DO I need a visa?

I don't know about India, but in other countries such as Singapore, it isn't neccesary to have a visa as long as you don't plan on leaving the "transit lounge" area in the airport. Since so many international flights stop over in countries before going to their final destination I am pretty sure this is the norm. Of course I'm just basing this on common sense, not any knowledge of Indian airports in particular.

This is ndia!

The airlines don't permit passengers to board the aircraft if you don't have a visa.Incase the passenger is sent back for not havng an indian visa, the airlines (that brought the passenger) has to take to responsibilty to take him back!

Transiting through indian airports are rare ..except Mumbai and Delhi ...all other international airports like Chennai , Bangalore etc do not have facilities for transitting.

thanks to all who replied, but today we went to the local indian embassy in washington dc and after talking to them adjusted our plans. As it turns out, indian embassy only issues a single entry visa to people of pakistan origin. What is "people of pakistani orgin?" you ask?. People who are unfortunate enough to have either been born to pakistani nationals, married to one, had a great great great grandparent who was pakistani national or perhaps simply had lunch with someone who just happened to be sitting next to someone of pakistani origin on the bus ride to work.

But all kidding aside, both my wife and I and my next 7 generations will never be able to get more than a single entry visa to india (at a time) because both our parents are of pakistani orgin. This despite the fact that my dad was born in Agra.

Anyhooo, we have changed our plans (anyone know of a good place to stay in Colombo?), had to pay some costs, and are now merely flying through india on air lanka with no change of aircraft. This should not require a transit visa. On the way back I will have to go indian high commission in maldives and apply for a transit visa. I was assured by the visa counselor here in dc that it should not be an issue. Otherwise, I guess I will just have to retire in Maldives My wife is pissed, has promised to never return to India. But I think a week at nice resort in maldives will take care of that, oh and I guess some shopping in Jaipur can't hurt either.

So what is the lesson learnt, well I thought about it alot all day. Cursed the brits for their colonizations, wondered why india and pakistan can't be more like usa and canada, have our version of NAFTA, etc, prayed for the day when countries other then the western nations will grow up to learn and appreciate the meaning of cooperation and "bhai chara", and yes I also thought about why did I have to be born to a father with indian heritage instead of Bill Gates?.

But after all the reflection, I have decided the best course is to go find one Indian on my trip, shake his/her hand, and pledge that our next generation will not have to go through the same bullsh## and infact we will live together like good neighbors not unlike the EU, etc. Then perhaps my son will go back to India one day and enjoy all that it has to offer without prejiduce. Sorta kinda like Tourist Without Borders

see ya
I think it will turn out ok eventually,
alam

!f the current thaw continues, Indo-Pak travel is bound to get easier.
work for peace!

Nice one, alam... glad you got it sorted and you're taking such a cool and generous view of the situation .

If you'd mentioned your Pakistani origins (or did I miss it) it would have explained to us why you got a less generous visa than most. Don't feel too bad about it: just try being of Sri Lankan origin!!!!!!

turns out the indian hi commission in washington dc is staffed by incompetent fools. I showed them my complete itinerary and confirmed tickets and still they told me to get a transit visa in maldives. I did and wasted 223 dollars. Delhi airport does indeed have a transit lounge and i didn't need a visa. such a waste of money and time. I wasted my time in maldives at the hi commission who were only too happy to take my money.

oh well, hopefully this will help the next person searching for the same information.

223dollars! Oh dear

Thanks for the update re Delhi.

An office of the federal govt. (any federal govt) is staffed by incompetents?!?!

Unheard of!

People really will say any old thing just to get you off the phone.

Seriously, sorry you had to learn the hard way.

Hi thanks for the great info.
I have flights to Delhi next Nov. but I think I will continue straight to Auckland (NZ) and fulfill my lifelong dream of going to the kiwiland. Good to know I won`t need to waste money on Indian visas (100 euros for two persons :P).