Complete Guide to Indian Transit Visa
It's important to note that foreign nationals, regardless of the purpose or duration of their trip, usually need to obtain a Transit Visa for India to enter the country. This requirement applies to citizens of most countries, although some may need to apply in advance at an Indian embassy or consulate.
Points to Note for Transit Visa:
- You can apply for Indian Tourist Visa instead of Transit Visa if you intend to change planes in India because this will give you the flexibility to come out of the Airport.
- Even if you are in the Airport, its possible that you will miss the connecting flight and you may want to go to a Hotel, then you will require Indian Tourist eVisa.
- Also, even if you are in Airport, but you need to come out of International Transit Zone, then you will require an eVisa to visit India.
Therefore, when in doubt apply for Indian eVisa on this website.
However, it's now possible for most foreign passport holders to apply for an Indian eVisa online, which can be used for transit purposes.
Most foreign nationals who wish to enter India must obtain a visa regardless of the duration or purpose of their visit. Only citizens of Bhutan and Nepal are exempt from this requirement and can enter India without a visa.
Even if a traveller is only transiting through India on their way to another destination, they may still require a visa depending on their length of stay and whether they intend to depart from the airport's transit area.
For some countries, a transit visa for India must be obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. However, many foreign passport holders can now apply for an Indian eVisa online for a transit visa.
If you plan to explore India's = destinations and unique experiences as a foreign tourist, you'll need to obtain a Transit Visa for India. This can be an e-Tourist Visa (also known as an eVisa India or Indian Visa Online) which can be easily applied for through the Indian Immigration Authority's online portal.
The Indian Immigration Authority recommends that travellers apply for an e-Visa, rather than visiting an Indian Consulate or Embassy to simplify the application process and save time.
You require India e-Tourist Visa or Indian Visa Online to witness the amazing places and experiences as a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on an India e-Business Visa and want to do some recreation and sightseeing in India. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online rather than visiting Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.
Do we require A Transit Visa Required to Enter India?
To comply with Indian visa regulations, non-visa-exempt travellers transiting through an Indian airport for more than 24 hours or desiring to exit the Transit Area would require a Transit Visa for India. Even if the passenger arrives in India with a connecting aircraft within 24 hours, they may need to leave the transit area for various reasons, such as going to a hotel outside the transit area or rechecking bags for their connecting flight would necessitate clearing immigration.
To obtain a Transit Visa for India, travellers must apply in advance via the Indian electronic visa application website. By doing so, they can ensure they meet all requirements and can transit through India without issue.
Is it Possible to Travel to India In Transit Without A Visa?
If you are transiting through an airport in India for a layover period of fewer than 24 hours and have verified tickets to a third country, you may not need a Transit Visa for India. However, staying within the authorised Transit Area of the airport is essential to be exempt from the visa requirement. It is recommended to book the additional flight included in the original ticket for the trip to India. This will enable you to recheck your bags for the connecting flight without leaving the designated Transit Area.
If you stay on board your ship while it is docked at an Indian port, you are also exempt from needing a Transit Visa for India.
For transiting through India for a period longer than 24 hours, it is necessary to possess a legitimate eVisa for India, like an authorised business visa or medical visa. These types of visas are considered Transit Visas for India and permit multiple entries into the country while the visa is valid.
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How much time Does It Take to Obtain An India Transit Visa?
If you're planning a transit through India and require a visa, the process has been made much easier with the introduction of the online eVisa application form. This user-friendly form only takes a few minutes to complete and requires a primary passport and travel information. However, it's essential to specify that you need a Transit Visa for India when filling out the form.
To successfully submit your application, you'll need to provide information such as the suggested port of entry into India, the expected arrival date, and the visa fee cost using a valid credit or debit card. Once your application is submitted, you may receive approval for your transit visa in as little as four days.
To ensure that your visa is processed in time, it's recommended that you submit your eVisa application at least four days before your desired arrival date in India. Once your visa has been accepted, it will be emailed to the address you provided on your application.
It's important to note that the Transit Visa for India is available as a single or double-entry visa and is valid for 15 days from the date of issuance. Additionally, it's only useful for direct travel and has a maximum stay restriction of three days in India. If you plan to stay longer in India, you'll need to apply for a different visa appropriate for your visit, such as an India tourist visa.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Navigating through airports in India can be confusing, especially when determining whether you need a Transit Visa for India. The need for a transit visa depends on several factors, including the length of your layover and whether you plan to leave the airport during your stay.
To make things easier, here are some frequently asked questions about transit visas for India that can help you plan your journey with ease:
When do we need a transit visa required to enter India?
If you are thinking of visiting India and your stay will be between 24 and 72 hours, it is essential to note that you will need a Transit Visa for India. This type of visa will allow you to pass through the country for your connecting flight or travel to your final destination.
On the other hand, if your stay in India is longer than 72 hours, you will require a different type of visa, such as a Visa on Arrival or an e-Tourist Visa.
It's worth mentioning that even if your stopover in India is less than 24 hours, you will still need a Transit Visa for India to get through customs. This visa will enable you to clear immigration and customs before continuing your journey.
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When can I travel to India without a visa, then?
To pass through India without a visa, you must fulfil specific requirements such as confirming airline tickets to a different country, having a layover of fewer than 24 hours, and remaining in the designated Transit Area without clearing immigration or rechecking your luggage. However, you must leave the transit area and pass through customs, such as staying in a hotel outside the region or rechecking your bags to your final destination. In that case, you must apply for a Transit Visa for India in advance.
We always recommend our clients obtain a Transit Visa for India in advance or utilise the same ticket to purchase the subsequent flight as their travel to India. A single booking allows you to change flights without going through immigration and reclaiming your bags. On the other hand, if you book the connecting flight separately, in all likelihood, unless two, your luggage won't be transferred to the connecting airlines that are codeshare partners with an interline agreement for luggage transfer. In this case, you must retrieve your luggage, navigate customs, and obtain a Transit Visa for India.
It's important to note that you may have heard stories of airline personnel assisting passengers in changing their luggage to subsequent flights, but it's best not to rely on these tales. It's always better to be prepared and have a Transit Visa for India in advance to avoid unforeseen complications during travel.
Is it suggested to obtain a transit visa at the airport in India?
If you are planning to transit through India and require a Transit Visa for India, it's important to note that you cannot obtain one at the immigration desk upon arrival. You must apply for it in advance through the appropriate channels. However, if you meet specific requirements, you may be eligible to apply for a Visa on Arrival instead. Researching and understanding the requirements and procedures for obtaining a Transit Visa or Visa on Arrival before travel is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transit experience.
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Can I go through India on a tourist visa rather than a transit visa?
It is possible to obtain a Transit Visa for India, which allows for a short stay in the country. However, it is essential to note that only nationals from select countries such as Cambodia, Finland, Japan, Laos, Luxembourg, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, among others, are currently eligible for an Indian Visa on Arrival. Additionally, the Visa on Arrival is only valid for a single entry and a 30-day stay, so it may not be a reliable option for more extended stays in India. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider your travel plans and visa requirements before relying solely on a Transit Visa for India.
How long is a tourist visa to India good for? How long may I stay in India if I have a transit visa?
If you're planning on travelling to India and making one or two stops before your final destination, you may be eligible for a Transit Visa for India. This type of visa is acceptable for a maximum of 15 days from the date of issuance and allows for a stay of up to 72 hours during each visit. It's important to note that the Transit Visa for India cannot be renewed, so you'll need to make sure that you plan your travel accordingly. Whether you're transiting for business or pleasure, having a Transit Visa for India can help to streamline your travel experience and ensure that you're able to make your connections with ease.
What should I do if my trip lasts longer than 15 days and I need to transit through India on the way back?
Consider applying for a regular double entry visa for India from the outset, particularly if you're in a situation that may require a second visa. Opting for a Transit Visa for India may not provide the necessary peace of mind, as it's designed specifically for short stops during travel to other countries. So, exploring various India visa options and selecting the one that best fits your needs is essential.
How much time does it take to process a transit visa?
For travellers needing a Transit Visa for India, it's important to note that the processing times can vary depending on the country. Typically, the processing period ranges from 3 to 6 working days. It's recommended to plan accordingly and apply for the Transit Visa well in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
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Where should I apply for a transit visa for India?
To apply for a Transit Visa for India, you must complete an online application form available on our website. You must go to your neighbourhood embassy or an outsourced agent's office with a printout of the completed application once you have finished the form and gathered all required travel papers. However, some nations might accept submissions through mail or travel agents, but it's not a universal rule for all countries.
Note: If you're unsure about the specific requirements for your location, you can refer to the list of Indian consulates and embassies worldwide. Alternatively, private agents offer visa-related services for several countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and others. We recommend contacting the Indian Embassy office or visiting their website for your current location to obtain the latest information regarding your place of submission and any specific requirements you need to fulfil.
What conditions must be completed to apply for an India transit visa?
A few needs need to be met to obtain a Transit Visa for India. Firstly, your passport must have at least two blank pages valid for 180 days. Additionally, you must pay the appropriate visa fee and provide two current 2x2 passport-style photos in colour, with a light-hued backdrop, and your eyes open and facing the camera.
It is also necessary to complete and sign an online application form correctly. Furthermore, you must provide proof of further travel to India in the form of a confirmed booked flight ticket for the onward or return trip.
If you previously held Indian nationality and have acquired foreign nationality, you must provide a duplicate of the Indian passport's cancellation and the original surrender certificate. Moreover, if you have previously visited India, you must give a previous passport containing an Indian visa. The Indian High Commission or one of its consulates may request additional documents during the application process.
What is the price of a transit visa to India?
The cost of obtaining a Transit Visa for India may differ for individuals of varying nationalities, depending on government agreements. The overall price of the visa may comprise various components, such as the total visa fee, the reference fee, and any supplementary service fees. Citizens of certain countries, such as Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, South Africa, Japan, the Maldives, and Mauritius, may be eligible for reduced or waived Transit Visa for India fees.
What visa types, excluding transit visas, are available to foreign nationals?
If you're planning to visit India, it's essential to determine which type of visa you'll need based on the purpose of your trip and other relevant factors. If you're passing through India on your way to another country and won't be staying for an extended period, a Transit Visa for India may be the best option.
When you apply for a Transit Visa at an Indian embassy or consulate, you must demonstrate that you meet all the requirements for this particular type of visa. A consular official will evaluate your eligibility for the Transit Visa based on applicable immigration laws and regulations.
It's a good idea to explore the various India visa options to ensure you select the one that best fits your travel plans. Remember that a Transit Visa may be ideal if you spend less time in India and pass through on your way to your final destination.
Citizens of many countries including United States, France, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Italy are eligible for India e-Visa(Indian Visa Online). You can apply for the Indian e-Visa Online Application right here.
Should you have any doubts or require assistance for your trip to India or India e-Visa,contact Indian Visa Help Desk for support and guidance.
