If you are connecting through India on your way to another country, you may need a transit visa. India offers an e-Transit Visa that allows eligible travelers to pass through Indian territory without obtaining a full tourist or business visa. Whether you need one depends on your nationality, whether you leave the international transit area, and how long your layover lasts.
Not every traveler passing through an Indian airport needs a transit visa. If you stay inside the international transit zone and your connecting flight departs within 24 hours, many nationalities can transit without a visa. However, if you need to clear immigration, change terminals, collect and re-check luggage, or your layover exceeds 24 hours, you will need an India transit visa or another valid visa type.
This guide explains who needs an India transit visa, how to apply for the e-Transit Visa online, what it costs, and how it compares to other visa options for short stays.
What Is an India Transit Visa?
An India transit visa is a short-duration visa that permits foreign nationals to pass through Indian territory en route to a third country. It is not intended for tourism, business, or extended stays – it exists solely for travelers who have a confirmed onward journey and need to transit through India.
India provides two pathways for transit travelers:
- No-visa transit – Staying inside the international transit area of the airport without clearing immigration. Available at major airports like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), and Chennai (MAA) for layovers under 24 hours.
- e-Transit Visa – An electronic visa for travelers who need to clear immigration during their layover. Applied for online through the official Government of India portal.
The e-Transit Visa is one of eight e-Visa categories offered by the Bureau of Immigration. For a full list of all visa types, see our guide to India visa types.
Who Needs a Transit Visa for India?
Whether you need a transit visa depends on two factors: your nationality and what you plan to do during your layover.
You Do NOT Need a Transit Visa If:
- You remain inside the international transit area of the airport
- Your connecting flight departs within 24 hours
- You do not need to collect and re-check your luggage
- You do not need to change terminals (where the terminals are not connected airside)
In this case, you can simply wait for your next flight without any Indian visa. Your airline will verify your onward boarding pass at the departure gate.
You DO Need a Transit Visa (or Another Valid Visa) If:
- You need to clear Indian immigration for any reason
- Your layover exceeds 24 hours
- You need to change terminals at an airport where terminals are not connected airside
- You want to leave the airport during your layover
- You need to collect luggage and check in again for a separate flight
- Your airline requires you to have a valid Indian visa before boarding
If you are a citizen of a country not eligible for the e-Transit Visa, you will need to apply for a regular transit visa at an Indian embassy or consulate before traveling.
India e-Transit Visa: Key Details
The e-Transit Visa is the most convenient option for eligible travelers who need to pass through Indian immigration during a layover.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 15 days from the date of arrival |
| Number of entries | Double entry |
| Maximum stay | Up to 15 days per entry |
| Application method | Online at indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| Processing time | Approximately 72 hours |
| Eligible nationalities | 160+ countries (same as other e-Visa categories) |
| Entry points | 28 designated airports and 5 seaports |
| Fee | Varies by nationality (see below) |
The e-Transit Visa is issued as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) sent to your email. You must print it and present it at the immigration check post upon arrival.
How to Apply for India e-Transit Visa Online
The application process for the e-Transit Visa is identical to other e-Visa categories. You complete everything online – no embassy visit required.
Step-by-Step Application
- Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and click “Apply here for e-Visa”
- Select “e-Transit Visa” as your visa category
- Fill in your personal details, passport information, and travel dates
- Upload a recent passport-style photograph (white background, JPEG format, 10 KB to 1 MB)
- Upload a scan of your passport bio-data page (PDF format, up to 300 KB)
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card
- Wait for the ETA to arrive by email (typically within 72 hours)
- Print the ETA and carry it with your passport when traveling
For a detailed walkthrough of the entire application process, see our guide on how to apply for India e-Visa online.
Documents Required
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival in India
- At least 2 blank pages in your passport
- Recent passport-style color photograph (white background)
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country
- Valid visa for your destination country (if required)
India e-Transit Visa Fees
The e-Transit Visa fee varies depending on your nationality. The Government of India applies different fee structures for different countries.
| Nationality | e-Transit Visa Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| US citizens | $25 |
| UK citizens | $25 |
| Most nationalities | $10 – $25 |
| SAARC countries | $10 |
A bank processing fee of 2.5% is added on top of the base visa fee. The fee is non-refundable even if the visa application is denied. For the complete fee schedule across all visa types, visit our India visa fees guide.
e-Transit Visa vs Other Short-Stay Options
If your India layover is brief, the e-Transit Visa is not your only option. Here is how it compares to other choices:
| Feature | e-Transit Visa | No-Visa Transit (Airside) | e-Tourist Visa (30-Day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can leave airport | Yes | No | Yes |
| Maximum stay | 15 days | 24 hours | 30 days |
| Need to clear immigration | Yes | No | Yes |
| Fee | $10-$25 | Free | $10-$25 |
| Processing time | ~72 hours | N/A | ~72 hours |
| Multiple entries | Double | N/A | Double |
| Suitable for | Layover with immigration | Short airside layover | Tourism + transit |
Which should you choose?
- If you are staying airside and your layover is under 24 hours, you do not need any visa.
- If you need to clear immigration but only for a brief stopover, the e-Transit Visa is the right choice.
- If you want to spend a day or two exploring India during your layover, the 30-day e-Tourist Visa offers more flexibility for a similar fee. See our India Tourist e-Visa guide for details.## Indian Airports With International Transit Facilities
Not all Indian airports have proper international transit areas. The e-Transit Visa and airside transit are available at the following designated immigration check posts:
| Airport | Code | City | International Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi International | DEL | Delhi | Yes |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj | BOM | Mumbai | Yes |
| Kempegowda International | BLR | Bengaluru | Yes |
| Chennai International | MAA | Chennai | Yes |
| Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose | CCU | Kolkata | Yes |
| Rajiv Gandhi International | HYD | Hyderabad | Yes |
| Cochin International | COK | Kochi | Yes |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | AMD | Ahmedabad | Yes |
| Goa International | GOI | Goa (Dabolim) | Yes |
| Jaipur International | JAI | Jaipur | Yes |
| Trivandrum International | TRV | Thiruvananthapuram | Yes |
| Calicut International | CCJ | Kozhikode | Yes |
The e-Transit Visa is accepted at 28 airports and 5 seaports total. For the complete list of authorized entry points, check the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Common Transit Scenarios
Scenario 1: Flying From the US to Southeast Asia via Delhi
A US citizen flying from New York to Bangkok with a 6-hour layover at Delhi airport. The traveler stays in the international transit zone and does not clear immigration. No transit visa is needed.
Scenario 2: Separate Tickets With Luggage Re-Check
A UK citizen flying London to Sydney, but booked on two separate tickets: London to Delhi on one airline, and Delhi to Sydney on another. Because the tickets are separate, the traveler must collect luggage, clear immigration, check in again, and go through security. An e-Transit Visa is required.
Scenario 3: Long Layover Wanting to Leave the Airport
A German citizen with a 14-hour layover in Mumbai on their way to the Maldives. They want to leave the airport and see the city. An e-Transit Visa allows them to exit the airport and return for their connecting flight.
Scenario 4: Overnight Connection
An Australian citizen arriving in Delhi at 11 PM with a connecting flight the next morning at 7 AM. If they stay airside, no visa is needed (layover is under 24 hours). If they want to go to a hotel outside the airport, they need an e-Transit Visa.
Important Rules and Restrictions
You cannot use the e-Transit Visa for tourism. The transit visa is strictly for passing through India on your way to another country. If immigration officers determine you are using it for tourism purposes, you may be denied entry.
You must have a confirmed onward ticket. When applying for the e-Transit Visa, you must provide proof of a confirmed ticket to a third country. A one-way ticket to India without an onward booking will result in denial.
The 15-day validity starts from arrival. The e-Transit Visa is valid for 15 days from the date you enter India, not from the date of issuance. Plan your travel accordingly.
Double entry means two entries. You can enter India twice on the same e-Transit Visa within the 15-day validity period. This is useful if your itinerary requires passing through India twice.
You cannot extend an e-Transit Visa. If you need to stay longer than 15 days, you must apply for a different visa category. The e-Transit Visa cannot be converted or extended while in India.
Transit Visa vs Regular Transit Visa at Embassy
If your nationality is not eligible for the e-Visa, or if you prefer a sticker visa, you can apply for a regular transit visa at an Indian embassy or consulate.
| Feature | e-Transit Visa | Regular Transit Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online | In person at embassy/consulate |
| Processing | ~72 hours | 5-7 business days |
| Validity | 15 days | Up to 15 days |
| Entries | Double | Single or double |
| Passport submission | Not required | Required |
| Fee | $10-$25 | Varies by embassy |
The regular transit visa requires you to submit your passport and application in person or by mail to the nearest Indian embassy. Processing takes longer, so plan well in advance if you need this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a transit visa for India?
US citizens do not need a transit visa if they stay inside the international transit area and their layover is under 24 hours. If they need to clear immigration, leave the airport, or have a layover exceeding 24 hours, they must obtain an e-Transit Visa or another valid visa. US citizens are eligible for the e-Transit Visa and can apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Can I leave the airport with an India transit visa?
Yes, the e-Transit Visa allows you to leave the airport during your layover. You can clear immigration, exit the airport, and return for your connecting flight. Just make sure you have enough time between flights and keep your printed ETA and passport with you at all times.
How long does it take to get an India e-Transit Visa?
Processing typically takes about 72 hours (3 business days). However, it is recommended to apply at least 4-7 days before your travel date to account for any delays or requests for additional documentation.
Can I transit through India without a visa?
Yes, if you stay inside the international transit area of the airport and your connecting flight departs within 24 hours, you do not need a visa. This applies at major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. You must have a confirmed onward boarding pass.
What is the difference between an e-Transit Visa and an e-Tourist Visa?
The e-Transit Visa is for travelers passing through India to a third country, with a 15-day validity and double entry. The e-Tourist Visa is for tourism purposes, available in 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year options with multiple entries. If you want to explore India during a layover, the 30-day e-Tourist Visa may be a better choice since it offers more flexibility for a similar fee.
How much does the India e-Transit Visa cost?
The fee ranges from $10 to $25 depending on your nationality, with a 2.5% bank processing fee added on top. US and UK citizens pay $25. Citizens of SAARC countries generally pay $10.
Can I use the e-Transit Visa for a connecting domestic flight in India?
No. If you are connecting between two Indian cities (for example, Delhi to Mumbai before flying internationally), you need a valid tourist or business visa, not a transit visa. The transit visa is for passing through India en route to another country only.
What happens if my layover exceeds 24 hours without a visa?
If your layover exceeds 24 hours and you do not have a valid visa, you may be denied boarding by your airline at the origin airport. If you somehow arrive in India without a valid visa for an extended layover, Indian immigration will likely deny entry and you may be placed on the next available flight back.
Do children need a separate transit visa for India?
Yes, every traveler, including children and infants, needs their own individual visa to enter India. Each child must have their own passport and a separately applied e-Transit Visa. There is no exemption for minors.
Can I apply for an India transit visa on arrival?
India does not offer transit visas on arrival for most nationalities. The e-Transit Visa must be obtained online before your trip. Only citizens of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (with prior Indian visa history) are eligible for visa on arrival at select airports, and this applies to tourist visas, not specifically transit visas.
