Call Us:- 1-866-235-8886

What to Expect When You Land at Delhi Airport from Canada

  • Posted on August 1, 2025
border
What to Expect When You Land at Delhi Airport from Canada

Landing at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) from Canada in 2025? Here’s exactly what to expect: After arriving at Terminal 3, you’ll pass through immigration (with your Visa or OCI), collect baggage, clear customs, and choose your ride—airport taxis, Uber, Delhi Metro, or private pickups. Bilingual signage (English + Hindi) ensures smooth navigation even for first-timers.

According to the Airports Council International (ACI) 2024–25 World Airport Traffic Report, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) handled approximately 77.8 million passengers in 2024, making it the 9th busiest airport globally—up from 10th in 2023.

If you’re flying soon, this is the time to book your cheap India flights, and Tripbeam helps you find the best deals. This Delhi Airport arrival guide for Canadian travelers covers every step of the process—from touchdown to transport—so you can land with confidence.

IGI Delhi Terminal 3 Arrival Guide: Overview for Canadian Flyers

All international flights from Canada, including from Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary, arrive at Terminal 3 (T3) of IGI Delhi. Here’s what you can expect upon landing:

Feature Details
Terminal for International Flights T3 (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
Languages on Signage English & Hindi
Average Immigration Time 30–60 minutes
Facilities Wi-Fi, washrooms, cafes, lounges, currency exchange
Connectivity Domestic & international connections via Terminal 2 or T3

*Pro Tip: Download DigiYatra and register in advance for faster processing through e-gates at selected checkpoints.

Immigration Requirements at Delhi Airport for Canadian Citizens & OCI Holders

The first official checkpoint is immigration. As a Canadian citizen or OCI card holder, you’ll proceed to dedicated counters for foreign nationals.

Documents Required:

  1. Valid Canadian passport
  2. Indian e-Visa/Regular visa/OCI Card
  3. Boarding pass
  4. Arrival card—usually handed out on the flight or available at the airport
Type of Traveler Required Documents
Canadian citizen Passport + e-Visa (or regular visa)
OCI holder Passport + OCI Card
Indian citizen Indian passport

Quick Tips:

  1. Keep your visa confirmation email printed.
  2. Use the shorter OCI lanes if eligible.
  3. Avoid using your phone while speaking with the immigration officer.

Baggage Collection & Indian Customs Process at Delhi Airport

After immigration, follow the signs to baggage claim. Screens above each carousel show the relevant flight number.

Baggage Handling at IGI Delhi T3:

  1. Free luggage trolleys available
  2. Porters can be hired for assistance
  3. Oversized baggage arrives on separate belts

Delhi Airport Customs Clearance:D

Channel Use Case
Green No dutiable items
Red Carrying gold, electronics, or goods over customs allowance limit

Duty-Free Allowance for Canadian Travelers:

  1. Gifts/electronics worth INR 50,000
  2. 2 liters of alcohol (18+)
  3. Up to INR 25,000 in Indian currency

*Pro Tip: Declare high-value items like DSLRs/laptops if temporary use is intended.

Where to Get Tourist SIMs & Exchange Currency at IGI Airport

Right after customs, you’ll find kiosks offering SIM cards for tourists.

Provider Cost Validity Inclusions
Airtel ₹499–₹99 28 days 1.5 GB/day + unlimited local calls
Jio ₹300–₹900 28 days Similar data with broader 5G coverage

Required Documents for SIM Activation:

  1. Passport copy
  2. Visa copy or OCI card
  3. One passport-size photo (clicked on the spot at kiosk if needed)

Currency Exchange Advice:

  1. Use official counters for small conversions
  2. Prefer ATMs for better exchange rates (check with Canadian bank for international withdrawal charges)

Transportation Options from IGI Delhi Airport to City Centre

After exiting the terminal, you have multiple transport options to reach your hotel or final destination.

Mode Fare (to Central Delhi) Travel Time Booking Method
Uber / Ola ₹300–₹500 30–45 minutes Mobile app (requires Indian SIM)
Prepaid Taxi ₹350–₹500 30–40 minutes Terminal kiosk
Airport Metro ₹100 20 minutes Walk to Metro station in T3

Also Read: Top Tips for First-Time Flyers from Canada to India

*Tip: Pre-book an airport transfer through Tripbeam when booking your flights to skip the queues.

Domestic Flight Transfers from Delhi for Canadian Arrivals

Continuing onward to Mumbai, Amritsar, or other Indian cities? Here’s what you need to know:

Airline Domestic Terminal Baggage Transfer (through-ticket)?
Air India T3 Yes
IndiGo T2 or T3 No
Vistara T3 Yes
  1. Free inter-terminal shuttle available every 15 mins between T2 & T3
  2. Recommended layover: 3–4 hours minimum

Arrival Terminal Facilities at IGI Delhi – Wi-Fi, Lounges, Food

Once you’re through formalities:

  1. Wi-Fi: Free for 45 mins with OTP login
  2. Refreshment Spots: Costa, Barista & takeaway counters
  3. Medical Help: 24/7 assistance and baby care rooms
  4. Lounges: Plaza Premium Lounge (paid)
  5. Shower Access: Holiday Inn Express hotel within terminal access

Post-Arrival Action Plan for Canadian Passengers at Delhi Airport

Task Recommended Action
Immigration Keep e-Visa/OCI printout ready
Baggage Claim Identify belt number on screen displays
Customs Use Green Channel if nothing to declare
SIM & Currency Complete inside terminal before stepping out
City Transport Use Uber, Ola, or Metro for convenience and affordability
Connecting Flights Recheck baggage and terminal if domestic connection is needed

Canada to Delhi Travel Trends & Tips

  1. Top Cities Flying to Delhi: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary
  2. Popular Airlines: Air Canada (direct), Lufthansa, Air India
  3. Flight Duration: 13–16 hours, depending on stopovers
  4. Seasonal Travel:

                    1. Dec–Feb: Wedding season, peak NRI visits

                 2. May–July: Summer holidays for families, students

Final Words: Your Delhi Arrival Starts Right with Tripbeam

This IGI Delhi arrival process guide was created specifically for Canadian travelers landing in India. From immigration to SIM cards, this blog ensures you’re never confused or unprepared. Looking for a seamless trip? Let Tripbeam help you find the best cheap India flights, plan domestic legs, and assist with airport pickups.

Also, don’t miss: Last Minute Flights Toronto to Delhi – Save 40% on Urgent Travel

Top FAQs Answered – Delhi Airport Arrival Process for Canadians

Q1: What is the arrival process at Delhi IGI Airport for passengers flying in from Canada?

A: After landing at Terminal 3: go through Immigration → collect baggage → clear Customs → buy SIM or exchange currency → Exit or board your next flight.

Q2: How long does immigration take at Delhi Airport for international arrivals?

A: It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on flight volume and time of day.

Q3: Can Canadian travelers buy a SIM card at Delhi IGI Airport?

A: Yes. Airtel and Jio have kiosks at Terminal 3 offering tourist SIMs with instant activation.

Q4: Do international arrivals at Delhi Airport have access to duty-free shops?

A: No. Duty-free shopping is only available in departure and international transit areas, not at arrivals.

Q5: How much cash can I carry when arriving in India from Canada?

A: As per Indian customs, carry up to ₹25,000 INR and US$5,000 in other currencies.

Q6: Can I book an Uber from Delhi Airport after arriving from Canada?

A: Yes, but you’ll need a working Indian mobile number to receive the OTP and use the Uber/Ola app.

Q7: Where is the Airport Metro located at IGI Terminal 3?

A: The Airport Express Metro is directly accessible from Terminal 3, connecting you to Connaught Place in under 20 minutes.

Q8: Are porter services available at Delhi Airport for seniors or heavy luggage?

A: Yes. Porters are available 24/7 at a nominal fee—ideal for elderly travelers or families with extra bags.

Q9: What’s the quickest route from IGI Airport to Connaught Place?

A: The Metro is fastest: Just ₹100 and 20 minutes via Airport Express Line.

Q10: Are there shower or rest facilities available after landing at Delhi Airport?

A: Yes. You can use the Plaza Premium Lounge or book rooms at the Holiday Inn Express within the terminal.

Categories

Request a Call

  • I request and authorize Tripbeam to contact me. Know More
 
Testimonials

what our clients say

Planning for vacation?

Tell us more details to help better

I request and authorize Tripbeam to contact me. Know More
speical-deal