Chennai International Airport is one of India's busiest international gateways and a designated entry point for Indian e-Visa holders. Whether you're arriving from Dubai, Singapore, or London, IVC visas' guide covers everything you need to know — from immigration counters to getting into the city.
"Chennai Airport handled over 22 million passengers in FY 2024–25, making it the fifth busiest airport in India."
— Airports Authority of India
Know Your Terminals
Chennai Airport has two main passenger areas. All international flights arrive at Terminal 2 - the Anna International Terminal. Domestic travel operates from Terminals 1 and 4, collectively known as the Kamaraj Domestic Terminal. A link building with a travelator connects both sides, making inter-terminal transfers simple for transit passengers.
Before You Land
Two things must be ready before your aircraft doors open:
- Your printed or digital India e-Visa approval letter.
- Your e-Arrival Card - fill this out on the official Indian visa portal between 24 and 72 hours before arrival. It replaces the old paper form and speeds up your clearance significantly.
IVC visas helps in getting India e-visa approval (ETA) online from every part of the world, whether you are a Singaporean, Russian or a Malaysian national travelling to India or from other 160 eligible nations.
Immigration Clearance at Anna International Terminal
Follow the "International Arrivals" signs from the airbridge down to the immigration hall at Terminal 2. Signage is bilingual — English and Tamil. The hall is divided into distinct zones for:
- e-Visa Holders
- Indian Passport Holders
- Traditional (Sticker) Visa Holders
- OCI Cardholders
- Diplomats
At the counter, officers will verify your passport (minimum 6 months validity), e-Visa, e-Arrival Card, and may ask for your return ticket and accommodation address.
First time visitors to India will have biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) captured. This takes just a couple of minutes. Expect 30 to 60 minutes for total clearance during peak arrival windows.
"Chennai is among the first airports in South India to pilot India's Trusted Traveler Program, using facial recognition e-gates for pre-registered passengers — a significant step toward faster immigration processing."
Baggage & Customs
After immigration, digital screens in the baggage hall display your carousel number. There are six baggage belts in the International Arrival area. Free trolleys are available throughout.
If your bag is missing or damaged, report it at your airline's Lost & Found counter before leaving the terminal.
At customs, choose your channel:
- Green Channel if nothing to declare.
- Red Channel if you carry gold above the duty-free limit, currency exceeding USD 10,000, commercial goods, or high-value electronics. When in doubt, always declare.
Those tagged as Red channel may have to undergo further screening or may have to pay additional charges.
Arrival Hall Essentials
✅SIM Cards
Kiosks for Airtel/Jio are typically available near the exit in the arrival hall. You need your passport, visa copy, a photograph, and hotel address. Activation takes 2 to 24 hours. Airport Wi-Fi is available while you wait. For instant connectivity, consider activating an India eSIM plan before departure.
✅Currency Exchange counters and ATMs
There are five authorized foreign exchange counters that operate inside the international arrivals area, typically located near the baggage claim and exit zones. Providers such as Thomas Cook and other RBI-authorized forex dealers offer currency exchange services for arriving passengers.
It is advisable to exchange only a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses such as transport or SIM purchase, as exchange rates at city-based authorized dealers are usually more competitive. Areas like T. Nagar, Anna Salai, and Nungambakkam have several reliable forex offices.
In addition, multiple ATMs are available across the arrival and terminal areas, allowing passengers to withdraw Indian Rupees directly using international debit or credit cards.
✅Transportation facilities
Ola / Uber: App-based pickup zones are inside the terminal. Always use authorized services like Ola, Uber, Fast Track. All app-based taxi pickups have been shifted to the West Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP), also known as Aerohub West.
Prepaid Taxi: Fixed-rate booths are available inside arrivals.
You can reach the pickup point via a covered walkway or use the free battery-operated buggy services available from the terminal exits.
Chennai Metro: The Airport Metro Station is an elevated station connected directly to the terminals via a glass bridge walkalator.
Tirusulam Railway Station: The station is located directly across the airport. A pedestrian subway connects the airport complex to the station.
MTC Buses: Local Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses stop at the Airport Bus Stop on the GST Road (just outside the airport gates).
✅Dining and Shopping
A comprehensive range of dining and shopping facilities across its terminals, significantly enhanced by the recent opening of the Aerohub West mall connected to the airport premises. Go Duty Free, gift shops, global chains like Starbucks and KFC are available for quick refreshments and shopping.
✅Medical, Prayer & Family Facilities
Passenger wellness is supported by 24/7 Apollo Pharmacy outlets, an on-site Medical Center, quiet Multi-faith Prayer Rooms, and private Child Care Rooms equipped with nursing facilities, ensuring all immediate traveler needs are met upon landing. Sleepzo pods are available for short naps, located in the transit/arrival corridors. The Aerohub Transit Hotel is located within the mall complex for those staying for long hours for their next flight.
Post-Arrival Essentials
✅Language & Signage
Tamil is the official language of the state, but English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, transport services and tourist areas and all airport signage is bilingual. Communication is rarely a barrier for international visitors.
✅Emergency Helplines
Use these helpline numbers in case of emergency during your stay:
National Emergency: 112
Police: 100
Ambulance: 102/108
Fire: 101
Tourist Helpline (24/7): 1363
Women's Helpline: 1091
Child Helpline: 1098
Tamil Nadu Tourism: 1800 425 31111
Chennai Airport Enquiry: +91-44-2256 0551
✅FRRO office in Chennai
Foreign nationals on long-stay(visa extensions) or specific visa categories must register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival. Tourist e-Visa holders on short stays are generally exempt.
Address: Shastri Bhawan Annexe, 26 Haddows Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600006|
Phone no.: +91-44-23454971
Manage registration, extensions, and exit permits online at the e-FRRO portal.
✅Embassies & Consulates in Chennai
Chennai hosts approximately 58 foreign representations, including consulates from the USA, UK, Germany, Japan, France, and Australia, among others. In case of a lost passport or emergency documents, contact your mission directly.
Find all consular missions via the Ministry of External Affairs or Airports Authority of India.
✅IVC Assistance
For Indian e-Visa applications or any immigration-related queries before or during your trip, contact IVC Visas via Email or WhatsApp text. We assist round the clock to avoid any confusion and ensuring safe travels!
For additional details, visit the Chennai International Airport Official Page or the Airports Authority of India - Chennai for real-time updates on terminal services.
And that's all, Welcome to India!
Disclaimer: IVC Visas is an independent visa service provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government authority, Indian immigration department, or the official Indian e-Visa portal. We assist applicants with e-Visa application preparation and submission to official government portals. Final approval decisions rest solely with Indian immigration authorities. Airport procedures and regulations may change. Always verify the latest requirements through official sources before travel.