Good news comes for Indians flying abroad. You do not need to fill departure cards w.e.f 1^st July when flying abroad.

Indians flying abroad are in for good news. W.e.f. 1^st July filling departure cards will not be a mandatory requirement. The Union Ministry has done away with filling departure cards issued by the Bureau of Immigration from 1^st July onward to save on time. Until now, it was mandatory for the Indians to fill in details like name, date of birth, address, passport number, flight number and date of boarding. This move applies to all Indian passengers at International airports across the country. Those travelling by means of rail, land immigration check posts or ship will still have to follow the ongoing procedures of embarkation.

Earlier in 2014, the customs department had also done away with the need to fill forms declaring they were not carrying dutiable goods. These measures have been taken to save time required to clear immigration facilities.

Passengers’ details and credentials are already available in the system through other sources i.e. booking agents, a need for duplication is now being considered unnecessary. The steps also ensure paperless travel.

Sources : hindustantimes.com and timesofindia.com