arrive within 24 to 48 hours and are delivered to your hotel.
Q 11: Can I buy an Indian SIM card at the airport?
Yes. Jio, Airtel, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) have counters in the arrivals hall of every major international airport. You will need your passport and a passport-size photo. SIM activation takes 30 minutes to 24 hours. Alternatively, buy an eSIM before you fly — providers like Airalo and Holafly offer India data plans.
Q 12: What is a meet and greet service at Indian airports?
A meet and greet service provides a personal concierge who meets you inside the airport — often at the jet bridge — and escorts you through every step: immigration, baggage claim, customs, and out to your vehicle. It may also include fast-track immigration, porter services, lounge access, and VIP handling. Shikhar Travels has been offering this service for over 46 years across all major Indian airports.
Q 13: Which Indian airports have fast-track immigration for tourists?
Fast-track immigration lanes are available at Delhi (IGI), Mumbai (CSMIA), Bangalore (KIA), Hyderabad (RGIA), and Chennai (MAA), though access for foreign tourists is typically through a booked meet and greet service provider rather than as a walk-up option.
Q 14: Do I need to fill out an arrival card when landing in India?
Yes. The arrival (disembarkation) card is required for all foreign nationals. It asks for your name, nationality, passport number, flight number, purpose of visit, and address in India. Some airlines distribute these on board; otherwise, pick one up at kiosks near the immigration counters.
Q 15: Is there a dress code for entering India?
No. There is no official dress code for entering the country. Dress comfortably for your flight and the Indian weather — which can range from 5°C in a Delhi winter to 45°C in a summer heatwave. Modest clothing is appreciated when visiting religious sites, but this does not apply at the airport.
Q 16: Can I use Uber or Ola at Indian airports?
Yes. Both Uber and Ola operate at every major Indian airport. You will need a working phone number and mobile data to book a ride. Follow the signs to the designated “App Cab” pickup zone — it is separate from the regular taxi stand. Surge pricing is common during peak hours and late-night arrivals.
Q 17: What power plugs does India use?
India uses Type C, Type D, and Type M power plugs with a 230V supply. If you are coming from the US, UK, or Australia, you will need an adapter. It is a good idea to buy a universal travel adapter before your trip. Most hotel rooms in India have multiple socket types, but airports and lounges may not.
Q 18: How far are Indian airports from the city centre?
It varies significantly. Delhi IGI is about 15 km from central Delhi (30-60 min). Mumbai BOM is within the city but 25-30 km from South Mumbai (60-90 min). Bangalore KIA is 35-40 km from the city (60-90 min). Hyderabad RGIA is 30 km (40-60 min). Chennai MAA is 20 km (30-45 min). Always factor in traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours.