Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is one of Asia’s most modern and efficient airports, welcoming millions of international visitors every year. For foreign travellers arriving in India for the first time, the airport experience sets the tone for the entire journey. A smooth arrival means less stress, clear navigation, easy communication, and a comfortable start to your trip. IGI Airport has three world-standard terminals, organised facilities, clean washrooms, upgraded immigration counters, accurate signage, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the arrival process simple and comfortable for international guests.
This guide helps you understand exactly how to move from immigration to baggage, SIM cards, currency exchange, transportation, and airport exit. Each section is written for travellers from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, and other international regions who may be unfamiliar with Indian airport procedures. Whether you are visiting India for cultural exploration, business, photography, or a multi-city tour with a private driver, this guide prepares you for a hassle-free start to your journey.
Delhi Airport works 24 hours a day and offers organised queue systems, helpful staff, electronic immigration counters, and multiple language announcements. Travellers will find smooth pathways, escalators, clean lounges, comfortable seating, and clear instructions guiding them from landing to exit. The airport is considered one of the safest and most traveller-friendly in Asia.
A successful arrival depends on understanding the flow of the airport. Once you land, everything follows a simple order: immigration, baggage claim, customs, arrival hall, SIM cards, currency exchange, and transportation. This blog explains every step in detail, helping travellers navigate confidently without confusion. The presence of a private driver waiting at the arrival gate further enhances comfort, especially after long flights.
Below is a fully detailed arrival guide for international travellers entering India through Delhi Airport in 2026.
Indira Gandhi International Airport includes three primary terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic low-cost carriers, Terminal 2 for selected domestic flights, and the main international Terminal 3. Most international travellers land at Terminal 3, which is large, modern, air-conditioned, and highly secure.
The airport features moving walkways, multilingual signboards, and automated systems for immigration and baggage. The floor layout is designed to flow in a single direction, preventing crowding and confusion. Travellers can access lounges, restrooms, free trolleys, and duty-free shops easily.
The moment you exit the aircraft, you follow signs leading to immigration. These signs are placed frequently, ensuring travellers never lose direction. Even late-night or early-morning arrivals are comfortable due to reliable lighting, active staff, and clean facilities.
Terminal 3 remains temperature-controlled at all times, ensuring comfort even during India’s warmer months. Travellers appreciate the airport’s calm ambience, wide corridors, and efficient security procedures.
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Immigration is the first official step after landing. The experience is straightforward when you have your documents ready: passport, printed eVisa approval (if applicable), and accommodation details. The immigration hall includes multiple counters for foreign passport holders, reducing waiting time.
Travellers must complete simple questions about their visit, such as duration, purpose, and cities they plan to explore. Officers typically greet travellers politely and conduct checks within minutes. The process is structured, professional, and organised.
Ensure your passport has clear pages and your visa status matches your travel purpose. India’s eVisa system makes the process fast for tourists. Travellers must ensure that the details printed on the visa approval match their passport details. Keeping a digital and printed copy avoids delays.
Immigration officers stamp the passport with the entry date, allowing travellers to begin their Indian journey. This step is essential for official entry records. Travellers should double-check the date and ensure clarity before leaving the counter.
Once immigration is cleared, travellers move toward the baggage area. Digital screens display updated flight information, making it easy to locate your assigned carousel. Free trolleys are available for luggage, making transportation effortless.
Security and CCTV cameras monitor the baggage area continuously. Staff members are present throughout the zone to assist travellers if any issues arise. Cartons, suitcases, backpacks, and oversized luggage arrive through marked belts.
After collecting bags, travellers proceed to customs clearance. Customs officers may ask routine questions, especially if travellers carry large electronic items or high-value goods. Most visitors pass through without detailed checking. The green channel is for travellers without dutiable goods, and the red channel is for those carrying items requiring declaration.
Baggage claim and customs at Delhi Airport are simple, transparent, and designed to help travellers complete formalities quickly and comfortably.
A working mobile connection is essential for smooth travel in India. Delhi Airport offers official telecom counters from Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone. These counters operate round the clock and provide instant SIM card activation through a verified process.
Travellers must present their passport and provide a local address, usually their hotel booking. The process is safe, documented, and legally verified. Activation can take anywhere between a few minutes to a couple of hours. The SIM becomes fully functional after network verification.
A SIM card purchased at the airport ensures reliable connectivity throughout your trip. Avoid buying SIM cards from unauthorised vendors outside the airport. A private driver typically waits for you near the exit and may suggest the best telecom option based on your travel route.
Mobile data is affordable and fast, making navigation, communication, and digital payments simple.
Airport currency exchange counters offer immediate convenience, allowing travellers to obtain Indian Rupees upon arrival. Rates may be slightly higher than city counters, but they ensure instant access to local currency.
ATMs are available across Terminal 3 and allow travellers to withdraw money using international cards. It is advisable to withdraw small amounts initially and use reputable ATMs located in well-lit areas. Digital payments are widely accepted across India, making travel easy and cash-light.
Currency exchange counters are present in the arrival hall, offering receipts and secure transactions. Avoid exchanging currency from unofficial agents to prevent counterfeit risks. Most hotels in major cities accept cards, but carrying some cash is beneficial for markets or small food shops.
The arrival hall is where travellers meet their private driver, hotel representatives, or tour coordinators. It is organised with clear exit points, regulated taxi counters, and visible signage.
Private drivers usually stand with a placard showing your name. This makes it convenient to locate your driver even in a busy environment. Drivers assist with luggage and guide travellers smoothly to their vehicle.
The arrival hall includes cafes, restrooms, snack shops, telecommunication stalls, and seating areas. Travellers can refresh, buy water, or reorganise their bags before heading out.
Security is strict at the arrival gates, ensuring safety for all international travellers.
Travellers can choose from multiple transportation modes, but the private driver option remains the safest, most comfortable, and stress-free method for foreign guests.
A private driver ensures seamless movement from the airport to your hotel. They know the routes, traffic patterns, and safe driving techniques needed in India. This option eliminates the stress of bargaining with taxi drivers, locating public transport, or navigating city routes.
Prepaid taxis, app-based taxis, and metro services are also available, but travellers unfamiliar with India may find them less convenient after long international flights.
Private drivers also help with luggage, hotel check-ins, and orientation around the city.
Delhi Airport is extremely safe, but following simple guidelines helps maintain comfort. Travellers should avoid accepting assistance from unknown individuals who approach randomly. Official counters and verified services are always the safest.
Travellers should not leave their luggage unattended at any time. CCTV cameras and security staff are present throughout the terminal, ensuring a controlled and secure environment.
Using authorised taxi counters, prepaid services, or private drivers reduces risks and improves comfort. Avoid exchanging money with unofficial sellers and ignore individuals offering “quick SIM cards” outside official counters.
Staying aware, confident, and organised ensures a smooth arrival experience.
Once you exit customs, your private driver waits just outside the arrival gate with a placard. This makes it easy to locate your driver even during peak hours. Drivers usually contact travellers beforehand through WhatsApp to share meeting points, photos, and car details.
A private driver manages luggage, assists with SIM card activation if needed, guides you to safe ATMs, and ensures a smooth exit from the airport. Their presence replaces confusion with clarity.
Travellers appreciate the safety, comfort, and personalised care that drivers offer from the very first moment.
Delhi Airport provides clean washrooms, prayer rooms, childcare rooms, lounges, and wheelchair-access services. Lounges offer food, Wi-Fi, showers, and resting areas, useful for travellers with long layovers.
Hygiene standards at Delhi Airport are high, matching global expectations. Staff members clean and maintain restrooms frequently. Travellers can access filtered water refill stations and multiple vending machines.
India supports extensive digital payment systems. Once your SIM card is active, you can use apps for navigation, bookings, communication, and food ordering. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, helping travellers stay connected until SIM activation.
India’s digital ecosystem is modern and reliable. App-based services, maps, ride-hailing platforms, and digital wallets function smoothly, making travel easy for foreign guests.
Delhi Airport is extremely safe, clean, and well-monitored.
Immigration is simple with proper documents.
Official telecom counters are available inside the arrival hall.
Yes, private drivers wait at the arrival gate with a placard.
Prepaid and app-based taxis are available, but private drivers offer maximum comfort.
Having small cash is helpful, but most payments can be done digitally.
Yes, multiple official counters operate 24/7.
Digital screens guide you to the correct baggage belt.
Delhi Airport is safe at all hours with continuous security.
Yes, free and stable Wi-Fi is available across Terminal 3.
