No departure cards for those flying abroad from July 1

Chennai: As part of passenger friendly initiative, the ministry of external affairs recently announced that international passengers departing from India need not fill departure (embarkation) cards from July 1.

According to Chennai airport sources, passengers can now save time and need not fill the form. The card includes details like name, date of travelling, flight name, all of which are already mentioned in passport and visa. Passengers had appealed to the Central government asking for a breeze-through experience. Also, as the card is in English, labourers traveling abroad faced difficulties in filling it.

Earlier, in March, 2014, the government had waived off arrival (disembarkation) cards. Authorities say this step is directed towards paperless travel.  However, officials from the Chennai airport said the provision only applies to passengers travelling by air.