Pan Card: Valid Id For Air Travel?

is pan card accepted at airport

A PAN card is accepted as a valid photo identity document at airports in India. However, this is only the case if the card is presented from the 'Issued Documents' section of the passenger's DigiLocker account. If the PAN card is uploaded by the user themselves, it will not be considered a valid form of photo identification. For international travel, passengers are advised to carry a valid passport, visa, entry permit, and necessary health certificates.

Characteristics Values
PAN Card accepted at the airport Yes
Valid for international travel No
Valid for domestic travel Yes
Valid for travel to Nepal No
Valid for travel to Bhutan No
Valid for travel to Dubai/Muscat No
Valid for minors Yes
Valid for individuals above 65 years or below 15 years Yes

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PAN card as a photo ID for domestic flights

When travelling on a domestic flight in India, it is necessary to carry a valid photo identity document. A PAN card is one of the accepted forms of photo ID for domestic flights in India.

The PAN card must have been issued by the Income Tax Department and must include a photograph. It is worth noting that PAN cards are only accepted in physical form; PAN cards stored in DigiLocker are not considered valid photo identity documents.

Other accepted forms of photo ID for domestic flights in India include a passport, Aadhaar card, Voter Photo Identity card, Driving Licence, Service Photo Identity Card, Student Photo Identity Cards, and Nationalised Bank Passbook with attested photograph.

It is important to ensure that the name on your photo ID matches the name on your e-ticket. If the names do not match, you may not be permitted to enter the airport or board the flight.

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PAN card as a photo ID for minors

In India, the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is an important identity proof issued to all citizens, including minors. The Income Tax (IT) department has not mentioned any age limit to apply for a PAN card, and minors are eligible to apply for one. Minors must have a PAN card when their parents intend to make them a nominee of their investments, shares, or similar financial products, or when parents invest in the child's name. A PAN card is also necessary when opening a bank account for a child.

To apply for a PAN card for a minor, the parent or guardian must submit the minor's personal details, their own details, address, and contact number. In addition, the parent or guardian must provide their Proof of Address (POA) and Proof of Identity (POI) documents, along with the minor's proof of date of birth. Two photographs of the minor must also be attached to the application form. The fee for PAN card applications for Indian citizens is Rs. 115.90, inclusive of taxes.

Regarding the acceptance of a PAN card as a photo ID at airports, the requirements vary depending on the country and airline. In the context of TSA checkpoints in the U.S., a PAN card issued by the IT Department is considered a valid photo identity document for adults. However, for minors under the age of 18, the requirements differ. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. Minors only need a boarding pass to board the plane if they are accompanied by an adult. However, some airlines may have specific ID requirements for travellers under 18, so it is recommended to contact the airline directly. Additionally, when travelling internationally, minors may need a passport or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or government-issued photo ID, depending on the destination country's requirements.

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PAN card as a photo ID for senior citizens

For senior citizens, a PAN card can be used as a valid photo ID at Indian airports. This is because individuals above the age of 65 are exempt from needing to provide approved identity documents, such as a passport or voter ID card. Instead, they simply need to provide some form of documentation that includes their photograph, which can be a PAN card.

PAN cards are issued by the Income Tax Department and are one of the acceptable forms of ID for senior citizens to gain entry to airport terminals and for check-in. Other valid forms of ID for senior citizens include driving licences, CGHS cards, and ration cards.

It is important to note that the PAN card must be presented in its original form, as uploaded documents are not considered valid. Additionally, the name on the PAN card or other identification document must match the name on the e-ticket for airport entry and boarding.

If a senior citizen is unable to present any of the acceptable forms of ID, a group 'A' gazetted central or state government officer can issue an identity certificate. This must be submitted on the official letterhead, with a photograph of the passenger.

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PAN card as a valid identity document

In India, a PAN card is accepted as a valid identity document at airports. The PAN card must be issued by the Income Tax Department and can be presented as proof of identity at the time of entry into the airport, check-in, immigration, or boarding. However, it is important to ensure that the name on the PAN card matches the name provided in the booking.

For domestic flights within India, passengers are required to carry a valid photo identity document in its original form. A PAN card is accepted as a valid photo identity document, along with other documents such as a passport, voter ID card, Aadhaar card, or driving license. This requirement ensures that a bonafide passenger is travelling on a valid ticket issued in their name and facilitates a hassle-free movement through security checks at the airport entry point.

Additionally, for individuals above the age of 65 or below 15, specific identity documents may not be mandatory. In such cases, any document with a photograph that confirms their age and identity, such as a PAN card, ration card, or driving license, may be used. This flexibility is also extended to children between the ages of 15 and 18 travelling between India and Nepal, who can use a PAN card or other approved identification certificates.

It is worth noting that the acceptance of a PAN card as a valid identity document may vary depending on the airline and the destination. Some airlines may have specific requirements or restrictions for certain routes or international destinations. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the respective airline and review their accepted identity documents before travelling.

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PAN card for international flights

In 2018, the Indian government considered making PAN cards mandatory for overseas travel. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) suggested that persons travelling internationally should be asked for their PAN number while booking their tickets. This would help bring higher transactions into the taxation data system. The ICAI also recommended that airline companies share this information with their accessing team.

The ICAI further suggested that the government widen the scope of filing tax returns so that frequent international travellers would be required to file an income return. This would allow the government to check whether such persons undergoing high transactions are filing their income tax returns.

Currently, the PAN card is one of several identity documents that can be used to gain entry to airport terminals and for checking in. According to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the following documents are acceptable as identity proof at Indian airports:

  • Passport
  • Voter ID
  • Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar
  • Driving licence
  • Service ID
  • Student ID card
  • Passbook of an account in a nationalised bank with a photo
  • Pension card or pension documents with photo
  • Disability ID card or handicapped medical certificate
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Frequently asked questions

Yes, PAN cards are accepted at Indian airports as a valid proof of identity.

Other valid forms of ID include passports, voter ID cards, Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar, driving licenses, service ID cards, student ID cards, bank passbooks, pension cards, and disability ID cards.

Yes, you will need to show a valid form of ID to enter an Indian airport and check in for your flight.

Yes, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a circular stating that documents in the "Issued Documents" section of the DigiLocker app and website are valid for airport entry.

No, you will need to carry your passport for international travel.

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