India Travel Requirements: Everything You Need to Enter

Understanding India’s travel requirements is essential before departure. This includes visa policies, entry procedures, and health rules.

Disclaimer: HandleVisa is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with the Indian government. We offer professional travel document assistance for a service fee.

Visa Policy and e-Arrival Card

Most travelers need a visa to enter India. The only exceptions are:

  • Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal (freedom of movement)
  • Citizens of the Maldives (visa-free entry for 90 days)
  • OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders

Starting October 1, 2025, all travelers must complete the India e-Arrival Card before entering the country.

India Visa Types Overview

India offers several visa options depending on your travel purpose. Here’s a quick overview of the key options:

  • India e-Visa

    • Purpose: Tourism, business, medical treatment, and accompanying a patient.
    • Length of stay: From 30 days up to 1 year.
    • Allowed entries: Double, triple, or multiple entries.
    • Approximate cost: Typically between $10 and $100+, depending on nationality and visa duration.
    • When to apply: At least 4 days before traveling.
    • Where to apply: Online via the official government website or through HandleVisa for assisted processing.
    Read more about e-Visa

  • India Visa on Arrival (VoA)

    ❗Only available for citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.

    • Purpose: Business, tourism, medical, or conference.
    • Length of stay: Up to 60 days.
    • Allowed entries: Double entry.
    • Approximate cost: Varies depending on nationality and bilateral agreements.
    • When to apply: In some cases, travelers must complete a pre-registration before departure; otherwise, the visa is issued on arrival.
    • Where to apply: At designated airports in India.

  • India Embassy Visa

    • Purpose: Long stays or specific purposes (employment, studies, journalism, research, relocation). Also used when travelers are not eligible for an e-Visa.
    • Length of stay: Several months to multiple years.
    • Allowed entries: Single, double, or multiple entries.
    • Approximate cost: Depends on visa type and nationality.
    • When to apply: Several weeks in advance due to longer processing times.
    • Where to apply: Through the Indian embassy, consulate, or official visa application center.

For most travelers, the e-Tourist visa is the fastest and easiest option.

India e-Arrival Card

All travelers must complete the India e-Arrival Card before entering the country. This policy applies to all foreign visitors and is in addition to the visa requirement.

This new system is designed to streamline border control procedures and enhance the traveler experience. This makes it an essential step when preparing for your trip to India.

You can complete the form through the official government website or by using the Su-Swagatam mobile app. For access to HandleVisa’s expert support and 1-hour Priority Processing, you can apply directly through this website.

Passport Requirements for India

To meet the official India entry requirements, your passport must meet the following conditions before traveling:

  • Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India.
  • Blank pages: You must have at least 2 blank pages available for entry and exit stamps.
  • Good condition: Your passport should be in good physical condition, with no damage, missing pages, or significant wear.
  • Correct details: All passport details must match exactly the information on your visa.

Before traveling, double-check your passport details carefully to ensure a smooth entry into India.

Designated Ports of Entry in India

If you’re traveling with an India e-Visa, you must enter through an approved airports or seaport.

Airports (33):

  • Ahmedabad
  • Amritsar
  • Bagdogra
  • Bengaluru
  • Bhubaneshwar
  • Calicut
  • Chennai
  • Chandigarh
  • Cochin
  • Coimbatore
  • Delhi
  • Gaya
  • Goa (Dabolim)
  • Goa (Mopa)
  • Guwahati
  • Hyderabad
  • Indore
  • Jaipur
  • Kannur
  • Kolkata
  • Lucknow
  • Madurai
  • Mangalore
  • Mumbai
  • Nagpur
  • Port Blair
  • Pune
  • Surat
  • Tiruchirapalli
  • Trivandrum
  • Varanasi
  • Vijayawada
  • Vishakhapatnam

Seaports (19):

  • Agatti
  • Calicut
  • Chennai
  • Cochin
  • Goa
  • Kamarajar
  • Kandla
  • Kattupali
  • Kolkata
  • Kollam
  • Mangalore
  • Mumbai
  • Mundra
  • Nhava Sheva
  • Port Blair
  • Vallarpadam
  • Vishakhapatnam
  • Vizhinjam
  • Vizhinjam International

Important: Entry via land borders is NOT allowed with an e-Visa.

Health & Vaccination Requirements

India has limited mandatory vaccination requirements for most travelers. Some health rules still apply depending on your recent travel history and country of departure.

Mandatory (in specific cases)

  • Yellow fever certificate: Required if you’re arriving from, or have recently transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
  • Polio vaccination: May be required for travelers arriving from countries where polio remains a concern.

Recommended

  • Hepatitis A & B: Commonly recommended for international travelers.
  • COVID-19: Not always mandatory, but it’s still advisable to be fully vaccinated.
  • Typhoid: Especially recommended for longer stays, rural travel, or eating outside major tourist areas.

Prescription medication

It’s also a good idea to bring any regular prescription medication in its original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription if needed.

Always check the latest health requirements based on your departure country before traveling.

India’s Customs & Duty-Free Allowances

India has updated its baggage rules for 2026, and travelers should be aware of the duty-free limits that apply on arrival.

Duty-free limits:

  • Residents / NRIs: Up to ₹75,000
  • Foreign tourists: Up to ₹25,000

These limits generally apply to personal goods carried in your baggage. Items above the allowed value may be subject to customs duties, and certain restricted or high-value goods may need to be declared on arrival.

Be aware that customs officers may inspect your baggage, especially if you’re carrying electronics, expensive gifts, large amounts of cash, or commercial goods.

Note: If you’re carrying valuable items beyond personal use, it’s best to check the latest customs guidance before departure.

Travel Insurance for India

Travel insurance is not legally required to enter India, but it’s strongly recommended for most trips.

A good travel insurance policy can help protect you against unexpected costs and disruptions during your stay. It’s especially important if you ‘re traveling long-distance or visiting multiple destinations.

Recommended coverage:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Trip cancellations or delays
  • Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage

Depending on your plans, you may also want coverage for emergency evacuation, personal liability, or adventure activities.

Healthcare costs and service quality can vary depending on the region, so insurance offers extra security and peace of mind while traveling.

Special Cases & Additional Requirements

Some travelers may be subject to additional rules or limitations depending on their age, background, or travel itinerary.

Minors

Children must have their own visa to travel to India (unless exempt). They cannot be included under a parent’s visa application, and each child must travel with an individual passport.

Pakistani origin travelers

Travelers of Pakistani origin are not eligible for an India e-Visa. In most cases, they must apply through an Indian embassy or consulate and may be asked to provide additional documents.

Restricted / Protected Areas

Some parts of India require extra authorization in addition to a valid visa. This usually applies to border or sensitive regions where access is controlled.

Areas that may require additional permits:

  • Sikkim
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Ladakh (some areas)

If your trip includes one of these regions, it’s important to check permit rules in advance. Entry may not be allowed without prior approval.

FAQs About India Travel Requirements

Find answers to popular questions here.

Can I enter India with a one-way ticket?

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In many cases, travelers may be asked to show proof of onward or return travel, especially if they’re visiting on a tourist visa. Immigration officers can also ask for evidence that you intend to leave India before your authorized stay ends.

Can I use an e-Visa to enter India by land?

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No. If you’re traveling with an India e-Visa, you must arrive through one of the approved airports or seaports. Entry through land borders is not permitted under the e-Visa scheme.

Do I need to print my India visa or e-Arrival Card?

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It’s highly recommended. Although digital copies may sometimes be accepted, carrying a printed copy of your e-Visa approval, e-Arrival Card confirmation, and passport information page can make check-in and immigration procedures easier.

How early should I arrive at the airport when flying to India?

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You should allow extra time before departure, especially on international routes. Airlines often verify your passport, visa, and other travel documents before boarding, so arriving early can help avoid last-minute issues.

Can I extend my stay in India after arrival?

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In most cases, Indian visas and e-Visas are not extendable. If you need a longer stay, you should check your visa conditions carefully and contact the relevant immigration authorities before your permitted stay expires.

Do I need proof of accommodation to enter India?

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You may be asked to provide the address of your first stay in India during the visa or arrival process. In some cases, immigration officers may also ask for hotel bookings or host details, so it’s best to keep this information ready.

Can I travel to India while my passport is close to expiring?

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Only if your passport still meets India’s minimum 6 month validity requirement. If it does not have enough validity remaining, you may be denied boarding or entry, even if you already have an approved visa.

Are there any rules for carrying cash into India?

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Yes. Travelers carrying large amounts of cash or valuables may need to declare them on arrival. Customs checks can apply, so it’s important to review the latest declaration rules before you travel.

Do transit passengers also need to check India’s travel requirements?

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Yes. Even travelers who are only passing through India may need to meet certain visa, transit, or document requirements depending on their nationality, airport, and whether they leave the transit area.