Indian transit visa requirements explained

Travelers transiting through Indian airports may require visas depending on layover duration and activities, with exemptions for certain nationalities and existing visa holders.

Travelers changing flights in Indian airports must have legal permission from the country's government. The required documents for changing flights depend on two factors. These factors are the length of the stopover and whether foreign travelers want to leave the airport during the layover.

If the stopover length is less than 24 hours, visitors do not generally need an Indian transit visa. If they want to make good use of the layover period and wish to leave the airport and explore the country, they need to get a transit visa.

Here's what international travelers need to know about transiting through India.

When is a transit visa to India needed?

International travelers need an India transit visa if they are on a long journey that includes two or more flights with a change in India. Moreover, they will need to have booked a connecting flight to another destination from an airport in the country.

Generally, layovers in India typically last 24-72 hours. A transit visa is required under the following conditions:

• For layovers over 24 hours, even if travelers stay at the airport.
• For stopovers exceeding 72 hours, another visa type, like an Indian e-visa/embassy visa, is needed.
• If travelers need to leave the transit area and clear customs for some reason.
• If travelers plan to spend the night in a nearby hotel before the connecting flight.
• If travelers want to leave the onboarded ship

Example: For instance, a French citizen is traveling from France to Nepal, and he/she wants to spend a day or two in India on the way. However, he/she will be in India for less than 72 hours, and he/she has a valid onward ticket to Nepal. In such cases, a transit visa to India will be required.

When is a transit visa not needed?

A foreign traveler does not need an Indian transit visa if the:

• Layover time between the connecting flights is less than 24 hours.
• Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal are exempt from transit visa requirements.
• Holders of a valid Indian diplomatic or official visa are exempt from transit visa requirements.
• Crew members on aircraft or ships transiting are exempt from transit visa requirements.
• If a traveler doesn't have to go through customs, re-check their luggage, or leave the designated transit area.
• Foreigners holding an Indian e-visa for tourism, business, or medical treatment do not need a transit visa for India.

Example: Suppose a US citizen traveling from the US to Thailand has a connecting flight in Delhi, India. However, they will be in India for less than 24 hours and intend to stay in the airport transit area. In this case, the US citizen will not need a transit visa for India.

How to get a transit visa for India?

Foreign travelers transiting through India need a transit visa. To obtain the visa, they must show proof of their onward journey, such as a flight ticket. There are single and double-entry Indian transit visas with a validity of 15 days.

It is to be noted that the visa validity is calculated from the date of issuance, and travelers who are not planning a trip after the validity period should not apply for it. If they need a break on their way back, after 15 days, they must get a new transit visa for India.

Documents required for an Indian transit visa

• A passport that is valid for at least six months and two blank pages
• Two photographs
• Completed visa application form
• Flight tickets for an onward flight

How does a flight transit work?

A flight transit in India is when a passenger stops at an Indian airport on their way to their final destination. Travelers transiting through India must get off their first flight, go through immigration and security, and then board the connecting flight.

Tips for transiting through India

Some tips for travelers are as follows:

• Allow plenty of time for the transfer. It is recommended to have at least 3 hours between connecting flights.
• Be aware of the visa requirements for India. Travelers may need a transit visa, even if they only stay in India for a few hours. For example, Pakistani nationals who are traveling through India to another country can get a transit visa to stay in the city/port of entry for up to 36 hours each time they enter India. They do not need a visa if they are directly transiting through an Indian airport or seaport.
• Be aware of the security regulations at the Indian airport and follow the instructions of the airport staff.

Staying updated on the Indian transit visa requirements

The process for getting an Indian transit visa can change based on the traveler's nationality and other factors. Foreign nationals must always check with the Indian Embassy for the most up-to-date information.

If eligible, travelers can also fill out the online visa application and explore other types of visas if they wish to stay in India.

Conclusion

Indian transit visas allow foreigners to travel through the country to their destination. The maximum duration of stay is 72 hours (3 days) from the date of arrival. Understanding the layover duration and whether leaving the airport is planned will help determine if an Indian transit visa is needed.

By following the above guidelines, travelers can easily transit through India and enjoy exploring the country during layovers.