Arriving in South India through Kempegowda International Airport?
With the right preparation, your entry process can be quick and stress-free. This step-by-step guide explains immigration, baggage, facilities, connectivity, and post-arrival essentials for international passengers.
IVC Visas assists travelers before departure by verifying documents, ensuring correct entry ports, and helping avoid immigration issues especially for first-time visitors.
Before You Land – Visa & Entry Preparation
If you’re travelling with an Indian e-Visa, keep these ready before landing:
Passport: 6-month valid from the arrival date
E-Visa approval (ETA): Either printed or digital copy needed. Just in case, carry both.
Return or onward travel details: Intended date of arrival, purpose of visit, boarding pass, etc.
Accommodation address in India: Address of where you are staying in India
e-Arrival Card: Foreign nationals may need to complete the e-arrival card before travel. Submit it online within the permitted time window prior to departure to speed up immigration clearance.
Besides entry preparation, your very first step should be knowing that the airport you are arriving at, is authorized for an Indian e-visa holder or not. Bangalore is an authorized port of arrival. Knowing about your authorized port is an easy task when you are applying with IVC visas as it helps Canadian, Japanese, Thai nationals and even other 160 eligible nationalities apply effortlessly for an Indian e-visa.
Arrival Process – From Aircraft to Immigration
After disembarking, follow International Arrivals signage toward the immigration hall inside Terminal 2 (most international flights arrive here).
"Terminal in a Garden: Kempegowda International Airport is uniquely designed with lush indoor greenery, hanging gardens, and 10,235 sqm of green walls to mimic a walk through a park."
You’ll see separate queues for:
- Indian passport holders
- Foreign passport holders
- e-Visa travelers
Airport staff guide passengers if unsure where to stand.
Immigration Clearance
At the counter, immigration officers will:
- Verify your passport & e-Visa
- Confirm travel details
- Capture biometrics (fingerprints + facial photo for first-time visitors)
- Stamp entry date on passport
Average clearance time: 30–75 minutes depending on arrival traffic.
IVC Visas ensures applicants enter through authorized ports and provides guidance if immigration officers request supporting information.
Baggage Reclaim – Collect Your Luggage
Proceed to baggage claim after immigration. Check screens for:
- Flight number
- Carousel belt number
Complimentary trolleys are also available if you plan to carry heavy luggage.
If baggage is missing, then visit the airline baggage service desk as soon as possible.
Customs Check – Green & Red Channel
After collecting luggage, move to customs:
Green Channel – Nothing to declare
Red Channel – Dutiable goods (electronics, currency, commercial items, gold)
An incorrect declaration may lead to penalties or fines. After clearing customs, you enter the arrival hall where you find extensive services.
Timeline expectations: During peak hours, it takes 60-90 minutes from landing to airport exit, factoring in immigration queues and baggage claim times.
Leaving the Airport- Post Arrival Essentials
✅Booking Transportation - Cabs and Taxis
Transportation options available outside the airport:
- Airport taxis (official counters)
- App cabs (Uber/Ola pickup zones)
- Hotel transfers
- Car rentals
- Airport bus services (BMTC Vayu Vajra)
Always use authorized booking counters inside the terminal or use trusted app cabs like Ola and Uber. You may avail premium service by booking Uber black, facilitated by the airport itself.
"Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is the first airport in India to feature a dedicated Uber Black pickup zone"
✅Currency Exchange
Inside the terminal, you’ll find 24-hour forex counters and multiple ATMs after arrival.
Practical advice:
- Exchange a small amount (₹2000–₹5000) for a taxi, snacks or SIM purchase
- Airport rates include a markup price, so it is advisable to check for city forex dealers and banks that offer the most competitive conversion.
Cards and digital payments are widely accepted in Bengaluru, so you won’t need large amounts of cash immediately after arrival.
✅Connectivity through SIM Card
Local SIM cards at BLR airport are readily available in the arrivals area, with 24/7 kiosks often open to serve international passengers, particularly near the luggage pickup exit. Major providers like Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone-Idea) offer tourist prepaid plans, with activation usually taking 30-60 minutes. You'll need:
- Original passport
- Valid visa or e-visa confirmation
- Passport-sized photo (they may take a digital photo)
- Hotel booking confirmation (address proof)
- Cash in INR (foreign cards may not be accepted)
Tourist plans range from ₹200-500 and include data, calling, and SMS for 28-84 days. The SIM card's validity is generally tied to the duration of your visa.
✅International Roaming
Many travelers now prefer activating an India data plan before departure, so they are connected immediately after landing at the landport.
How it works:
- Purchase an India-compatible eSIM plan online (from an international or Indian provider)
- Receive a QR code by email
- Scan it in your phone’s cellular settings
- Turn on mobile data + roaming once you land
Best for short-stay travelers (1–2 days) who need only basic connectivity. For longer trips, a local SIM or eSIM is far more economical.
Extensive Services Available at BLR Airport
Kempegowda Airport offers modern passenger amenities to help travelers settle comfortably.
Basic Services:
- Free Wi-Fi access so you can wait till your SIM card provides you with internet connectivity.
- Information desks
- Currency exchange & ATMs for basic essentials
- Medical room & pharmacy
- Lost & Found counters
- Baby care rooms & prayer rooms
Passenger Assistance: Wheelchair assistance, Porter service, Buggy rides for seniors and Meet & greet assistance for passengers.
Comfort & Convenience: Restaurants & cafés, lounges, duty-free shopping, charging stations and taxi, cab stations all available at the airport arrival hall.
The terminal is fully air-conditioned, multilingual, and easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
Essentials Outside Airport
Language in Bangalore
Kannada is the local language here, but Hindi and English are widely understood and spoken in Bengaluru, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, airports, and among educated residents. Most signage is bilingual (Hindi and English). You'll find it easy to navigate Bangalore with English alone.
Emergency Numbers
National Emergency: 112 (connects to police, ambulance, fire)
Police: 100 or 112
Ambulance: 102 / 108
Fire: 101
Tourist Helpline: 1363
Women in Distress: 1091
Foreigners' Safety & Assistance: Contact the nearest police station or dial 112
Embassies & Consulates
Most embassies are in New Delhi, but Bengaluru hosts several consulates. Check the Ministry of External Affairs to contact your mission immediately for passport loss or legal issues.
FRRO
Foreigners staying beyond visa conditions must register at the FRRO via the e-FRRO portal or local office in Bangalore at 5th Floor, 'A' Block, TTMC, BMTC Bus Stand Building, K.H. Road, Shantinagar, Bangalore - 560027, open from Monday to Friday, 09:30 AM - 06:00 PM.
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IVC Assistance in your Immigration Journey
Entering India through Kempegowda International Airport is straightforward when prepared. From immigration clearance to transport and connectivity, the airport is designed for efficient passenger movement, helping you begin your India journey confidently.
For more info, you may also visit the Bangalore Airport official website.
If you face issues regarding visa validity, extension, or immigration queries, IVC Visas provides guidance before and during your stay via email and WhatsApp support.
Disclaimer: IVC Visas is an independent visa service provider. We assist with application preparation and submission to official government portals. Final visa approval decisions are made solely by Indian immigration authorities. All information is based on current regulations as prescribed by the Government of India, which may change. Always verify the latest requirements before travel.