Flight from London to Kathmandu via Delhi: (Transit) Visa?

twigdip · Feb 4th, 2008, 04:13

I have a quick question.
I am flying from London to Kathmandu via Delhi. In other words, I have a British Airways flight from London to Delhi, which gets in at 4.55 am. Then I have a flight from Delhi to Kathmandu, from the same airport later in the morning - leaving 13:05 ,.

Do I need a visa for India, or can I just sit in the transfer terminal and wait for the flight?

Thanks

twigdip

ColinT · Feb 5th, 2008, 16:33

Five months ago, I did the flight from Kathmandu to London. I bought my ticket in Kathmandu and did not have an Indian visa. But the travel agent told me I only need a transit visa if I was staying in the airport for more than 12 hours. I think I stayed in the airport for nine hours. Anyway, there was no problem. 12 hours seems to be the cut off point.

twigdip · Feb 7th, 2008, 22:59

was that on the same airlines?
Because I fly from London to Delhi with British Airways.
Then Jet Airways from Delhi to Kathmandu.

Will I need to leave the transfer area in order to do my "check in" for the flight from Delhi to Kath.

I am really worried about this visa situation. I'm worried that I get off the plane in Delhi and am immediately asked for my visa/passport. Will I just be able to say I am going to Kathmandu, and show them the ticket for the next flight?

any ideas???

thanks

ColinT · Feb 8th, 2008, 06:22

I flew with the same airlines in the opposite direction and no one in Delhi asked to see a visa - only my onward ticket. I had no checked in baggage but from what I gather no one had to go through immigration in order to check in again - the ground staff arranged this.

machadinha · Feb 8th, 2008, 07:10

How's about giving the appropriate embassies or your Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your own or any airline a call?

Faustus100 · May 5th, 2008, 18:47

Okay, now from me the "State of the art" answer, cause I just traveled from Frankfurt via. Quatar to Delhi on Qatar Airways and from there with Jet Airways to KTM, same back after 14 days.

I just write this, cause this Forum was my only Help and I wanna provide other people with even better information, hope sbd. is interested. For questions: Just PM me.

1. You will need NO Visa! Not even for more then 12 hours. Embassy will NOT tell you this, they are all uninformed, there is no Problems and there is a Transit Area (also this really sucks, but that#s your problem *smile*).

2. Baggage (with Qatar / jet) was interlined, cause they had interline agreement. Jet has this with really MANY other airlines. Just check this and when boarding the flight and check in baggage just mention your further flights from delhi, they will work it out for you. There is no Automatic routing in ALL of Delhi, but they can handle it, this is not a problem if you have 2+ hours there.

3. Delhi is definately one of the worst airports, there is NO smoking area at all (although noone cares when u smoke on the toilet). There is NOt a real Duty Free, so be prepared with all you need.

4. Be prepared to have people take your passport and tickets and hurrying away, this is Delhi and they will REALLY come back and have something sorted out *smile* Do not ask how nervous I was.....

Hope this was enough information for now. Am happy to help anyone with questions. have a good time and journey.....

olfrog · Sep 26th, 2008, 16:02

thanks! a group of us are going in 6 weeks so it is good to know that for our lon-fra-del-ktm flight we will not need to get a visa for the 8 hours stop over! i will also update this when i get back.

texan · Oct 10th, 2008, 23:42

I suggest to check with the local Embassy/Consular's Office as well as your carrier (British Airways) to find out if you need a tranist visa for India. Few months ago, I traveled from the US to Kathmandu via Delhi and I was actually denied boarding by Continental Airlines for not having an Indian visa. They told me that I needed a transit visa for India. It did not matter how short the transit was. I even showed them my onward ticket from Delhi to Kathmandu, but they did not let me board. Then I checked with the local consular's office and they also told me that I needed a visa (not a surprise since they are in business!). But I met several people from other parts of the world as well as from the US who were in transit in Delhi to go to Kathmandu and none of them had a transit visa. So I am not sure how they decide whether you need a transit visa or not. One thing for sure is that as long as you stay in the transit area in Delhi, you are never asked to show a tranist visa, or any other kind of Indian visa. If you find out that you have to get a visa, I would suggest to get a regular visa since if you are coming back from Nepal after weeks, then your tranist visa will no longer be good.

olfrog · Nov 9th, 2008, 17:29

We just got back and i can confirm the following:

There is no need to get a transit visa going to Nepal and coming from it
It is very easy to get your bags transferred in Delhi, although it is ALWAYS done manually despite what the airlines may say
Delhi airport is being upgraded and the transit lounge is now reasonable (although the constant announcements are a pain)
There are 2 little cafes in the transit lounge, so bring rupees!

Chadgottago · Feb 11th, 2009, 10:31

Does anybody know if this also applies to Canadians. I'm actually visiting in New York and I do have a Indian visa but it is single entry and I want to go to Nepal. So my plan is to go to Nepal first, then India. But to get to Nepal it looks I may need to go through Delhi. I just want to make sure that my India visa doesn't get stamped before going to Nepal.
Is that as clear as mud?

Haylo · Feb 11th, 2009, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chadgottago

But to get to Nepal it looks I may need to go through Delhi. I just want to make sure that my India visa doesn't get stamped before going to Nepal.

Your question is clear. You definitely do NOT need a transit visa as technically if you remain in the transit lounge you are not actually entering India, therefore I can see no reason why the Indian authorities would put an entry stamp on your existing Indian visa .

However I cannot tell you for certain, as I have never travelled either in transit through Delhi, or on a single entry visa.

To anyone else reading this thread, if you are of a heritage where multiple entry tourist visas are available (eg not from Pakistani family) apply for multiple entry. They really do save a lot of stress!

edwardseco · Feb 11th, 2009, 14:22

Just keep in mind the key observation of faustus and olfrog about the baggage check through. If you had an airline that did not arrange that all hades would erupt because that would force you through immigration that requires a transit visa. Fortunately, most do. The old Deccan was infamous for not doing so. This put one traveller in quite a fix! With some degree of hair pulling and anxiety he was able to retrieve the situation and get out. Jet is good but for others check..

olfrog · Feb 11th, 2009, 16:42

guys,

just to reconfirm, i have now transited through Delhi 5 times to Nepal in the past 18 months. When you get off the airplane and come through the gangway, just grab a staff person (not a cleaner!) and tell them you are transiting. Doesn't matter what company. The company taking you from Delhi to KTM will find your bag (just KEEP THE TAG at check in). You DO NOT go through customs or passport control. They will probably not even take your passport - if they do, they are NOT immigration, but just private guys working for the airline.

The only problem is that it takes a LONG time for these guys to pull their finger out! but they do. eventually.

olfrog · Feb 11th, 2009, 16:45

i forgot to mention, on my last jaunt through Delhi with Jet Airways, my flight to KTM was cancelled and i had to wait 27 hours until the next one (in horrible Delhi airport). Jet Airways in Nepal and London are nice - their colleagues in Delhi are the worst people in the world!

Chadgottago · Feb 11th, 2009, 22:32

Thanks to everyone who responded. I could not get through to the Indian Consulate here in New York to confirm, but it seems it should be okay. It sucks not being able to get a multi-entry tourist visa.
NOTE: if you work or had worked in the media and want to travel as a tourist in India, DO NOT put down that you work in media. They will assume you are working or "potentially" working as a journalist and will issue a J visa only good for 3 months single entry. I had applied for one year tourist visa. I was afraid to put down that I was unemployed (I was laid-off from a news company - hence wanting to travel).
On that note, how do they view "unemployed" on visas? Is that an issue with them?
I'm hoping to go again later this year to India and will try to rectify the problem. I guess once a journalist always a journalist. I guess it's like being in the mafia or CIA...

Live and learn....

Feb 4th, 2008, 04:13	#1
twigdip Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: London Posts: 5	Flight from London to Kathmandu via Delhi: (Transit) Visa? I have a quick question. I am flying from London to Kathmandu via Delhi. In other words, I have a British Airways flight from London to Delhi, which gets in at 4.55 am. Then I have a flight from Delhi to Kathmandu, from the same airport later in the morning - leaving 13:05 ,. Do I need a visa for India, or can I just sit in the transfer terminal and wait for the flight? Thanks twigdip Last edited by machadinha : Feb 8th, 2008 at 07:11. Reason: adjusted title

Feb 7th, 2008, 22:59	#3
twigdip Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: London Posts: 5	same?> was that on the same airlines? Because I fly from London to Delhi with British Airways. Then Jet Airways from Delhi to Kathmandu. Will I need to leave the transfer area in order to do my "check in" for the flight from Delhi to Kath. I am really worried about this visa situation. I'm worried that I get off the plane in Delhi and am immediately asked for my visa/passport. Will I just be able to say I am going to Kathmandu, and show them the ticket for the next flight? any ideas??? thanks

Feb 8th, 2008, 07:10	#5
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,388	How's about giving the appropriate embassies or your Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your own or any airline a call? __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

May 5th, 2008, 18:47	#6
Faustus100 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 1	Works! Okay, now from me the "State of the art" answer, cause I just traveled from Frankfurt via. Quatar to Delhi on Qatar Airways and from there with Jet Airways to KTM, same back after 14 days. I just write this, cause this Forum was my only Help and I wanna provide other people with even better information, hope sbd. is interested. For questions: Just PM me. 1. You will need NO Visa! Not even for more then 12 hours. Embassy will NOT tell you this, they are all uninformed, there is no Problems and there is a Transit Area (also this really sucks, but that#s your problem smile). 2. Baggage (with Qatar / jet) was interlined, cause they had interline agreement. Jet has this with really MANY other airlines. Just check this and when boarding the flight and check in baggage just mention your further flights from delhi, they will work it out for you. There is no Automatic routing in ALL of Delhi, but they can handle it, this is not a problem if you have 2+ hours there. 3. Delhi is definately one of the worst airports, there is NO smoking area at all (although noone cares when u smoke on the toilet). There is NOt a real Duty Free, so be prepared with all you need. 4. Be prepared to have people take your passport and tickets and hurrying away, this is Delhi and they will REALLY come back and have something sorted out smile Do not ask how nervous I was..... Hope this was enough information for now. Am happy to help anyone with questions. have a good time and journey.....

Oct 10th, 2008, 23:42	#8
texan Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 1	Transit visa for India I suggest to check with the local Embassy/Consular's Office as well as your carrier (British Airways) to find out if you need a tranist visa for India. Few months ago, I traveled from the US to Kathmandu via Delhi and I was actually denied boarding by Continental Airlines for not having an Indian visa. They told me that I needed a transit visa for India. It did not matter how short the transit was. I even showed them my onward ticket from Delhi to Kathmandu, but they did not let me board. Then I checked with the local consular's office and they also told me that I needed a visa (not a surprise since they are in business!). But I met several people from other parts of the world as well as from the US who were in transit in Delhi to go to Kathmandu and none of them had a transit visa. So I am not sure how they decide whether you need a transit visa or not. One thing for sure is that as long as you stay in the transit area in Delhi, you are never asked to show a tranist visa, or any other kind of Indian visa. If you find out that you have to get a visa, I would suggest to get a regular visa since if you are coming back from Nepal after weeks, then your tranist visa will no longer be good.

Feb 5th, 2008, 16:33	#2
ColinT Future Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: UK Posts: 334	Five months ago, I did the flight from Kathmandu to London. I bought my ticket in Kathmandu and did not have an Indian visa. But the travel agent told me I only need a transit visa if I was staying in the airport for more than 12 hours. I think I stayed in the airport for nine hours. Anyway, there was no problem. 12 hours seems to be the cut off point.

Feb 8th, 2008, 06:22	#4
ColinT Future Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: UK Posts: 334	I flew with the same airlines in the opposite direction and no one in Delhi asked to see a visa - only my onward ticket. I had no checked in baggage but from what I gather no one had to go through immigration in order to check in again - the ground staff arranged this.

Sep 26th, 2008, 16:02	#7
olfrog Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: uk Posts: 5	thanks! a group of us are going in 6 weeks so it is good to know that for our lon-fra-del-ktm flight we will not need to get a visa for the 8 hours stop over! i will also update this when i get back.

Nov 9th, 2008, 17:29	#9
olfrog Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: uk Posts: 5	Up To Date We just got back and i can confirm the following: There is no need to get a transit visa going to Nepal and coming from it It is very easy to get your bags transferred in Delhi, although it is ALWAYS done manually despite what the airlines may say Delhi airport is being upgraded and the transit lounge is now reasonable (although the constant announcements are a pain) There are 2 little cafes in the transit lounge, so bring rupees!

Feb 11th, 2009, 10:31	#10
Chadgottago Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Victoria Posts: 2	Does anybody know if this also applies to Canadians. I'm actually visiting in New York and I do have a Indian visa but it is single entry and I want to go to Nepal. So my plan is to go to Nepal first, then India. But to get to Nepal it looks I may need to go through Delhi. I just want to make sure that my India visa doesn't get stamped before going to Nepal. Is that as clear as mud?

Feb 11th, 2009, 14:22	#12
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 5,843	Just keep in mind the key observation of faustus and olfrog about the baggage check through. If you had an airline that did not arrange that all hades would erupt because that would force you through immigration that requires a transit visa. Fortunately, most do. The old Deccan was infamous for not doing so. This put one traveller in quite a fix! With some degree of hair pulling and anxiety he was able to retrieve the situation and get out. Jet is good but for others check..

Feb 11th, 2009, 16:42	#13
olfrog Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: uk Posts: 5	guys, just to reconfirm, i have now transited through Delhi 5 times to Nepal in the past 18 months. When you get off the airplane and come through the gangway, just grab a staff person (not a cleaner!) and tell them you are transiting. Doesn't matter what company. The company taking you from Delhi to KTM will find your bag (just KEEP THE TAG at check in). You DO NOT go through customs or passport control. They will probably not even take your passport - if they do, they are NOT immigration, but just private guys working for the airline. The only problem is that it takes a LONG time for these guys to pull their finger out! but they do. eventually.

Feb 11th, 2009, 16:45	#14
olfrog Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: uk Posts: 5	i forgot to mention, on my last jaunt through Delhi with Jet Airways, my flight to KTM was cancelled and i had to wait 27 hours until the next one (in horrible Delhi airport). Jet Airways in Nepal and London are nice - their colleagues in Delhi are the worst people in the world!

Feb 11th, 2009, 22:32	#15
Chadgottago Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Victoria Posts: 2	Thanks to everyone who responded. I could not get through to the Indian Consulate here in New York to confirm, but it seems it should be okay. It sucks not being able to get a multi-entry tourist visa. NOTE: if you work or had worked in the media and want to travel as a tourist in India, DO NOT put down that you work in media. They will assume you are working or "potentially" working as a journalist and will issue a J visa only good for 3 months single entry. I had applied for one year tourist visa. I was afraid to put down that I was unemployed (I was laid-off from a news company - hence wanting to travel). On that note, how do they view "unemployed" on visas? Is that an issue with them? I'm hoping to go again later this year to India and will try to rectify the problem. I guess once a journalist always a journalist. I guess it's like being in the mafia or CIA... Live and learn....

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