How to get an Escort pass at the Indian airport?
An Escort Pass (also called a Visitor Entry Pass or Airport Entry Pass) is a document issued by airport authorities in India that allows a non-traveler to enter certain areas of the terminal (usually the departure area) to assist a passenger—often elderly, minor, sick, or disabled—before departure. Nonetheless, the general population does not receive escort passes readily and they are strictly regulated and issued only under specific conditions
1. Who Can Get an Escort Pass?
Escort passes are usually given to:
- Parents or legal guardians of unaccompanied minors
- Elderly passengers or those with limited mobility
- Any family member assisting the patient or the disabled person
- In other cases, it is a representative of the airline or travel agent who is assisting a VIP or dependent passenger
Visitors are generally not allowed inside the terminal unless they have a valid reason and permission to escort a passenger
2. Where to Apply for an Escort Pass
Escort passes are issued at the departure terminal by the airport terminal manager or duty officer. In the majority of the cases, these passes can be obtained at the airline helpdesk or the Airport Entry Permit (AEP) desk near the terminal entrance
3. Documents Required
To apply for an escort pass, you typically need to:
- Provide a copy of the passenger’s ticket
- A valid government-issued ID (passport, Aadhaar, PAN, driving license).
- In medical or special cases, a doctor’s letter or other supporting documents may be required
- Complete a form or request form given by the airline or the airport authority
The airport officials can check your relation to the passenger and why you are seeking entry.
4. Fees and Validity
- There is a nominal amount of fee (typically of 75 INR to 150 INR) against escort/visitor pass.
- The pass is usually given to have a limited duration (e.g., 1–2 hours) and allows access only up to the security check area, not beyond the boarding gates
- Special cases would be possible at some airports (medical escort, child assistance, etc.).
5. Important Notes and Restrictions
- Escort passes are subject to availability and current security protocols. The issuance may be suspended during heightened security alerts or under COVID-19 restrictions.
- Not all Indian airports issue escort passes. Major airports such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), and Bengaluru (BLR) have stricter policies.
- This depends on the decision of the airport authorities and CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) whether access will be granted.
Conclusion
Indian airport Authorities do issue escort passes but only under genuine and approved circumstances. You must visit the designated desk with valid documentation and the applicable fee. Once granted, the pass will have limited access and time validity.
In case you are assisting a minor, a senior citizen, or an individual with some medical requirements, contact the airline or the airport authority prior to planning the trip to obtain information on procedures and availability.
