KYC for physical travel SIMs in India: why it is needed and which documents work
Travel eSIMs need no KYC. Physical SIMs delivered in India do, under Department of Telecommunications rules. Here is the process, the documents and how long it takes.
Quick facts
Physical travel SIMs delivered in India require KYC because Indian Department of Telecommunications rules apply to any SIM handed over in India, including foreign-network travel SIMs. Universal eSIMs completes KYC online in about 3 minutes with Aadhaar or passport plus a selfie. Travel eSIMs delivered by QR code need no KYC because no SIM card changes hands in India.
Guide reviewed on 25 October 2026 · Hotspot allowed on every plan · Full refund if your phone cannot install the eSIM
Step by step
Order the physical SIM
At checkout choose Physical SIM. You are asked to complete KYC before dispatch.
Upload one identity document
Aadhaar (with masked number accepted), passport, voter ID or driving licence. Passport is required if you are not an Indian citizen.
Take a live selfie
The system matches it against the document. Good light, no glasses.
Confirm the delivery address
Must match a document or be supported by a utility bill or booking confirmation.
Dispatch
After approval, usually within 2 hours during business hours, the SIM ships by courier in 2 to 5 working days.
Why eSIMs are different
KYC rules attach to the physical handover of a SIM card inside India. An eSIM profile is downloaded from a foreign network's server and never passes through an Indian point of sale, so no Indian KYC applies. The destination country's rules may still require passport details for local SIMs bought there; travel eSIMs on roaming profiles avoid that too.
Accepted documents
Data protection
Documents are stored encrypted, used only for the KYC record required by law, and deleted from active systems 90 days after the SIM is deactivated, subject to statutory retention. We never share them with marketing partners. Details in the privacy policy.
Students
Student SIMs with a local destination number are provisioned by the destination operator and may need a passport scan and, after arrival, a local address. The student SIM page lists the requirement per country.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need KYC for a travel eSIM?
No. The QR code is delivered by email and no SIM card changes hands in India.
Can I order a physical SIM for a family member?
Yes, with that person's own KYC. Each SIM must be in the name of its user.
Is Aadhaar mandatory?
No. Passport, voter ID or driving licence also work for Indian citizens.
How long does approval take?
Usually within 2 hours during business hours; always within one working day.
What if KYC fails?
The most common reasons are a blurred document or a selfie in poor light. You can retry twice. If it still fails, support reviews it manually or you can switch the order to an eSIM.
Is KYC needed for IoT SIMs?
IoT SIMs delivered in India go through business KYC: GST number and an authorised signatory ID. Details on the IoT page.
Related help
• Physical travel SIM
· • eSIM vs physical SIM
· • Student SIM
· • Privacy policy
· • Check if your phone supports eSIM
· • Help centre
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