If you are planning a business aviation trip to India, we strongly recommend reviewing the guidelines below to ensure a smooth and seamless operational experience.
India has specific aviation, customs, immigration, and airport security procedures for private and non-scheduled flight operations. Proper planning and compliance with local regulations can significantly reduce delays and operational challenges.
1. Crew Visa Requirements for General Aviation Crew in India
Crew arriving in India must carry a valid Business Visa issued by the Indian Embassy or Consulate. Crew members may also apply for an E-Business Visa online.
E-Business Visa Application Link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
2. Passenger Visa Requirements for General Aviation Passengers in India
Passengers entering India must carry a valid visa issued by the Indian Embassy or Consulate. Eligible passengers may also apply for an E-Business Visa online.
E-Business Visa Application Link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
3. Passport and Visa Matching Requirement
Crew and passengers must carry the same passport on which their visa was issued. Presenting a different passport may result in denial of entry into India.
4. OCI Card Requirement for Indian Nationals
Indian nationals holding an OCI card must carry the physical OCI card along with their passport. Soft copies of the OCI card are not accepted by immigration authorities.
5. Mandatory E-Arrival Card Requirement for India
India now requires all international travelers entering the country to complete a mandatory digital e-Arrival Card before arrival. The form can be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival through the official link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/
For international business aviation operations, we strongly recommend completing this process before departure rather than relying on in-flight internet connectivity.
6. Crew Baggage Declaration Requirements in India
All crew members entering India must complete a Customs Crew Baggage Declaration (CBD) at the first port of entry using the Athithi 2.0 application. The declaration must be completed before clearing customs.
Reference Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.org.customnew
7. E-Cigarette Restrictions in India
E-cigarettes are prohibited in India. Please ensure that no passenger or crew member carries e-cigarettes into the country.
8. Satellite Phone Restrictions in India
Satellite phones are prohibited in India unless prior approvals have been obtained from the concerned authorities. Please ensure that no passenger or crew member carries a satellite phone without the required authorization.
9. Lighter Restrictions
Lighters are not permitted on flights in India.
10. Power Bank Regulations
Power banks are only permitted in cabin baggage.
11. Security Screening Procedures
Passengers and crew members are required to undergo personal frisking, and all hand baggage must be X-rayed before entering the sterile pre-boarding area.
12. Prohibited Items in Cabin Baggage
The following items are prohibited in cabin baggage:
- Dry cell batteries
- Knives, scissors, Swiss Army knives, and other sharp instruments
- Toy replicas of firearms and ammunition
- Weapons such as whips, nunchakus, batons, or stun guns
- Electronic devices that cannot be switched off
- Aerosols and liquids beyond permissible limits
- Any other items deemed security hazards under local regulations
Passengers may carry one clear, transparent, resealable, litre-sized plastic bag containing small quantities of liquids, gels, pastes, aerosols, or similar items. These may include beverages, shampoos, creams, toothpaste, hair gels, and hair sprays. All such items are subject to security screening and must comply with local regulations.
13. Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances
Trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances is a serious criminal offence in India and is punishable by imprisonment.
14. Vaccination Certificates
Passengers and crew members should keep their vaccination certificates readily available, if required by authorities.
15. Duty-Free Allowance for Alcohol and Tobacco
The following quantities may be imported within the applicable duty-free allowance for incoming passengers:
- Alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer: up to 2 litres
- Tobacco products:
- 100 cigarettes, or
- 25 cigars, or
- 125 grams of tobacco
16. Crew Declaration Requirements
Crew members must declare items such as mobile phones, computers, tablets, cigarettes, watches, ornaments, cash, and similar valuables to customs authorities upon arrival.
17. Foreign Currency Declaration Requirements
Declaration of foreign exchange or currency must be made to customs authorities in the following cases:
a. When the value of foreign currency notes exceeds USD 5,000 or equivalent.
b. When the aggregate value of foreign exchange, including currency, exceeds USD 10,000 or equivalent.
c. Passengers must also declare jewelry upon arrival if bringing it into India.
18. Crew Identification Requirements
Crew members must carry their valid crew ID at all times. Additionally, both crew and passengers must travel with the same passport on which the visa was issued, especially in cases where multiple passports are held.
19. Tow Bar Requirements for Aircraft Operating into India
Aircraft operating into India are required to carry a complete tow bar assembly onboard, including both the tow head and tow bar.
Although tow bars may be available locally at major airports, compatibility with specific aircraft types should always be confirmed before commencing flight operations.
Tow bar mismatches may appear minor during the planning phase, but operationally they can result in significant delays after arrival, particularly during aircraft repositioning or parking coordination. This is a technical detail that should always be verified before departure rather than addressed after landing.
For any operational assistance, please contact: ops@vvipflight.com
Disclaimer
Please note that the information provided above is subject to change without prior notice. We strongly recommend contacting our operations team for the latest regulations, updates, and operational guidance before planning your trip to India.
