India’s big step for the safety of foreign travelers

Now the safety of passengers traveling from India to abroad or coming to India from abroad can be further ensured. The Indian government, realizing the dangers associated with foreign air travelers, has taken a strict step. Under the new system, all international flights departing from or coming to India will have to provide complete details of their non-Indian passengers to the Customs department 24 hours in advance. This rule has come into effect from April 1, 2025 and is mandatory for Indian as well as foreign airlines.

Heavy penalty for not following orders

If any airlines do not comply with this order, they will have to pay a fine ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000. This fine will be imposed for every violation. Apart from this, all airlines will have to mandatorily register on the National Customs Targeting Centre-Passenger (NCTC-PAX) platform by January 10, 2025.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued an official order in this regard. It also states that information such as passengers’ mobile numbers, ticket payment method, and their food preferences during the journey will have to be shared with the customs department 24 hours before the flight takes off.

Passenger Name Record (PNR) rules come into force

CBIC had issued “Passenger Name Record (PNR) Information Regulations 2022” in August 2020. Under this, it has been made mandatory to share the information of foreign travelers with the Customs Department. The purpose of this rule is to prevent potential threats associated with foreign travelers and to strengthen the security of the country.

How will security and risk analysis capability increase?

Getting detailed information about foreign travelers will increase the risk analysis capacity of the Government of India. If there is apprehension about any passenger, the government will be able to take necessary steps to stop him from travelling. Airlines will also have to strictly follow this rule.

Start of pilot phase

The pilot phase of this new order will start from 10 February 2025. Airlines must ensure that they provide all necessary details to the customs department in time before travel.

What will happen for the passengers?

• data security: Passenger information will be used only for security purposes.
• prevention: Will help in tracking suspicious passengers and ensuring security.
• timely information: It will be mandatory for airlines to inform the customs department before travel.