IndiaVisits and short stays

India transit visa

Transit visa

In short

The transit visa is for travelling through India to a destination outside India and is issued for up to 15 days with single or double entry. You need confirmed onward tickets and a valid visa for the destination after India; the fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply.

Apply on Indian Visa Online (Government of India) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Up to 15 days, single or double entry
Fee
The transit visa fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply, which also states how to pay; it is not refunded if the visa is refused.
Processing time
Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Work
No
Where to apply
Online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submission with passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, in the way that mission specifies

When to use it

Use the transit visa when you travel through India to a third country and need to enter India, for example to change airports or stop over for a few days. It is issued for up to 15 days with single or double entry.

Documents

The application form, an undertaking form, two photographs, a valid visa for the destination after India, confirmed onward air tickets and, if you are not a national of the country where you apply, a copy of your residence permit there.

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least six months beyond departure from India, with a photocopy of the first pages
  • Proof of residence in the country where you apply; non-nationals add their residence permit

Travel

  • Confirmed onward air tickets
  • Valid visa for the destination after India

Money

  • Proof of payment of the visa fee, as the mission requires

Other

  • Online visa application form from indianvisaonline.gov.in with uploaded photo, printed and signed
  • Two recent passport-size photographs
  • Undertaking form

Fee and payment

The fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply, which states how to pay; it is not refunded if the visa is refused.

Arrival card and FRRO registration

Foreigners complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival on boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app. Holders of student, employment, medical or missionary work visas valid for more than 180 days must register with the jurisdictional FRRO or FRO within 14 days of arrival; holders of other visas, including business visas, must register if they stay more than 180 days continuously or within a calendar year. Children under 12 are exempt. Extensions and conversions are requested on indianfrro.gov.in while you are in India and before your visa expires.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Book confirmed onward tickets and obtain the destination country's visa if needed.
  2. Fill in the regular visa application on indianvisaonline.gov.in well before travel and upload your photo; handwritten forms are not accepted.
  3. Pay the visa fee in the way the Indian mission where you apply specifies; the amount depends on your nationality and is not refunded if the visa is refused.
  4. Submit the printed, signed form with your passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, or where it directs you, on your appointment day; biometrics may be taken.
  5. Collect the passport once the mission has decided.
  6. Submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arriving in India and register with the FRRO if your visa requires it.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay on an Indian transit visa?

Up to 15 days, with single or double entry.

How much does it cost?

It depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply.

When can I apply?

Check with the Indian mission where you apply; it sets when transit applications are accepted.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for India

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Medical treatment visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Culture, sports and events visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Family

  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: e-Tourist 30 days, 1 year or 5 years (max. 180 days per calendar year for 1- and 5-year visas); e-Business up to 180 days per visit

India visa guide