India Travel Advice

The entry requirements for India are detailed below. Please note that these requirements can change at any time and we recommend that you check this page regularly, along with the FCDO advice here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements

Entry requirements

COVID-19 rules

• Please see information on COVID-19 from the Indian Ministry of Health
• On arrival, comply with instructions and surveillance measures, including thermal screening.
• If with symptoms of COVID-19, follow health authorities' instructions.

Residents of India

• Special permits may be needed to cross land borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal.

Passport validity

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry.
• Passport must be machine-readable and have 2 blank pages for visa.
• Be aware that foreign nationals will be denied entry if they arrive with non-machine-readable passports and carriers might be fined for transporting such passports.

Visa requirements

General

• A visa is required unless you are an OCI cardholder.
• You will need to complete an e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before your arrival. This can be done on the Indian visa website: Indian Visa Online.
• You must also complete an Ebola Self-Declaration Form. Travellers should complete this form in advance online before departure via Air Suvidha.
• Consult eFRRO, Bureau of Indian Immigration and Ministry of External Affairs websites for current information.

e-Visa requirements

• Learn how to apply for a visa or a regular paper visa or an e-visa

Applicants of Pakistani origin

• Pakistani origin applicants, whether holding dual British-Pakistan nationality or not, are required to apply for Indian visa using their Pakistani passport and will experience a substantially longer processing time.

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders

• OCI cardholders do not require a visa. More info can be found on the High Commission of India in London and Indian Bureau of Immigration sites.

Arrival, registration, and extensions

• Some visa types require registration with Foreigners Registration Office (FRO). Check registration requirements
• Extend or convert a short-term Tourist Visa to a Medical Visa if hospitalised.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

• Check TravelHealthPro for necessary vaccinations.
• India has introduced health screening measures for Ebola. Travellers must complete an Ebola Self-Declaration Form either on arrival at the airport or in advance online before departure via Air Suvidha.

Accommodation

• Accommodation providers are legally required to register the stay of a foreign guest.

Customs rules

• Strict rules applied on goods brought into or taken out of India.
• Satellite phones and similar devices are illegal without a licence.
• Import restrictions on Indian rupees.

Irish Passport Holders

Please note that this information is for British Passport holders only. If you hold an Irish passport then please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs for travel advice