Aadhaar At Airports: Does E-Aadhaar Work For Travel?

e-Aadhaar is a password-protected electronic copy of Aadhaar, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is a valid form of identification proof for airport security in India, according to a circular issued by the aviation security agency BCAS. This means that passengers entering airport premises in India can use their e-Aadhaar as one of the ten identity proofs listed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

e-Aadhaar is a valid form of ID at airports

E-Aadhaar is a password-protected electronic copy of Aadhaar, digitally signed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The mAadhaar app can be used anywhere within India and is accepted as a valid ID proof.

Many people have successfully used the mAadhaar app on their phones at airports with no issues. In fact, airport security staff themselves have advised passengers without any physical IDs to download the mAadhaar app and use it for entry.

Therefore, if you are travelling within India and want to use e-Aadhaar as your ID proof at the airport, you can do so. However, for international passengers, the requirement of producing a passport and an air ticket continues.

mAadhaar is also accepted at airports

The mAadhaar app can be installed on any smartphone and used by anyone in India. However, to create an Aadhaar profile in the app, you will need an Aadhaar-linked registered mobile number. The OTP to create the profile will be sent to this registered mobile number.

The mAadhaar app is more than just an Aadhaar card in your wallet. While the mAadhaar profile is accepted as a valid ID proof, the app also allows residents to share their eKYC or QR code with service providers who require Aadhaar verification before providing their services.

Several people have reported using mAadhaar at various airports in India without any issues. In one instance, a traveller who had forgotten their ID was advised by security staff to download the mAadhaar app and use it for entry. Therefore, mAadhaar is a convenient and secure way to carry your identity proof on your mobile phone and can be used as a valid ID at airports in India.

Other valid forms of ID at airports include a passport, voter ID card, PAN card and driving licence

In India, a valid proof-of-identity document is required for domestic flights, along with a ticket. These include:

• A passport
• A voter ID card
• A PAN card
• A driving licence

Other valid forms of ID include:

• A photo identity card issued by the Election Commission of India
• A photo identity card issued by the employer, being government and reputed private sector organisations
• A student photo identity card issued by a government institution or government-recognised educational institution
• A nationalised bank passbook with an attested photograph
• A pension card/pension document with a photograph
• A disability photo ID card/handicapped medical certificate issued by the respective state/UT governments or administrations

Proof of identity and travel documents stored in DigiLocker are accepted at airports in India if you wish to avoid carrying physical documents.

For international flights, a valid passport, visa, entry permit, and necessary health certificates are required.

Minors accompanied by parents do not need to show ID at airports

In India, minors who are accompanied by their parents do not need to show ID at airports. However, if a child is travelling alone, they are considered an unaccompanied minor. In this case, they must have a valid photo ID with them.

In the United States, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the country. However, each airline may have its own specific ID requirements for travellers under 18, so it is recommended to contact the airline beforehand to confirm.

In general, Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) can be used as proof of identification when entering an airport for domestic flights. This is in addition to several other forms of ID, including a photo identity card issued by the Election Commission of India, a PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department, a driving licence issued by RTO, and various other government-issued photo identity cards.

Differently-abled persons must produce a disability photo ID or medical certificate at airports

In India, a Disability Photo ID Card or a handicapped medical certificate issued by the respective State/UT Governments/Administrations is required for differently-abled persons to enter an airport. This is in accordance with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's regulations, which aim to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination and ensure they receive assistance during air travel.

The DGCA has also issued Civil Aviation Requirements, which outline regulations for the carriage of persons with disabilities and reduced mobility by air. These requirements ensure that individuals with disabilities receive dignified treatment and have access to necessary facilities at Airports Authority of India (AAI)-managed airports.

In addition to the required disability documentation, there are other acceptable forms of identification that may be presented at Indian airports. These include:

• Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
• Photo Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India
• PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department
• Driving License issued by RTO
• Service Photo Identity Card issued by State/Central Government, public sector undertakings, local bodies, or public limited companies
• Student Photo Identity Cards issued by government-recognized institutions
• Nationalized Bank Passbook with an attested photograph
• Pension card/pension documents with the passenger's photograph

It is important to note that the requirements for air travel may vary depending on the country and specific airport regulations.

In the United States, for example, adult passengers aged 18 and over must present valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. Acceptable forms of ID include a state-issued driver's license, a DHS trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry or NEXUS), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, or a foreign government-issued passport, among others.

Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the relevant airport authorities or government sources to confirm the specific identification requirements for differently-abled persons when travelling by air.

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