India Transit Information
Many travelers are confused about whether they should get a visa to transit
through India and get to another destination, as it depends on many factors
- whether you go out of the airport and the length of the stopover, etc.
This FAQs are available to help you find your route through the India
Airports easily and efficiently.
When do I need a visa to transit through India?
Generally, if your layover time in India is between 24 - 72 hours, you
should have a Transit Visa. If your layover in India exceeds 72 hours, you
will need an appropriate visa, e.g. a Visa on Arrival. Please note that, if
you'd like to go through custom, a visa would be required even if your
layover is shorter than 24 hours. It could be a transit visa or other types
of visa such as India e-Tourist Visa (eTV).
Then, when can I transit through India without a visa?
If you meet all of the following conditions, you can transit through India
without visa. The conditions are:
• Layover time less than 24 hours as determined by scheduled arrival and
departure times;
• With confirmed plane tickets to a third country;
• Staying in the specific Transit Area (means no clearing immigration, no
re-checking your luggage).
However, the problem is often you will need to leave the transit area and
clear custom, for one reason or another. For example, you have to re-check
your luggage to the final destination since the airline does not do it for
you, or simply because your connecting flight does not leave on the same day
and you want to spend the night in a hotel outside the area, etc. In all
these cases, you officially enter the India, you must apply in advance for
an entry and stay visa in order to transit through India.
This is why I always advise my customers to get a
Transit Visa in advance or
at least book the connecting flight on one ticket with the flight to India.
A single booking allows you to connect from one flight to the next without
having to clear immigration and re-claim your luggage personally. If you
book the connecting flight separately, it’s very likely that the connecting
airline would not have your luggage transferred (unless the airlines are codeshare and have interline agreement for luggage transfer), in this case,
you will need to reclaim your bags and go through customs and consequently
need a visa. You may have heard stories of people being helped by airline
staff to have bags transferred to connecting flights, but don't count on it.
Is it possible to get a Transit Visa on arrival in Indian airports?
No, transit visas cannot be obtained on arrival from immigration counters at
ports of entry in India. You will need to apply for it in advance before
departure. Alternatively, you may apply Visa on Arrival if you meet the
requirement.
Can I apply a Tourist Visa on Arrival rather than a Transit Visa to
transit through India?
There is such possibility but currently the Indian the "Visa on Arrival"
facility is only available for citizens of the following countries:
Cambodia, Finland, Japan, Laos, Luxembourg, Myanmar, New Zealand,
Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and etc. And it's only valid for
a single entry for a period of 30 days. So do not count on it.
What's the validity of a Tourist Visa for India? How long can I stay in
India with the transit visa?
A Transit Visa is valid for single/double journey and for entry within 15
days from date of issue. That being said it must be used within 15 days from
the date of issue. The maximum permitted stay in India during each visit is
72 hours. And the Transit Visa cannot be extended.
If my trip is longer than 15 days, a transit visa will no longer be valid on
my return trip transiting through India, what should I do?
In this case, you need to apply for a second one. In fact, it is
recommended to get a normal double entry visa for India from the beginning,
which will give you more peace of mind. Check the types of
India Visas
available.
How long is processing time of Transit Visa?
Visa processing time varies in different countries, normally 3-6 working
days.
Where and how to apply an Indian Transit Visa?
Applicants are required to fill online visa Application by visiting
indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ and visit their nearest embassy or offices of
outsourcing agent with printout of the online filled application and
required travel documents. Submitting by post or a travel agent is accepted
in some country but not in all countries. Here is a link to directory of
Indian embassies/consulates across the globe.
Note: In many countries, the visa related services has been outsourced to
private agents. The countries include US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia,
etc. Please check with office or official website of Indian Embassy of your
residence country to ascertain your place of submission and specific
requirements.
What are the requirements for applying an India Transit Visa?
- Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
- Correct visa fee (see below)
- Two recent 2*2 photographs passport type photograph, in color, front view,
with eyes open, a light colored background.
- Duly filled Online Application Form with signatures.
- Evidence of onward travel to India - confirmed air ticket for
onward/returned journey.
For person whose previous nationality was Indian before acquiring foreign
nationality, the Original Surrender Certificate and Copy of the Cancelled
Indian Passport is required.
If you've traveled to India before, previous passport with Indian Visa is
required. Additional documents may be required by the High Commission of
India or its consulates.
How much does an Indian transit visa cost?
The cost of an Indian Transit Visa could differ for citizens of different
countries according to the arrangement between governments. Visa cost can be
divided into various types, such as basic visa fee, reference fee, and other
service charges. Citizens of countries that have a special agreement with
India pay no/less visa fee, such as Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh,
South Africa, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius.
Basic visa fee of applying for an Indian transit visa in your residence
country:
| Transit Visa Types |
American (USD) |
Australia (AUD) |
Canada (CAD) |
UK (GBP) |
Germany (EUR) |
|
| Visa Fee | Single Entry | 40 | 38 | 31 | 56 | 25 |
| Double Entry | 40 | 38 | 75 | 45 | 25 |
Please note: The visa fee does not include the service charges from of
the outsourcing agencies / diplomatic missions. Meanwhile, applying at a
third country, the visa fee will be different. Visa fee and handling charges
are subject to change without prior notice.
Besides Transit Visa, what other types of visa available for foreigner?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type
of visa is required under India. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you
will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the
category of visa for which you are applying. When you apply at a India
embassy or consulate, a consular officer will determine based on laws,
whether you are eligible to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category
is appropriate. Check the types of India Visas available.
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