If you have upcoming travel plans and want to ensure a seamless check-in experience at the airport, you should consider opting for the DigiYatra service. This utility, introduced as a travel initiative by the Government of India, relies on a biometric-based verification process to skip long queues at the airport and make the security check-in process a lot faster. DigiYatra has been around for a while and continues to make domestic air travel easy by enabling a paperless, contactless, and seamless experience at major airports in India. 

Powered by facial recognition technology, it eliminates the need to show physical ID or boarding passes at key checkpoints—terminal entry, security, and boarding gates—saving 15–25 minutes on average per journey.

As of early 2026, DigiYatra is live at over 20 airports (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Guwahati, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Bagdogra, and more), with ongoing expansions and app improvements like better QR handling, airport service switching, and verifiable credential features.

Here’s a complete, up-to-date guide on how to set up DigiYatra, upload your boarding pass, and use it smoothly at the airport.

Step 1: Download and install the DigiYatra app

– Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS).

– Search for “Digi Yatra” (official app by DigiYatra Foundation).

– Download and install the free app.

Tip: Always use the official app to protect your data. Avoid third-party clones.

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Step 2: Register and create your DigiYatra profile (One-time process)

Registration is quick and secure, using Aadhaar-linked verification and a selfie for facial biometrics.

– Open the app and tap “Get Started” or “Register”.

– Enter your mobile number (preferably Aadhaar-linked for smoother OTP verification).

– Receive and enter the OTP sent via SMS.

– Accept the terms and conditions.

– Link your identity credential:

  • Preferred: Use DigiLocker to pull your Aadhaar details securely.
  • Alternative: Upload an offline Aadhaar XML file or use Passport for NRIs/non-Aadhaar users.
  • Note: Aadhaar for children under 5 is not accepted.

– When prompted, take a clear, well-lit selfie (face the camera straight, no glasses/hat/mask).

– The app verifies your details against the VAHAN/DigiLocker database and generates your unique DigiYatra ID and facial biometric profile.

– Your profile is now active. Note that the biometric data is encrypted and used only for verification, and is deleted 24 hours after flight departure.

Step 3: Upload and share your boarding pass

In this step, you can link your flight to your DigiYatra profile so facial recognition works at checkpoints.

– Open the DigiYatra app after web check-in or receiving your boarding pass.

– Go to “Your Upcoming Travel” or “Add Travel” section.

– There are three ways to add a boarding pass:

  • Scan the QR code on your e-boarding pass (most airlines support this).
  • Upload an image/PDF of the boarding pass.
  • Enter PNR/ticket number manually (if QR/image not available).

– Ensure the name on your boarding pass, ticket, and Aadhaar match exactly.

– Once uploaded, a pop-up appears—tap “Share with Airport” or “Share Boarding Pass” to send it to the departure airport.

– This step is critical—without sharing, DigiYatra won’t activate at gates.

– You’ll see a confirmation and a QR code on the home screen for reference.

Best practice: Upload and share 24–48 hours before departure, or immediately after web check-in.

Step 4: How to use DigiYatra at the airport

Once your profile is active and your boarding pass is shared, follow these touchpoints:

  1. Airport Entry Gate:
    • Head to the DigiYatra e-gate (marked clearly, often separate from regular queues).
    • Look straight into the camera/face pod.
    • Facial recognition verifies your identity in seconds.
    • Gate opens → proceed inside (no need to show ID or boarding pass).
  2. Pre-Security / Security Check:
    • Go to the DigiYatra Face Pod in the pre-security hold area.
    • Face the scanner again—system validates your travel details.
    • Proceed to security screening (faster lane in many cases).
  3. Boarding Gate:
    • At the departure gate, use the DigiYatra e-gate or face pod.
    • Scan your face (no phone needed).
    • Self-boarding completes—gate opens for boarding.

Total time saved: Typically 15–25 minutes across checkpoints.

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Important notes before using DigiYatra:

– DigiYatra is optional—regular queues remain available.

– Works only for domestic flights (international not yet supported).

– Carry physical ID/boarding pass as backup (in case of technical issues).

– Biometric data is deleted within 24 hours post-departure.

– If issues occur (e.g., face not recognised), approach airport Digi Buddies or use regular counters.