Bengaluru Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
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India e-Arrival Card
- Who
- All foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders
- When
- Within 72 hours before arrival
Required before entry since 1 October 2025. The Government of India does not authorise any agent or intermediary to charge fees for the e-Arrival card.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
India's visa policy hinges on your nationality. Some get visa-free entry. Others need electronic authorization online. Many require traditional visas through embassies or consulates. Permitted stay lengths and application processes differ significantly. Check official rules for your passport first.
A limited number of nationalities can enter for tourism without obtaining a visa in advance.
Conditions and maximum stay durations are set by bilateral agreements and can change. Always verify your specific eligibility and stay limit with official sources before travel.
Travelers from many countries can obtain an authorization online before travel instead of a regular visa.
Cost: The government fee varies by nationality and is paid online during the application.
The e-Visa is valid for entry through designated airports, including Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. Carry a printed copy. Your passport needs six months validity and two blank pages minimum.
Nationalities not covered by visa-free or e-Visa schemes must obtain a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate before departure.
Tourist visas are not issued on arrival in India under any circumstances. Start your application well ahead of your travel date. This is essential.
Arrival Process
Arriving in Bengaluru follows a standard sequence through immigration and baggage claim. The airport is modern and well-signed. Lines grow long during peak arrival times. Keep documents accessible. It matters.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
India has specific rules about what you can bring in without paying duties. Limits apply to personal use. Exceed them and you must declare items and potentially pay tax. Some items are completely banned.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - illegal
- Pornographic materials - illegal
- Counterfeit currency or goods - illegal
- Radio transmitters without a wireless license - restricted
- Animal products like ivory, fur, and certain skins - protected by wildlife laws
Restricted Items
- Firearms and ammunition require prior permission from Indian authorities.
- Gold and silver bullion or coins beyond personal jewelry limits need declaration. Duty may apply. Keep documentation ready.
- Plants, seeds, and soil require phytosanitary certificates.
- Carry medications in original packaging. Psychotropic drugs need a doctor's prescription. Some over-the-counter medicines common elsewhere are controlled substances here. Check before you pack.
Health Requirements
India currently has no blanket COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry. Other health rules still apply. These depend on your travel history and itinerary within the country.
Required Vaccinations
- You need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. This includes transits exceeding 12 hours in such countries. Plan accordingly.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Stay current on routine vaccinations. These include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and flu. Get these before you travel.
- Get Hepatitis An and Typhoid shots. Contaminated food or water spreads both. These are real risks in India.
- Consider Hepatitis B vaccination. This matters if you might undergo medical procedures or have intimate contact. Better safe than sorry.
- Take malaria prophylaxis for certain rural areas. Bengaluru city itself is low risk. Assess your specific itinerary.
Health Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Get it anyway. Medical treatment for visitors runs expensive. Coverage for emergency evacuation makes sense. Accidents happen.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
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Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Bengaluru Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Minors under 18 should travel on a parent's passport or hold their own. Children traveling alone, with one parent, or with non-guardians need notarized permission letters from absent parents or guardians. Immigration officials enforce this strictly. Carry paperwork.
Importing a dog or cat requires an import permit from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service. You also need a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a recent veterinary health certificate. Pets face quarantine on arrival. Start this process months ahead. It is complex.
Tourist visas cannot be extended from within India. To stay longer, leave and apply for a new visa from abroad. For long-term stays involving work, study, or family reunion, apply for the appropriate residence visa (Employment, Student, or Entry) from an Indian embassy before your initial departure. Plan ahead.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Bengaluru Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Bengaluru?
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