Bengaluru Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Bengaluru (Bangalore), the capital of Karnataka state and India's tech hub, welcomes international travelers through Kempegowda International Airport (BLR). As with all entry points to India, visitors to Bengaluru must comply with Indian immigration requirements. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India, though the country has expanded its e-Visa program significantly in recent years to facilitate tourism and business travel. The immigration process at Bengaluru's international airport is generally efficient, with dedicated counters for Indian nationals, foreign nationals, and e-Visa holders. During peak hours, immigration queues can be substantial, so travelers should allow adequate time for processing. India operates a biometric immigration system, requiring fingerprint scans and photographs for most international visitors. Before traveling to Bengaluru, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, secure the appropriate visa or e-Visa, and prepare all required documentation including return tickets and proof of accommodation. India has specific customs regulations regarding currency, restricted items, and duty-free allowances that all visitors must observe. Familiarizing yourself with these requirements in advance will ensure a smooth entry experience.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

India has a relatively strict visa policy, with most foreign nationals requiring either a traditional visa or an e-Visa to enter Bengaluru. Very few countries enjoy visa-free access to India.

Visa-Free Entry

Unlimited stay for Nepal and Bhutan nationals

Only nationals of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a visa

Includes

Nepal Bhutan

Maldivian nationals receive a visa-free entry stamp on arrival for up to 90 days. All other nationalities require a visa or e-Visa.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Varies by type: Tourist e-Visa (30 days to 5 years with multiple entries), Business e-Visa (up to 365 days), Medical e-Visa (60 days triple entry)

Citizens of over 160 countries are eligible for e-Visa, which can be applied for online prior to travel

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Germany France Italy Spain Netherlands Switzerland Sweden Norway Denmark Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Thailand UAE Saudi Arabia Brazil Argentina Mexico South Africa Russia Ireland Austria Belgium Poland Portugal Greece Czech Republic Finland Israel China and over 140+ other countries

How to Apply: Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel (recommended 7-10 days). Upload passport copy, photo, and supporting documents. Processing typically takes 2-4 business days. E-Visa is sent via email and must be printed.
Cost: Varies by nationality and visa type: USD $10-$80 for tourist e-Visa depending on duration and country. Additional bank transaction fees may apply.

E-Visa holders can enter through 28 designated airports including Bengaluru (BLR). Must arrive within 120 days of e-Visa issuance. Passport must be valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages.

Traditional Visa Required

Varies by visa type: Tourist (up to 10 years with restrictions), Business, Employment, Student, etc.

Nationals not eligible for e-Visa or requiring longer stays, employment, or specific purposes must apply for traditional visa at Indian embassy/consulate

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail at nearest Indian embassy/consulate. Complete online application form, submit passport, photographs, supporting documents, and fees. Processing time: 3-7 business days for regular service, expedited options available.

Required for Pakistani and certain other nationals, or for purposes not covered by e-Visa. Some nationalities face additional scrutiny and longer processing times. Employment and student visas require extensive documentation.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, international travelers proceed through immigration, collect baggage, clear customs, and exit to the arrivals hall. The process is straightforward but can take 45-90 minutes during peak hours.

Disembarkation and Immigration Queue

After exiting the aircraft, follow signs to immigration. Separate queues exist for Indian nationals, foreign nationals with traditional visas, and e-Visa holders. Join the appropriate queue based on your visa type.

Immigration Counter

Present your passport, visa/e-Visa printout, completed arrival card (if applicable), and disembarkation card. Immigration officer will verify documents, take fingerprints and photograph, ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with entry seal and duration of stay.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to baggage claim area. Check flight information displays for your carousel number. Collect all checked luggage. Report missing baggage to airline counter before leaving baggage hall.

Customs Declaration

If carrying items to declare (currency over USD $5,000, high-value goods, restricted items), proceed to Red Channel and complete customs declaration. If nothing to declare, use Green Channel. Random checks may occur.

Exit to Arrivals

After clearing customs, exit to public arrivals area where you can arrange transportation, meet greeters, or access airport facilities.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 2 blank pages for stamps. Original passport required; copies not accepted.

Valid Visa or e-Visa

Printed copy of e-Visa approval (if applicable) or valid visa stamp in passport. Immigration will verify against their system.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of return or onward journey. May be requested by immigration or airline at check-in. Electronic ticket confirmation acceptable.

Accommodation Details

Hotel reservation confirmation or host address in India. Required for visa application and may be requested at immigration.

Sufficient Funds

Proof of adequate financial means for your stay (credit cards, cash, bank statements). Rarely checked but advisable to carry.

Arrival Card

Disembarkation/arrival card if distributed on flight or available at immigration. Complete with personal details, flight information, and Indian address.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print your e-Visa approval and carry it with your passport. Have digital backup on phone. Immigration requires the printed copy.

Keep all important documents (passport, visa, tickets, hotel bookings) in an easily accessible location in your carry-on luggage.

Fill out arrival/disembarkation cards on the flight to save time at immigration. Use blue or black pen and write clearly.

Be patient during peak hours (early morning and late evening international arrivals). Immigration queues can be long but move steadily.

Have your accommodation address written clearly in English. Immigration officers may request this information.

Declare all items requiring declaration at customs. Penalties for non-declaration can be severe, including confiscation and fines.

Exchange small amount of currency at airport if arriving late at night, though rates are better in the city. ATMs available in arrivals hall.

Save important phone numbers (hotel, local contact, embassy) in your phone and on paper in case of phone issues.

Customs & Duty-Free

Indian customs regulations apply to all travelers entering through Bengaluru. Travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and any restricted items. India has strict regulations on currency, gold, electronics, and certain goods.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages (liquor or wine)

Only for travelers aged 18 years and above. Some Indian states have prohibition; Karnataka (Bengaluru's state) allows alcohol. Must be for personal consumption.

Tobacco

100 cigarettes OR 25 cigars OR 125 grams of tobacco

Only for travelers aged 18 years and above. Must be for personal use. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned in India.

Currency

Foreign currency exceeding USD $5,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on Currency Declaration Form (CDF). Indian currency exceeding INR 25,000 must be declared.

No limit on foreign currency import if declared. Export of Indian currency over INR 25,000 is prohibited. Keep declaration form for re-export of currency.

Gifts and Personal Effects

Used personal effects and travel souvenirs are duty-free. New items/gifts up to INR 50,000 (approximately USD $600) for tourists.

Professional equipment may require temporary import documentation. High-value items (jewelry, cameras, laptops) should be declared to avoid issues on departure.

Gold and Precious Metals

Male passengers: up to 20 grams (value up to INR 50,000). Female passengers: up to 40 grams (value up to INR 100,000). Must have stayed abroad for minimum 6 months.

Strict regulations apply. Jewelry for personal use generally allowed but may be questioned if excessive. Commercial quantities prohibited without proper documentation.

Prohibited Items

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products - banned in India since 2019
Counterfeit currency or coins
Pornographic materials in any form (magazines, films, digital content)
Ivory and products made from ivory
Live animals, birds, and plants without proper permits and health certificates
Weapons, firearms, and ammunition without proper licenses
Satellite phones (except with special permission from Department of Telecommunications)
Indian currency exceeding INR 25,000
Items infringing intellectual property rights (pirated goods, fake branded items)

Restricted Items

Gold and silver in any form (bullion, coins) - requires declaration and may be subject to duty
Firearms and ammunition - requires Arms License from Indian authorities, must be declared
Drones and UAVs - require permit from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ministry of Home Affairs
Professional video and photography equipment - may require carnet or temporary import permit
Prescription medications - carry only reasonable quantity with doctor's prescription and in original packaging
Plants, seeds, and plant materials - require phytosanitary certificate and import permit
Pets - require import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, and microchip
Certain chemicals and hazardous materials - require special permits
Radio transmitting equipment - requires license from Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC)

Health Requirements

India has specific health requirements for entry, particularly regarding vaccinations from countries with disease risks. It's essential to check current requirements before travel as these can change based on global health situations.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate - required if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries (most of Africa, Central and South America). Certificate must be dated at least 10 days before arrival. Not required if only transiting through airport without leaving.
Polio vaccination - travelers from polio-endemic countries may need to show proof of vaccination

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and B - recommended for all travelers
Typhoid - recommended, especially for those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Tetanus-Diphtheria - ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
Rabies - consider if planning extensive outdoor activities or animal contact
Japanese Encephalitis - for travelers spending extended time in rural areas
Routine vaccinations - MMR, chickenpox, influenza

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory for tourist entry. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency medical evacuation in India. Some visa categories (employment, student) may require proof of health insurance. Medical care in Bengaluru is excellent with world-class private hospitals, but can be expensive for foreigners without insurance.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 and other health requirements before travel at indianvisaonline.gov.in or with your airline. Requirements may include vaccination certificates, negative tests, or health declarations depending on current global health situations. India's health requirements can change rapidly based on disease outbreaks. Register with your embassy upon arrival for health and safety updates. Carry sufficient supply of prescription medications with doctor's letter as some medications may not be available or may be different formulations in India.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Immigration Authority

Bureau of Immigration, Government of India - www.boi.gov.in

For visa inquiries: indianvisaonline.gov.in or contact nearest Indian embassy/consulate

Emergency Services

Dial 112 for all emergencies (unified emergency number)

Police: 100 | Ambulance: 102/108 | Fire: 101 | Tourist Helpline: 1363 or 1800-111-363

Kempegowda International Airport

Airport information: +91-80-6678-2251 | Website: bengaluruairport.com

For flight information, lost baggage, and airport services

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in New Delhi or consulate in Bengaluru/Chennai

Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)

FRRO Bengaluru: +91-80-2294-2654 | Address: Shanthinagar, Bengaluru

For visa extensions, registration requirements (stays over 180 days), and immigration queries

Ministry of External Affairs

MEA Public Interface: +91-11-2301-2113 | Website: mea.gov.in

For official immigration and visa policy information

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children require individual passports and visas (e-Visas available for minors). Minors traveling without both parents should carry notarized parental consent letter with contact details and copy of absent parent's passport. Children traveling alone or with non-parents may face additional questioning at immigration. Carry birth certificates as proof of relationship. Unaccompanied minors require airline special handling and may need additional documentation. Adopted children should carry adoption papers.

Traveling with Pets

Import permit required from Department of Animal Husbandry (apply 2-3 months in advance). Pet must be microchipped and have rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months). Health certificate from accredited veterinarian required within 7 days of travel. Quarantine may be required depending on origin country and documentation. Airlines have specific pet travel requirements - book well in advance. Pets must arrive at designated airports (Bengaluru is approved). Import duty may apply. Certain breeds may be restricted. Contact Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) at Bengaluru airport: +91-80-2522-0590.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas typically allow 90-180 days. For longer stays, apply for visa extension at Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Bengaluru before current visa expires. Extensions not guaranteed and require valid reasons. Foreigners staying over 180 days must register with FRRO within 14 days of arrival or within 14 days of completing 180 days. Consider appropriate long-term visa types: Employment Visa (for work), Student Visa (for study), Research Visa, Business Visa (multiple entries up to 5 years), or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card for eligible persons of Indian origin. Overstaying visa can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business e-Visa or traditional Business Visa required for business activities (meetings, conferences, trade fairs, recruitment). Tourist visa cannot be used for business purposes. Business visa allows multiple entries. Carry business documents (invitation letter, company registration, conference registration). Business travelers may need to register with FRRO for certain activities. Employment requires Employment Visa - working on business visa is illegal.

Students and Researchers

Student Visa required for educational courses (cannot study on tourist visa). Requires admission letter from recognized Indian institution. Must register with FRRO within 14 days of arrival. Student visa validity matches course duration. Research Visa required for research activities, requires sponsorship from Indian institution and government clearance. Both require extensive documentation and longer processing times.

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)

OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free entry with multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa. Must carry valid OCI card and foreign passport. Can stay indefinitely except for certain restricted areas requiring Protected Area Permit. Cannot vote or hold government office. PIO card scheme merged with OCI in 2015. Spouses of Indian citizens eligible for OCI. Apply through Indian embassy/consulate - processing takes 2-4 months.