The small print in India's 24 hour Transit Visa rule

Travelers connecting through India generally need a visa whenever the itinerary requires crossing immigration, even if the stop only involves changing terminals or rechecking baggage.

Airside connections remain visa-free

Passengers don’t generally need an Indian visa when they remain inside the international transit area, avoid immigration and have baggage checked through to the final destination. Official guidance allows such direct airside transit for up to 24 hours.

This isn’t a new rule. Indian missions updated several guidance pages in June and July, but the underlying border-control test remains unchanged. Nationality-specific restrictions may apply, including tighter rules for some travelers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Immigration triggers the visa requirement

A Transit Visa or another valid Indian visa is required when a passenger must collect baggage, recheck it, use a landside terminal transfer, change airports or stay at a landside airport hotel. International-to-domestic connections require immigration and therefore require a visa.

Separate tickets and low-cost carrier combinations carry the greatest risk because airlines may not transfer baggage between bookings. Before booking, travelers should confirm whether bags will be checked through and whether every terminal transfer stays airside. More entry information is available in the India guide.

Transit Visa limits are narrow

India’s Transit Visa is generally valid for entry within 15 days of issuance and permits stays of up to 3 days per transit visit. It is ordinarily issued for a single journey, with a confirmed onward ticket required during the application process.

Fees and application channels vary by nationality and place of residence. Some travelers may instead qualify for an appropriate e-Visa, which offers more flexibility if a delay, overnight stay or rebooking forces entry into India.