Overview

Tirupati International Airport (Renigunta, TIR) has the infrastructure for immigration and customs processing, including immigration counters and baggage conveyors, because the airport was upgraded to international status in 2017. However, regular direct international commercial services remain limited and airlines decide flights and staffing; passengers should verify if international clearing facilities will be active for their specific flight.

Immigration — what to expect

Arriving international passengers

• On arrival you will disembark and follow signs to Immigration.
• Present your passport, valid visa (if required) and the arrival/disembarkation card (if issued).
• Immigration officers will verify documents and biometrics where applicable before stamping you in.
• After immigration, proceed to baggage reclaim and then to Customs (see below).

Departing international passengers

• At departure, present passport, visa (if required) and boarding pass at the immigration counters.
• Expect document verification, and if required, exit immigration checks and stamping.
• Allow extra time for immigration formalities during peak hours.

Important notes

• The terminal at TIR has dedicated immigration counters (Wikipedia and airport terminal data note multiple counters).
• Staffing/activation depends on scheduled international flights.
• Always confirm with your airline before travel.

Customs — procedure & channels

Green / Red channel system

After baggage claim: Passengers move to Customs. There are two channels:

• Green Channel — for passengers with nothing to declare (within duty-free allowance).
• Red Channel — mandatory if you carry dutiable, restricted or prohibited goods, or amounts of cash/foreign exchange above the declaration limits.

Duty-free baggage allowance (high-level)

• Indian customs rules provide duty-free allowances for bona-fide personal effects and certain goods.
• For many passengers, the duty-free baggage allowance (value of goods allowed without customs duty) is up to about ₹50,000 for typical tourist items (electronics, clothing, perfumes, small items).
• Check the exact rules that apply to your passenger category (tourist / returning resident / transfer).
• Jewelry and certain goods have special rules.
• If the combined value of dutiable items exceeds allowances, you must declare and pay duty on the excess.

Currency declaration

• You must declare cash/foreign exchange if thresholds are exceeded.
• If foreign currency notes exceed USD 5,000, declaration is required.
• If the aggregate value of foreign exchange (cash + traveler's cheques etc.) exceeds USD 10,000 (or equivalent), declaration is required on arrival or departure.
• Indian currency rules (export/import) are stricter — see RBI/CBIC guidance.
• Failure to declare large amounts can lead to seizure and penalties.

Prohibited & restricted items

• Prohibited items include explosives, dangerous chemicals, narcotics, certain animal/plant products and other goods banned by law.
• Restricted imports (e.g., large quantities of liquor, tobacco, high-value electronics, large amounts of jewellery) must be declared and may attract duty or require permits.
• Always check the CBIC / customs guidance if you carry valuable items.

Step-by-step: arrival (international) — quick guide

• 1.Disembark: Disembark the aircraft and follow signage to Immigration.
• 2. Immigration clearance: Present passport, visa and arrival card; biometric capture if required.
• 3. Baggage claim: Collect baggage at the assigned carousel.
• 4. Customs: Proceed to Customs — choose Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare) channel; if in doubt, declare.
• 5.Currency/valuables: If carrying large amounts, present currency declaration forms.
• 6.Exit/transfer: Exit the terminal (or connect to domestic flights following airline procedures).

Baggage problems (lost, damaged, delayed)

If your checked baggage is delayed or damaged, immediately contact the airline’s baggage services desk inside the arrival hall. For items lost inside the terminal (not on aircraft), contact the airport Lost & Found. For customs-related baggage queries (e.g., detained items), contact the Customs office at the airport.

Special situations & commercial shipments

If you are bringing commercial quantities of goods (for resale) or shipping items out of India, you must follow customs import/export procedures — commercial invoices, packing lists, licences and customs clearance apply. Freight and commercial cargo use the cargo customs procedures; contact the customs office for guidance.

Operating hours & international service note

Tirupati Airport was designated an international airport in 2017 and the terminal includes immigration and customs facilities, but scheduled international commercial services have been limited and activation of customs/immigration counters depends on airline operations. Always confirm with your airline or AAI before assuming on-site international clearing will be available for a particular flight.

Contacts & useful links (keep handy)

• Airport (AAI) — Airport Director (Tirupati / Renigunta): Phone: +91-877-2275354 | Fax: +91-877-2275353 | Email: apdtp@aai.aero
• Customs Division — Tirupati (Local Customs office): Phone: 0877-2140424 | Email: cdtirupati@gmail.com (Customs Preventive Division — Tirupati)
• AAI – Tirupati services & facilities: Official Tirupati airport services page
• CBIC / Customs rules & baggage allowances: Official guidance on duty-free allowances, declaration & baggage rules