Is a transit visa required at the airport for a stopover in India?

India, as a major air transit country, is often a frequent stopover for travellers from the UK to various destinations in Asia, Africa or Oceania. However, when it comes to making a stopover in India, it is important to consider visa requirements. A visa is an official document issued by a country that authorises travellers to enter and stay on its territory for a given period and under certain conditions. In this article, we'll take a brief look at what transit is and why travellers may need to make a stopover in India when travelling from the UK. We will also highlight the importance of a visa when stopping over in India, as travellers may wonder whether they need to obtain a transit visa. We'll look at the different categories of visa, including potential exemptions and short-stay visas, to give you the information you need to plan your stopover in India with peace of mind.

Transit visa for India: in brief

• Not required for air transits without leaving the airport: Travellers stopping over in India do not need a visa if they remain in the international (airside) area of the airport and continue their journey within 24 hours. This rule applies as long as they do not pass through immigration control or collect their checked baggage.
• Leaving the airport or long stopovers: If you need to go through immigration to leave the international zone — for example, to stay at a hotel or visit the city — or if your stopover exceeds 24 hours, a visa is required. Depending on the length of your stay, you can apply for either a transit visa (valid for up to 72 hours) or an electronic tourist visa (e-Visa) if you wish to enjoy your stay.
• Types of visas available: For transit without leaving the international zone, no visa is required. However, if you leave the airport or stay longer, there are two options: the transit visa (valid for up to 72 hours to reach another destination) or the tourist visa (generally valid for 30 or 60 days depending on the e-Visa category chosen).
• Required documents: For a transit or tourist visa, you will need to provide documents such as your passport, flight ticket, and proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in India or in your final destination country.
• Online application: Indian visas, including transit and tourist visas, can be applied for online via official platforms, making the process easier before your departure.

Transit visa exemption in India: When is it possible?

When you stop over in India from the UK, you may be able to benefit from an exemption from the transit visa requirement. This means that you can travel through India without having to obtain a specific visa for your short stay in transit. However, it is important to understand the conditions required to benefit from this exemption and the maximum length of time you can stay in transit in India without a visa.

Travellers in transit to India from the UK may be exempt from the visa requirement in the following cases:

• Transit without an air visa: If you are in transit in India by air and do not leave the transit zone of the airport, you may be exempt from the visa requirement. This means that you can stay in the transit zone of the airport without having to obtain a visa.
• Transit without a land visa: The visa exemption applies only to passengers in air transit. Travellers arriving by land or sea are required to have a valid visa before arriving in India. There is currently no land transit exemption for UK citizens.

To qualify for transit visa exemption, certain conditions must be met:

• Possession of an onward ticket: You must have a confirmed ticket for your final destination proving that you will leave India within the required time.
• Maximum transit time: The maximum time authorized for visa-free transit in India is generally 24 hours, provided you remain in the international zone. Beyond that, or in the event of a change of airport involving re-immigration, a visa is required. Land or sea transits do not benefit from any exemption.

It is essential to note that if you leave the transit zone of the airport, or if you plan to stay in India for longer than permitted, you will need to obtain an appropriate short-stay visa.

Which visa should I apply for for a stopover or transit in India without exemption?

If you are planning to leave the airport and explore India during your stopover, it is essential to obtain a short-stay visa. A short-stay visa allows you to stay in India for a set period of time to discover the country's cultural and natural wonders. There are various short-stay visa options available, such as the electronic visa (e-Visa) and the traditional visa. Here is the essential information on the requirements and steps to follow to obtain a short-stay visa for India.

Electronic visa (e-Visa): India offers an electronic visa, also known as e-Visa, which facilitates the visa application process. Here are some key points to know about the e-Visa:

• Nationals of many countries, including the UK, are eligible to apply for an Indian e-Visa. It is important to check whether your nationality is eligible for this option.
• The e-Visa is available in three categories: the Tourist e-Visa, the Business e-Visa and the Medical e-Visa. You must select the appropriate category according to your reason for travelling.
• The authorised length of stay varies according to the type of e-Visa. Tourist and business e-Visas generally allow a stay of 60 days from the date of arrival in India, while medical e-Visas allow a stay of between 60 days and 6 months, depending on the medical treatment required.

You can apply for an e-Visa online via the Indian government's official visa website or via the service provider we recommend. Fill in the application form, upload the required documents (passport, recent photo, etc.) and pay the visa fee. Once approved, you will receive your e-Visa by e-mail, which you will need to present on arrival in India.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for an e-Visa, or if you prefer to opt for a traditional visa, you will need to submit your application through the relevant Indian embassy or consulate.

Advice for travellers before a transit in India:

When planning a stopover in India from the UK, it's essential to consider a few practical tips to make your journey easier and ensure a hassle-free experience. Here are some useful recommendations to keep in mind:

• Check visa requirements before travelling: Before you leave, make sure you check the latest visa requirements for travellers transiting India. Rules and regulations can change, so it's important to get up-to-date information to avoid any confusion or problems on arrival.
• Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate: For accurate and up-to-date visa information, it is advisable to contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the UK. They will be able to answer your specific questions and provide you with advice tailored to your situation.
• Comply with Indian laws and regulations: When you're in transit in India, it's crucial to comply with the country's laws and regulations. Observe safety rules, follow the instructions of the authorities and respect local culture and customs. This will help to make your stopover pleasant and trouble-free.
• Be prepared for your stopover: Make sure you have all the necessary documents to hand, such as your passport, onward ticket, hotel reservations (if applicable) and any other documents required. Organise your transit time so that you have enough time for security check formalities and to enjoy your stopover, if applicable.
• Explore the airport or opt for a guided tour: If you have enough time during your stopover, take the opportunity to explore the airport. Many airports in India offer interesting facilities and entertainment. If you want to get out of the airport and discover local attractions, consider a guided tour organised by reliable travel agents to maximise your time and experience.

How much does a transit visa for India cost?

The cost of an India transit visa for travellers can vary depending on several factors, such as the length of your stopover, the type of visa and any additional services requested.

To give you an idea of prices, here are a few examples:

• Electronic visa (e-Visa): This is generally the simplest and cheapest option. For a short transit, the cost is often lower than for a traditional visa. Prices may vary according to the length of validity of the visa and the number of entries authorised.
• Traditional visa: If you need a traditional visa, the fees will generally be higher. They include consular fees and any service charges.

The cost of a tourist e-Visa for India is approximately £20 to £25 for a 30-day stay (official rate varies according to nationality and exchange rate). The standard transit visa issued by the embassy costs around 1,200 INR (approximately £10), while a standard tourist visa can cost over £50 depending on the duration and service fees.

Is it possible to obtain a transit visa for India on arrival?

There is no transit visa issued on arrival in India for UK citizens.

All applications must be made before departure, online via the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in or at the relevant Indian consulate. Indian border authorities do not issue visas on arrival to passengers in transit.