What is e-Gate at airport India?
e-Gates at Indian airports denote automated electronic gates situated at immigration counters and security checkpoints. These gates are engineered to quicken passenger processing through biometric verification, machine-readable passports, and electronic travel authorizations, consequently lessening queues and boosting airport effectiveness.
What Do e-Gates Do?
e-Gates allow eligible passengers to:
- Confirm identity through biometric methods, including facial recognition, fingerprints, or iris scans.
- Scan travel documents such as passports and e-Visas.
- Expedite immigration processing, bypassing manual inspections by immigration officers (though random checks might still be implemented).
- Minimize waiting periods substantially, particularly during times of high passenger volume.
Rather than queueing at conventional immigration counters, passengers go to e-Gates, scan their passports, undergo biometric verification, and upon successful clearance, the gates automatically open, permitting them to continue.
Where Are e-Gates Installed in India?
As of 2025, India has implemented e-Gate technology at major international airports, including:
- Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai)
- Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru)
- Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad)
- Chennai International Airport
- Cochin International Airport
- Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport
This deployment is a component of the Indian government´s DigiYatra program, which seeks to update airport procedures through the utilization of digital identity solutions.
DigiYatra and e-Gates
A key driver for e-Gates in India is the DigiYatra program, which:
- Allows passengers to create a DigiYatra ID, which is connected to their Aadhaar and uses facial biometrics.
- Permits passengers to share their travel information with airports before their arrival.
- Facilitates smooth passage through various airport processes, including check-in, security, boarding, and immigration, using e-Gates.
The use of DigiYatra is not mandatory. Passengers who choose not to participate can continue to use the standard manual immigration counters.
Currently, e-Gates in India are more commonly used for domestic check-in and inbound immigration. Outbound immigration e-Gates are not yet fully operational at all airport
The system streamlines journeys by eliminating paper documents and physical contact. Rather than requiring repeated presentation of paperwork, travelers are identified using facial recognition at every stage.
Who Can Use e-Gates in India?
- Indian citizens possessing valid biometric identification (such as Aadhaar) and registered with DigiYatra.
- Select foreign travelers with machine-readable passports and e-Visas, contingent on airport facilities. As of 2025, the majority of e-Gate systems in India are primarily for use by Indian citizens. Foreign nationals holding e-Visas typically still need to use manual counters, despite pilot programs for foreign travelers being trialed at key locations such as Delhi.
- Business travelers and frequent flyers enrolled in trusted traveler programs.
Conversely, first-time visitors or those necessitating manual immigration processing (including visa-on-arrival, specific visa classifications, or cases requiring special examination) may not qualify for e-Gates and must utilize conventional counters.
Benefits of e-Gates
- Faster processing
- Less waiting in queues
- Improved security through biometric verification
- Contactless, reducing physical document handling
Even when using e-Gates, all passengers must still undergo standard security screenings, including baggage scans and physical checks.
Potential Limitations
- Technical glitches can occur.
- Elderly or tech-unfamiliar passengers may find it challenging.
- Not all airports in India have e-Gate facilities yet, especially smaller regional airports
In summary, e-Gates are transforming how passengers navigate Indian airports, offering speed, security, and convenience. For tech-savvy travelers, they are a fantastic way to breeze through formalities and save precious time.
