Arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) with an Indian e-Visa can be a smooth and comfortable experience when you know what to expect. From immigration to airport facilities and onward transportation.
IVC visas offers step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and an overview of services and amenities available at the Mumbai Airport, helping international travelers transition seamlessly from touchdown to exit.
Before You Land: Visa & e-Arrival Requirements
If you’re arriving in India with an Indian e-Visa at a designated airport like Mumbai, ensure your electronic travel authorization (ETA) is printed and accessible with your valid passport. You’ll present this at immigration where the e-Visa will be stamped upon entry.
Know about more authorized airports and seaports for Indian e-visa travelers.
E-Arrival Card
Foreign nationals and OCI card holders are required to complete a digital e-Arrival Card online between 24–72 hours before reaching India. This card replaces paper arrival forms and streamlines your immigration clearance.
Arrival Process: From Aircraft to Immigration
Once you disembark, follow the clearly marked “International Arrivals” signage throughout the terminal. Most international flights arrive at Terminal 2 (T2) of Mumbai Airport.
Travelators and escalators guide you toward the Immigration Hall, where queues are organized by:
- Indian Passport Holders
- Foreign Passport Holders
- E-Visa Holders (follow specific signage where indicated)
Immigration Clearance
At the immigration counters, officials will:
- Verify your passport and e-Visa
- Check your e-Arrival Card details
- Patrol lanes dedicated to foreign nationals
This process ensures you meet entry criteria for India.
Biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) may be captured for first-time visitors. Immigration officers will stamp your passport with the visa entry details.
Processing time varies depending on flight arrival waves, but during peak hours allow 45–90 minutes for clearance.
IVC visas make sure that their Indian e-visa applicants enter through authorized entry ports and even help them to apply online from Japan, Singapore, Italy and other 160 eligible nationalities for correct Indian e-visa.
Baggage Reclaim – Collecting Your Luggage
After immigration, proceed to baggage reclaim. Digital screens display:
- Flight number
- Assigned baggage carousel
Complimentary baggage trolleys are available. If your baggage is delayed or missing, visit the airline’s Lost & Found/Baggage Services Counter located near the reclaim area.
Customs Guide – Know the Green & Red Channels
Once you have your luggage, move toward customs clearance:
- Green Channel: Nothing to declare
- Red Channel: Declare dutiable goods (electronics, excess currency, gold, commercial items)
Incorrect declaration can lead to fines or confiscation, so review Indian customs regulations before travel.
Extensive Facilities in Arrival hall
After customs, you enter the arrival hall where multiple services and facilities are available for Foreign Travelers.
CSMIA is one of India’s most modern airports and offers extensive facilities for arriving passengers like:
✅Booking Transportation - Cabs and Taxis
- Prepaid taxi counters
- App-based rides (Uber / Ola pickup zones)
- Hotel transfers
- Car rental services
- Inter-terminal shuttle service (for transfer between T1 & T2) for transit passengers
Always use authorized counters like Uber and Ola inside the terminal. Avoid unsolicited taxi offers outside.
✅SIM Cards & Internet Connectivity
Foreign travelers usually need internet immediately after landing, for maps, cab booking, hotel check-in, or payments. At Mumbai Airport, you can arrange connectivity directly inside the arrivals hall.
Available Mobile Operators: Airtel, Jio (Reliance Jio), Vi (Vodafone Idea)
- Passport
- Visa copy
- Passport photo (sometimes taken at counter)
- Local address (hotel booking works)
Activation: The process can take a few hours, typically 2–6 hours (occasionally up to 24 hours).
Airport Wi-Fi is available while you wait and incoming calls in India are free.
Tourist SIM validity: Valid up to 28 days (plans may extend to 56–84 days depending on recharge)
International Roaming Option: If you prefer not to buy a local SIM, most global providers work in India via roaming — but charges are significantly higher. Buying a local prepaid SIM is usually the most economical choice.
eSIM Option: Many travelers now activate an India data plan before departure:
- Purchase an India eSIM plan online (from a supported provider like Airtel)
- Scan the QR code received by email
- Activate data roaming on landing
This gives immediate connectivity without waiting for physical SIM activation after arrival.
✅Currency Exchange
Multiple 24/7 foreign currency exchange counters are located inside the arrivals area, so you can obtain Indian Rupees immediately after landing. Authorized providers such as EbixCash, State Bank of India, Weizmann Forex and Akbar Forex operate within Terminal 2 arrivals and departures, along with several ATMs for cash withdrawal.
You can exchange cash directly at the airport, but rates are typically higher than in the city so it’s best to convert only a small amount for initial expenses and withdraw or exchange more later in Mumbai.
You can exchange money in Mumbai at authorized forex dealers like Orient Exchange, Unimoni, Thomas Cook, and EbixCash, often found in areas like Vile Parle East, Andheri East, and Bandra, or use online platforms like BookMyForex.
✅Passenger Assistance
Passengers who require extra support can request wheelchair assistance, buggy rides for seniors, porter services, or opt for the premium Pranaam meet-and-greet service for guided airport assistance.
✅Comfort & Convenience
To relax before heading out, the terminal also offers duty-free stores, cafés, restaurants, lounges, charging stations and travel essentials shops. The entire arrivals area is air-conditioned, clearly signposted, and staffed by multilingual personnel — making navigation simple even for first-time visitors to India.
Know More: Essentials Outside the Airport
🗣️ Language in Mumbai
Locals here speak Marathi and Hindi but English is commonly used in hotels, airports, restaurants, transport services, and tourist areas so international travelers usually face no communication issues.
📞 Important Helpline Numbers
Save these emergency contacts on your phone:
National Emergency Helpline: 112
Police: 100
Ambulance: 102 / 108
Fire: 101
Women Helpline: 1091
Child helpline: 1098
Tourist Helpline (24/7): 1363
Women Helpline (Domestic Abuse): 181
Foreigners Safety & Assistance: Contact nearest police station or dial 112
These services operate nationwide and are accessible from any mobile network.
🏛️ Embassies & Consulates in India
Most countries maintain embassies in New Delhi and consulates in major cities like Mumbai.
In case of lost passport, legal issues, or emergency travel documents, contact your country’s diplomatic mission immediately. You can locate your embassy via the official Ministry of External Affairs website.
🛂 FRRO (Foreigners Registration Office) – Mumbai
Foreign nationals staying beyond permitted duration or on specific visa categories may need registration at:
FRRO Mumbai, Annex Building, Barrack No. 3, Behind Times of India Building, DN Road, Fort, Mumbai – 400001
Helpline: +91-22-22620446
Or you can also visit the online portal - e-FRRO.
If you need help regarding visa validity, extensions, documentation or immigration, you may contact IVC visas 24/7 through email or WhatsApp texts.
Our team can guide you before and during your stay to avoid immigration-related complications.
For more information, you may also visit Mumbai Airport official website.
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.