India Entry Requirements 2026: Onward Ticket, e-Visa, e-Arrival Card & Complete Visa Guide
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. India's entry rules changed substantially in 2025-2026 (new Immigration and Foreigners Act, Baggage Rules 2026, mandatory e-Arrival Card, reciprocal e-Visa fees), and individual fees are nationality-specific. Always verify with the official Indian Visa Online portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in), the Bureau of Immigration, and your nearest Indian mission before booking. Acceptance at the border is at the discretion of immigration officers.
Quick Answer
Do you need an onward ticket for India? Yes. The official Indian e-Visa rules explicitly require international travelers to hold a return or onward ticket with sufficient funds, and airlines check before boarding. Almost every foreign visitor needs a visa in advance: India has no general visa-free entry. Most tourists use the e-Visa (applied online, approved before travel), available to nationals of around 175 countries. Since April 1, 2026, all foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must also complete the free e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival. Passports need at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. e-Visa entry is allowed through designated airports and seaports plus four designated land border crossings (Raxaul, Rupaidiha, and Jogbani from Nepal, and Darranga from Bhutan); most other land borders still require a paper visa.
Introduction
Planning a trip to India in 2026? From the Taj Mahal at dawn and the ghats of Varanasi to the backwaters of Kerala, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the tea hills of Darjeeling, the beaches of Goa, and the Himalayan monasteries of Ladakh, India is one of the most rewarding and layered destinations on earth. It is also one of the most procedurally demanding to enter, and the rules changed more in 2025-2026 than in the previous decade.
Three big shifts define 2026. The e-Arrival Card became mandatory for every foreign national and OCI cardholder on April 1, 2026. The Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, in force since September 1, 2025, replaced four colonial-era laws and sharply increased penalties for overstaying and document fraud. And e-Visa fees moved to a reciprocal, nationality-specific pricing model in early 2026. This guide brings all of it together, accurately and in plain language.
India has no general visa-free entry: nearly every visitor needs a visa in advance, and almost all tourists use the online e-Visa. This guide covers the full e-Visa system, the mandatory e-Arrival Card, onward ticket rules, designated entry points, customs and cash limits under the Baggage Rules 2026, overstay penalties under the new Act, restricted-area permits, and what to expect at the border.
Last updated: July 8, 2026. Verified against Indian Visa Online (indianvisaonline.gov.in), the Bureau of Immigration, Indian Customs (Baggage Rules 2026), and the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025.
India Entry Requirements at a Glance (2026)
- Onward ticket: Required. The official e-Visa rules mandate a return or onward ticket plus sufficient funds; airlines verify before boarding.
- Visa: Required for almost everyone. No general visa-free entry. Most tourists use the online e-Visa (around 175 eligible nationalities). Nepal and Bhutan citizens are exempt.
- e-Arrival Card: Mandatory since April 1, 2026 for all foreign nationals and OCI cardholders. Free, via the Su-Swagatam app or Indian Visa Online, within 72 hours before arrival.
- Passport validity: At least 6 months from arrival, with 2 blank pages.
- Entry points: e-Visa valid at 33 designated airports, 19 seaports, and 4 land crossings (Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Jogbani from Nepal; Darranga from Bhutan). Most other land borders need a paper visa. Exit permitted anywhere.
- e-Visa fee (5-year tourist): USD 80 standard; USD 160 for US citizens; USD 484 for UK citizens.
- Customs: 2 litres alcohol, 100 cigarettes duty-free; INR 25,000 general allowance for tourists (Baggage Rules 2026).
- Cash declaration: Currency Declaration Form if foreign notes exceed USD 5,000 or total foreign exchange exceeds USD 10,000.
- Overstay penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or INR 3 lakh fine under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025.
- Restricted areas: Some regions need a PAP, RAP, or Inner Line Permit in addition to your visa.
What Is an Onward Ticket?
An onward ticket is documentation showing your plan to leave India within your permitted stay. It demonstrates exit intent to airlines and immigration officers, and for India it is an explicit, stated requirement.
A valid onward ticket typically shows a departure date within your authorised stay, a destination outside India, and passenger details matching your passport.
Does India Require an Onward Ticket in 2026?
The Official Rule
Unlike some countries where the onward-ticket requirement is informal, India states it plainly. The official e-Visa instructions require that international travelers hold a return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during their stay. This applies across e-Visa categories.
Airline Checks (Primary Enforcement)
Airlines verify passport validity, e-Visa status, the e-Arrival Card, and onward travel before boarding. Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, carriers must also submit advance passenger and crew manifests to Indian authorities, tightening pre-arrival screening. Carriers face liability for improperly documented passengers. All major airlines serving India check documentation at departure, including Air India, IndiGo, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, United, American, and Cathay Pacific.
Immigration Officer Checks (On Arrival)
Officers at designated ports check your passport, e-Visa, e-Arrival Card QR code, onward travel, funds, and accommodation. Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are collected on arrival. Officers can refuse entry if requirements are not met.
The e-Visa System (Nine Categories)
India's e-Visa is an online visa, approved before you travel and stamped on arrival. It is the route most visitors use.
The nine e-Visa sub-categories in 2026:
- e-Tourist Visa (30 days double entry, 1 year multiple entry, 5 years multiple entry): tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends and family, short yoga or cultural courses, short voluntary work
- e-Business Visa (1 year, multiple entry): meetings, trade fairs, industrial visits (not employment)
- e-Medical Visa (up to 60 days): medical treatment
- e-Medical Attendant Visa (up to two per e-Medical visa): accompanying a patient
- e-Conference Visa (single entry): government-approved conferences and seminars
- e-Transit Visa (added 2025): short transit
- e-Film Visa (added 2025): film production
- e-Entry Visa (added 2025): specific entry purposes
- e-Mountaineering Visa (added 2025): expeditions
Who can use it: Nationals of around 175 countries, including the US, UK, most of the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, UAE, Singapore, and many others.
Who cannot: Diplomatic/official passport holders, people with a military/police/security background, those endorsed on a parent's or spouse's passport, and Pakistani nationals or those of Pakistani origin (all must use a regular visa at an Indian mission).
How to apply: Online at indianvisaonline.gov.in, at least 4 days before travel. Upload a compliant square photo and passport bio-page scan, pay the fee, and receive your Electronic Travel Authorization by email. Print it and carry it.
e-Visa Fees in 2026 (Reciprocal Pricing)
In early 2026 India adopted reciprocal pricing, aligning visa fees with what each country charges Indian citizens. Fees are now nationality-specific.
e-Tourist Visa (most nationalities):
- 30 days: USD 25 (July-March); USD 10 (April-June off-season)
- 1 year: USD 40
- 5 years: USD 80 (standard)
Nationality-specific 5-year e-Tourist rates:
- United States: USD 160
- United Kingdom (incl. Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man): USD 484
- Japan, Sri Lanka: flat USD 25 (USD 10 in April-June)
- South Africa: USD 25 (and the 30-day visa is free)
e-Business Visa (1 year): standard USD 120, with nationality rates (US around USD 140, Australia USD 215, UAE USD 415).
A bank charge of about 2.5-3% applies (4% via PayPal). Always confirm your exact country rate on the official portal before paying, as the reciprocal model means prices differ by nationality.
The Mandatory e-Arrival Card
The single most important new requirement for 2026 travelers, and one many are unaware of.
Key facts:
- Mandatory since: April 1, 2026 (paper disembarkation cards fully discontinued)
- Who needs it: ALL foreign nationals AND OCI cardholders (Indian citizens with standard passports are exempt)
- Cost: Free
- Where: Indian Visa Online portal or the Su-Swagatam mobile app
- When: Up to 72 hours before arrival
- What you provide: Passport details, flight information, purpose of visit, address in India
- Result: A QR code to show at immigration
Important: The e-Arrival Card is NOT a visa. You still need a valid e-Visa, sticker visa, or OCI card. It is a separate, additional requirement. Do not confuse it with the obsolete pandemic-era Air Suvidha portal, which is no longer used. Failure to complete the e-Arrival Card can cause boarding denial or delays on arrival.
Visa on Arrival (Limited)
India offers a genuine visa on arrival to a very small set of nationalities: nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE (for UAE nationals who have previously obtained an Indian visa or e-Visa), at designated international airports. It typically permits a 60-day stay. Most travelers are not eligible and should use the e-Visa instead. The term "visa on arrival" is often used loosely online to mean the e-Visa, but they are different: the e-Visa must be approved before you travel.
Sticker (Paper) Visa
For purposes or nationalities not covered by the e-Visa (employment, long-term study, journalism, diplomatic travel, Pakistani nationals, and others), apply for a regular sticker visa at an Indian embassy, consulate, or visa application center before travel. Processing and requirements vary by mission and visa type. Most land-border entry requires a sticker visa; the exceptions are the four designated e-Visa land crossings (Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Jogbani from Nepal, and Darranga from Bhutan).
Designated Entry Points (e-Visa)
The e-Visa is valid only for entry through designated ports, and India expanded this network significantly through 2025-2026. Per the Bureau of Immigration, the current designated list is 33 airports, 19 seaports, and 4 land border crossings.
- Designated airports (33): All major international gateways, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, Goa (Dabolim and Mopa), Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Chandigarh, Varanasi, Lucknow, Calicut, Mangalore, Nagpur, Bagdogra, Coimbatore, Gaya, Guwahati, Indore, Kannur, Madurai, Port Blair, Surat, Tiruchirappalli, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar.
- Designated seaports (19): Including Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, and a wave of ports added in early 2026 (useful for cruise arrivals).
- Designated land borders (4): For the first time, e-Visa entry is permitted at Raxaul, Rupaidiha, and Jogbani (all from Nepal), and Darranga (from Bhutan). Raxaul was the first, opened in December 2025.
- Other land borders: Still require a paper/sticker visa, not an e-Visa.
- Exit: You may exit through any authorised Immigration Check Post.
Always confirm your specific arrival airport, seaport, or land crossing is on the current designated list before booking.
What Happens Without Proper Documentation?
Without the correct documentation:
- Denied boarding at your departure airport (airlines enforce strictly, and now submit advance manifests)
- Refusal of entry at the Indian border
- Return to origin at airline expense (recoverable from passenger)
- For e-Arrival Card: boarding denial or delays at immigration if not completed
- For land-border attempts on an e-Visa: refusal at any crossing other than the four designated e-Visa land ports (Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Jogbani, Darranga)
When Onward Tickets Are Rarely Questioned Further
You are less likely to face additional scrutiny if you hold a round-trip ticket with a clear return date within your visa validity, you carry a multiple-entry 1-year or 5-year e-Visa with a travel history, you have accommodation bookings and documented funds, and your e-Arrival Card is completed in advance.
Customs, Cash, and Allowances
Indian Customs operates Red and Green channels. The Baggage Rules 2026 took effect on February 2, 2026 and are the current framework.
Duty-Free Allowances
General allowance: INR 25,000 for foreign tourists; INR 75,000 for residents, NRIs, OCI cardholders, and foreigners on non-tourist visas. (Arrivals from Nepal, Bhutan, or Myanmar, and land arrivals, have lower or no allowance.)
Alcohol: Up to 2 litres of alcoholic liquor or wine per adult. Excess is dutiable at around 150% or confiscated.
Tobacco: 100 cigarettes OR 25 cigars OR 125 grams of tobacco. Excess is often confiscated.
Laptop: One new laptop duty-free (age 18+), separate from the general allowance.
Over the limit: From April 1, 2026, goods above the free allowance attract 10% basic customs duty (reduced from 20%), plus applicable surcharges.
Carved-out items (dutiable from the first rupee/gram): Gold and silver in non-jewellery form (bars, coins, bullion), flat-panel televisions, drones (require licensing), and firearms (prohibited as baggage). Allowances cannot be pooled between passengers.
Declare digitally: Use the ATITHI app or ICEGATE before arrival, and take the Red Channel if you exceed any limit.
Cash and Currency Declaration
There is no limit on foreign currency brought into India, but you must file a Currency Declaration Form (CDF) on arrival if:
- Foreign currency notes alone exceed USD 5,000, OR
- Total foreign exchange (notes plus traveller's cheques) exceeds USD 10,000
Keep the CDF; it authorises you to take the same amount out on departure. Importing Indian rupees is generally prohibited for foreign nationals (residents returning may bring up to INR 25,000). Firearm cartridges are limited to 50, and firearms are prohibited.
Restricted-Area Permits
Some regions require a permit in addition to your visa.
Protected Area Permit (PAP) / Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Required for parts of the northeast, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (certain areas), Lakshadweep, and high-altitude border zones in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur (for both Indian and foreign visitors).
Requirements change, and some areas open or close to foreigners at short notice. Arrange permits in advance through the FRRO, state authorities, or a tour operator. Under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, illegal entry into restricted areas can bring up to 5 years imprisonment.
Other India Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
At least 6 months validity from your date of arrival, with at least 2 blank pages. Each traveler, including infants, needs their own passport.
Health Requirements
A yellow fever certificate is mandatory if arriving from or transiting (12+ hours) a yellow fever risk country; without it you can be quarantined up to 6 days. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are strongly recommended. No COVID-19 requirements. Travel medical insurance is recommended.
FRRO Registration
Foreign nationals on long-term (paper) visas must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival under the 2025 Act. Those staying more than 180 days must register with the National Foreigners Registry. Most short-term e-Visa tourists do not need to register, but confirm based on your visa type.
Practical Digital Preparation
Set up an eSIM or buy a local SIM (Airtel, Jio) for connectivity; foreign SIMs roam expensively. Download offline maps. UPI is dominant for payments; international cards work at hotels and larger stores, and some UPI apps now support foreign travelers.
Overstay and Immigration Penalties (2025 Act)
The Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, effective September 1, 2025, replaced the Passport Act 1920, Registration of Foreigners Act 1939, Foreigners Act 1946, and Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 2000, and significantly toughened enforcement.
- Overstay or visa-condition breach: Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to INR 3 lakh (around USD 3,600), plus deportation and blacklisting
- Entry without valid passport/visa: Up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to INR 5 lakh
- Forged or fraudulent travel documents: 2 to 7 years imprisonment and a fine of INR 1-10 lakh
- Illegal entry into restricted areas: Up to 5 years imprisonment and/or INR 5 lakh fine
- Warrantless arrest: Police of Head Constable rank and above can arrest suspected violators
- Mandatory reporting: Hotels, universities, and hospitals must report foreign nationals, making overstays easy to detect
The clear takeaway: do not overstay, and do not attempt entry with irregular documents. Leave before your permitted stay expires, and if you need more time, apply to the FRRO before expiry.
How to Extend Your Stay
e-Visa: Generally cannot be extended or converted. Plan to leave within your permitted stay.
Long-term (paper) visas: Some categories can be extended through the FRRO before expiry; approval is discretionary and requires supporting documents.
For longer or repeat travel: Use a multiple-entry 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist Visa (noting the per-visit cap of 90 or 180 days), or apply for the appropriate visa category (Employment, Student, Research, etc.) at an Indian mission.
What Travelers Report
The e-Arrival Card catches people out. Many travelers in 2026 arrive unaware it is now mandatory. Those who complete it in advance report smooth, fast immigration; those who forget face delays or on-the-spot completion.
Apply for the e-Visa early and only on the official site. Travelers repeatedly warn about lookalike sites charging large markups, and about photo rejections. The official portal is indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Land-border rules changed in your favor but stay specific. India now allows e-Visa entry at four land crossings (Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Jogbani from Nepal, and Darranga from Bhutan), a recent and welcome change for overland South Asia travelers. But every other land border still requires a paper visa, so travelers are sometimes caught out planning to cross elsewhere on an e-Visa.
Immigration is thorough but orderly at major airports. Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru process international arrivals efficiently, with biometric capture adding little time.
Customs enforces alcohol and gold strictly. Reports confirm confiscation of excess alcohol and scrutiny of undeclared gold; the Red Channel is the safe choice if in doubt.
India Entry Updates for 2026
Current as of July 2026:
- e-Arrival Card mandatory (April 1, 2026): All foreign nationals and OCI cardholders must complete the free digital arrival card (Su-Swagatam app or Indian Visa Online) within 72 hours before arrival. Paper cards discontinued.
- Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 (September 1, 2025): Replaced four older laws; overstay up to 3 years jail and/or INR 3 lakh fine; forged documents 2-7 years; mandatory reporting by carriers, hotels, universities, hospitals.
- Reciprocal e-Visa fees (early 2026): Nationality-specific pricing. 5-year e-Tourist now USD 80 standard, USD 160 (US), USD 484 (UK). e-Business 1-year up to USD 120 standard.
- Baggage Rules 2026 (February 2, 2026): Tourist duty-free allowance INR 25,000 (residents INR 75,000); over-limit duty cut to 10% from April 1, 2026; weight-based gold jewellery rules.
- Expanded e-Visa entry points: Now 33 airports, 19 seaports, and 4 land border crossings (Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Jogbani from Nepal; Darranga from Bhutan). Raxaul, opened December 2025, was the first-ever e-Visa land port. The e-Visa is now available to nationals of 175 countries.
- e-Tourist application window extended: Since December 2025, travelers can apply and set an arrival date up to 120 days (4 months) ahead.
- OCI cardholders now need the e-Arrival Card: Since October 2025, OCI holders are no longer exempt.
- No COVID-19 requirements: All pandemic-era rules lifted; Air Suvidha obsolete.
Monitor for changes: India's rules are changing quickly. Always confirm at the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in and your nearest Indian mission before booking.
Prepare Your Documentation
India rewards preparation. Choose the right e-Visa category and apply early on the official portal. Complete the mandatory e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. Carry a confirmed onward or return ticket and proof of funds, as the official rules require. Ensure your passport has 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, and enter only through a designated airport or seaport. Check whether your destination needs a restricted-area permit, and stay well within your permitted dates given the tougher 2025 penalties. With the paperwork in order, one of the world's most extraordinary countries opens up in front of you.
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Create My ItineraryIndia Entry Types and Onward Ticket Risk Level
| Entry Type | Maximum Stay | Onward Ticket Risk | Who Checks |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa (30 days) | 30 days, double entry | Required (stated rule) | Airlines, immigration officers |
| e-Tourist Visa (1 year) | 90 days/visit (180 for some) | Required (stated rule) | Airlines, immigration officers |
| e-Tourist Visa (5 years) | 90 days/visit (180 for some) | Required (stated rule) | Airlines, immigration officers |
| e-Business Visa (1 year) | 180 days/visit | Required (stated rule) | Airlines, immigration officers |
| e-Medical / e-Conference / others | Per category | Required (stated rule) | Airlines, immigration officers |
| Visa on Arrival (Japan/Korea/UAE) | 60 days | Required | Airlines, immigration officers |
| Sticker/Paper Visa (incl. land entry) | Per visa | Required | Airlines, immigration officers |
| OCI Cardholder | Lifelong (multiple entry) | Low | Immigration (e-Arrival Card needed) |
India Entry Requirements by Nationality (2026)
| Country/Region | Entry Route | 5-Year e-Tourist Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | e-Visa | USD 160 | e-Arrival Card required; 180-day stays |
| United Kingdom | e-Visa | USD 484 | Incl. Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man |
| Canada / Australia / EU | e-Visa | USD 80 (standard) | Reciprocal pricing; check per country |
| Japan / South Korea | e-Visa or Visa on Arrival | USD 25 (flat, discounted) | Visa on arrival at designated airports |
| UAE | e-Visa or Visa on Arrival | Standard | Visa on arrival if prior Indian visa held |
| South Africa | e-Visa | USD 25 | 30-day visa free of charge |
| Nepal / Bhutan | Visa-exempt | N/A | No visa required |
| Pakistan / Pakistani origin | Regular visa only | N/A | e-Visa not available; apply at mission |
| Most other nationalities | e-Visa | USD 80 (standard) | ~175 countries eligible |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an onward ticket required for India entry?
Do I need a visa to enter India?
What is the India e-Visa and what categories are available?
How much does the India e-Visa cost in 2026?
What is the India e-Arrival Card and who needs it?
Do airlines check for onward tickets to India?
Which entry points accept the e-Visa?
How long can I stay in India and can I extend?
What are the customs duty-free allowances for India?
How much cash and currency can I bring into India?
Do I need special permits for certain regions of India?
Do I need vaccinations to enter India?
What are the overstay penalties in India under the new 2025 law?
What changes are affecting India entry in 2026?
Quick Tips for Smooth Entry
- Apply for your e-Visa only at the official portal indianvisaonline.gov.in. Many lookalike third-party sites charge USD 50-150+ in fake service fees on top of the real government fee.
- Since April 1, 2026, the e-Arrival Card is mandatory for ALL foreign nationals and OCI cardholders. Complete it free at the Su-Swagatam app or Indian Visa Online within 72 hours before arrival and save the QR code.
- The e-Visa works at 33 airports, 19 seaports, and 4 land crossings (Raxaul, Rupaidiha, Jogbani from Nepal; Darranga from Bhutan). Most other land borders still need a paper visa. You can exit anywhere.
- Your passport needs at least 6 months validity from arrival and 2 blank pages. Each traveler needs their own passport, including infants.
- Carry a confirmed onward or return ticket plus proof of funds. The official e-Visa rules explicitly require it, and airlines check before boarding.
- e-Visa fees are now reciprocal (nationality-specific). US citizens pay USD 160 and UK citizens USD 484 for the 5-year e-Tourist Visa, while the standard rate is USD 80. Always check your country's rate before paying.
- The e-Visa photo must be a square 2x2 inch shot on a plain background, no glasses. A bad photo is the top cause of rejection. Do not use a selfie.
- Customs (Baggage Rules 2026): 2 litres of alcohol and 100 cigarettes duty-free; INR 25,000 general allowance for tourists. Alcohol over 2 litres is taxed around 150%. Declare foreign currency over USD 5,000 (notes) or USD 10,000 (total).
- Overstaying is now serious: under the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, it can bring up to 3 years imprisonment and/or an INR 3 lakh fine, plus blacklisting. Leave before your stay expires.
- Some regions (Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Sikkim, Ladakh border zones, Andaman & Nicobar, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur) need a Protected/Restricted Area Permit or Inner Line Permit in addition to your visa. Arrange it in advance.
Official Sources
For the most current information, always verify with official sources:
Last verified: June 2026
Last verified: June 2026
Last verified: June 2026
Last verified: June 2026
Last verified: June 2026