Passengers can use maadhaar to enter airport with valid ticket
TRAVEL EASE BCAS includes ecopy of unique ID card in list of documents for air travel
NEWDELHI: Air travellers can now furnish maadhaar card as a valid photo identity card to gain entry into airports. Photos or photocopies of the Aadhaar card, however, will not be accepted.
The Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which frames guidelines on aviation security, has included the electronic copy of the unique identification number card in the list of permissible documents for air travel.
The decision was taken on October 26. Until now, a passenger had to carry the original Aadhaar card or any other government identity proof.
UIDAI, which issues Aadhaar numbers, had launched the maadhaar app for mobile users. Air travellers can show the unique identification profile on mobiles to the security personnel posted at the airport entry gate.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), however, has clarified that photos of Aadhaar or other documents will not be accepted.
“There was a confusion on Aadhaar. Passengers used to show photo or photocopies of the card but we would refuse entry. But we would allow those carrying the downloaded e-card from UIDAI website. Now BCAS has clarified it so there will be no dispute about it,” said a CISF officer, who wished not to be named.
The bureau has also clarified that minors accompanying parents will not have to show their IDS separately.
Earlier, there was no clarity over whether a minor travelling with parents will have to show ID individually. But if a child is travelling alone, he/she will have to produce a photo ID.
“In order to ensure that only a bonafide passenger is travelling on a valid ticket issued in his/her name as well as to avoid any controversy/argument with the security staff, photo identity documents shall be carried in original,” said the BCAS circular issued on October 26.
Other government IDS, which passengers can use, are passport, voter ID card,pan card, driving licence, passbook issued by a nationalised bank, pension card and disability photo identification. Service photo ID card of central/state government, PSU, local bodies or a private limited companies will also be accepted.
Differently-abled persons have to produce a disability photo ID or a medical certificate.
Students have the option to furnish a photo identity card issued by a government institute.
“If a passenger is not able to furnish one of any approved documents, there is also an option to provide an identity certificate issued by a group A gazetted officer of the central/ state government. For international passengers, the requirement of producing a passport and an air ticket will continue,” the circular reads.
Passengers used to show photo or photocopies of Aadhaar card but we would refuse entry. We would allow those carrying the downloaded ecard from UIDAI’S website. Now BCAS has clarified so there’s no confusion