Kolkata Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal and one of India's major metropolitan cities, welcomes millions of international visitors annually through Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU). As with all entry points to India, travelers to Kolkata must comply with Indian immigration and customs regulations. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India, though the country has expanded its e-Visa program significantly in recent years to facilitate easier travel for tourists, business visitors, and medical tourists. The immigration process at Kolkata's airport is generally efficient, with separate queues for Indian nationals, foreign nationals, and e-Visa holders. During peak travel seasons, expect moderate wait times at immigration counters. All travelers must present valid travel documents, proof of accommodation, and may need to show onward/return tickets. First-time visitors should be prepared to answer basic questions about their travel purpose and itinerary. Before traveling to Kolkata, ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your intended date of arrival and contains at least two blank pages for stamps. Familiarize yourself with India's visa requirements for your nationality, arrange necessary vaccinations, and understand customs regulations to ensure a smooth entry experience. India has specific regulations regarding currency declaration, prohibited items, and duty-free allowances that all travelers should review before departure.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

India operates a comprehensive visa system with very limited visa-free access. Most foreign nationals visiting Kolkata must obtain either an e-Visa before travel or a traditional visa from an Indian embassy or consulate.

Visa-Free Entry

No specified limit for Nepal and Bhutan nationals

Very limited visa-free access to India. Only nationals of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a visa.

Includes

Nepal Bhutan

Maldivian nationals can obtain entry permits on arrival for stays up to 90 days. All other nationalities require a visa.

Electronic Travel Authorization (e-Visa)

Tourist e-Visa: 30 days (single/double entry) or 1 year/5 years (multiple entry with max 90 days per stay). Business e-Visa: up to 180 days. Medical e-Visa: 60 days (triple entry)

India offers e-Visa facility for nationals of over 160 countries for tourism, business, medical, and conference purposes. This is the most convenient option for eligible travelers.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Germany France Italy Spain Netherlands Belgium Switzerland Sweden Norway Denmark Ireland Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Thailand UAE Saudi Arabia Brazil Argentina Mexico South Africa and over 140 other countries

How to Apply: Apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel (minimum 4 days, maximum 120 days in advance for tourist e-Visa). Upload required documents including passport copy, photograph, and supporting documents. Receive Electronic Travel Authorization via email.
Cost: Varies by nationality and visa type. US citizens: $80 for 1-year tourist e-Visa, $100 for 5-year. UK citizens: approximately $100-$120. Other nationalities: $10-$100 depending on country and reciprocity.

E-Visa is valid for entry through 28 designated airports including Kolkata (CCU). Ensure you print the ETA confirmation. E-Visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type. Not available for diplomatic or official passport holders.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type: Tourist visa typically 6 months to 10 years with varying stay durations; Business visa up to 5 years; Employment visa linked to contract period; Student visa for course duration

Nationals of countries not eligible for e-Visa, or travelers requiring visa types not available as e-Visa (employment, student, journalist, etc.) must apply for a traditional visa at an Indian embassy, high commission, or consulate.

How to Apply: Apply through Indian embassy/consulate or authorized visa application centers (VFS Global, BLS International, etc.). Submit application form, passport, photographs, supporting documents, and fees. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days but can vary by location.

Pakistani and Afghan nationals have special requirements and restrictions. Some nationalities require security clearance which can take several weeks. Traditional visas offer more flexibility for extensions and conversions within India.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, all international passengers must clear immigration and customs. The process is straightforward but requires proper documentation and patience during busy periods.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

Exit the aircraft and follow signs to immigration. You may pass through health screening checkpoints where thermal scanning or health declarations may be required, depending on current health protocols.

Immigration Queue

Proceed to the appropriate immigration queue: separate lines for Indian nationals, foreign nationals with traditional visas, and e-Visa holders. Have your documents ready before reaching the counter.

Immigration Counter

Present your passport, visa/e-Visa, arrival card (if required), and any supporting documents. The immigration officer will verify your documents, may ask questions about your visit, take your photograph and fingerprints (biometric data), and stamp your passport with entry date and permitted duration of stay.

Baggage Claim

After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim area. Check display screens for your flight number and carousel assignment. Collect all checked luggage.

Customs Declaration

Complete customs declaration form if you have items to declare (amounts exceeding duty-free allowances, restricted items, or currency over $5,000). Choose the appropriate channel: Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare).

Customs Inspection

Customs officers may randomly inspect luggage even in the Green channel. If you have declared items or are selected for inspection, cooperate fully and present all required documentation.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After clearing customs, proceed to the arrivals hall where you can access transportation, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and meet greeters.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must have at least 6 months validity from date of arrival and minimum 2 blank pages. This is the primary identification document required at immigration.

Valid Visa or e-Visa

Printed copy of e-Visa ETA confirmation or visa stamp in passport. Immigration will not permit entry without valid authorization.

Arrival Card

May be distributed on the flight or available at immigration area. Complete all fields accurately with your travel details. Some nationalities may complete this online in advance.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of intention to leave India. Immigration officers may request to see confirmed return or onward travel arrangements.

Accommodation Proof

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying in Kolkata. Required for immigration and for your visa application.

Sufficient Funds Proof

Evidence of adequate financial means for your stay (bank statements, credit cards, cash). May be requested at immigration discretion.

Customs Declaration Form

Required if carrying currency over $5,000 (or equivalent), high-value goods, or items requiring declaration. Available on flight or at customs area.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Arrive at immigration with all documents organized and easily accessible. Keep passport, visa, arrival card, and accommodation details in a folder or envelope.

Fill out your arrival card completely and legibly during the flight to save time at immigration. Use black or blue ink and write in capital letters.

For e-Visa holders, ensure you have a printed copy of your ETA confirmation. While the system is electronic, having a printout can expedite the process if there are any technical issues.

Be honest and concise when answering immigration questions. Provide direct answers without volunteering unnecessary information.

Keep valuable items, medications, and essential documents in your carry-on luggage. Never pack prescription medications in checked baggage.

Declare all items that exceed duty-free allowances. Penalties for non-declaration can be severe, including confiscation and fines.

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate expenses (transportation, SIM card), but compare rates as airport exchanges typically offer less favorable rates than city exchanges.

Take note of your permitted stay duration stamped in your passport. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future visa difficulties.

Keep your baggage claim tags until you exit the airport. You may need to show them to security personnel at the exit.

If traveling for business, have invitation letters and company documentation readily available. Business travelers may face more detailed questioning.

Customs & Duty-Free

Indian customs regulations apply to all travelers entering through Kolkata. Passengers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and are subject to baggage inspection. India has strict rules regarding prohibited and restricted items, and violations can result in serious penalties including prosecution.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic liquor or wine

Only for passengers aged 18 years and above. Some Indian states have alcohol restrictions; West Bengal permits alcohol. Must be for personal consumption only.

Tobacco

100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 125 grams of tobacco

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

Currency

Foreign currency: No limit but amounts exceeding USD $5,000 (or equivalent) in cash, or USD $10,000 in total (cash plus traveler's cheques) must be declared on Currency Declaration Form (CDF). Indian currency: INR 25,000 maximum

Failure to declare currency can result in confiscation and prosecution. Keep exchange receipts for reconversion when departing. Declaration is mandatory above threshold amounts.

Gifts/Goods

Articles up to a total value of INR 50,000 (approximately USD $600) for tourists. Includes souvenirs, gifts, and personal effects acquired abroad.

Professional equipment may be allowed temporarily without duty if re-exported. Used personal effects and travel souvenirs are generally not dutiable. Items intended for business or commercial use do not qualify for duty-free allowance.

Gold

Male passengers: 20 grams (max value INR 50,000). Female passengers: 40 grams (max value INR 100,000)

Only for passengers of Indian origin or holding Indian passport who have been abroad for more than one year. Must be in form of ornaments or jewelry. Subject to customs duty on excess.

Electronics

One laptop computer, one mobile phone for personal use are duty-free. Additional items may attract duty.

Professional equipment like cameras, video equipment may be allowed temporarily for re-export. High-value electronics may require declaration and are subject to scrutiny.

Prohibited Items

E-cigarettes, vaping devices, e-hookahs and related products - completely banned in India
Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - severe penalties including imprisonment
Counterfeit currency and fake Indian currency notes
Pornographic material in any form (magazines, DVDs, digital files)
Ivory and products made from ivory - wildlife protection laws
Live animals, animal products without proper permits and health certificates
Satellite phones (except with special permission from Department of Telecommunications)
Weapons, firearms, ammunition without proper licenses and import permits
Antiques over 100 years old without export clearance certificate
Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) without prior approval from DGCA and security clearance
Certain endangered species products under CITES regulations
Pirated or counterfeit goods including software, movies, branded items

Restricted Items

Gold and silver in any form (bars, coins) - requires declaration and payment of duty, subject to quantity restrictions
Prescription medications - must be in original packaging with prescription; quantities limited to personal use (typically 3 months supply)
Plants, seeds, soil - require phytosanitary certificate and import permit from Plant Quarantine
Pets and animals - require import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, and quarantine compliance
Professional film and video equipment - may require temporary import documentation or carnet
Radio transmitting devices - require approval from Wireless Planning Commission
Certain chemicals and biological materials - require special permits
Currency exceeding declaration thresholds - must be declared on appropriate forms
High-value jewelry beyond duty-free allowance - subject to duty and valuation
Ayurvedic or traditional medicines in commercial quantities - require import license

Health Requirements

India has specific health requirements for travelers depending on their origin country and recent travel history. While routine vaccinations should be up to date, certain vaccinations may be mandatory for entry from specific regions.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate - mandatory for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or travelers who have transited for more than 12 hours through airports of countries with yellow fever risk. This includes many African and South American countries. Vaccination must be at least 10 days old.
Polio vaccination - travelers from polio-endemic countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and certain African nations) may be required to show proof of polio vaccination and may receive oral polio vaccine at the airport

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to food and water-borne transmission risk
Typhoid - recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Japanese Encephalitis - recommended for travelers spending extended periods in rural areas, especially during monsoon season
Rabies - recommended for adventure travelers, those working with animals, or visiting rural areas with limited medical access
Malaria prophylaxis - recommended depending on areas to be visited and season; Kolkata has low malaria risk but surrounding rural areas may require prophylaxis
Routine vaccinations - ensure up to date on measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and yearly flu vaccine

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry to India. Medical care in India can be expensive for foreigners, especially in private hospitals which offer international-standard care. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. Some e-Visa categories may require proof of health insurance. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers easily accessible. India has good medical facilities in major cities like Kolkata, but quality varies significantly between private and public hospitals.

Current Health Requirements: Health requirements can change rapidly based on global health situations. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, India has implemented various requirements including vaccination certificates, negative test results, self-declaration forms, and quarantine measures. These requirements vary based on origin country and vaccination status. Always check the latest requirements on the Bureau of Immigration website (https://boi.gov.in) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website before traveling. Airlines will also inform passengers of current requirements. Download and register on the Air Suvidha portal if required for health declarations. Monitor travel advisories from your home country's foreign affairs department for health-related updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Bureau of Immigration, Government of India

Official website: https://boi.gov.in - For visa information, immigration policies, and official announcements

e-Visa applications: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in - Check visa status and requirements

Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Kolkata

237A, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Kolkata - 700020. For visa extensions, registration requirements, and immigration matters while in India

All foreign nationals staying beyond 180 days must register with FRRO. Business, employment, student visa holders have specific registration requirements.

Your Country's Embassy or Consulate

Contact your embassy or consulate in Kolkata or New Delhi for citizen services, passport issues, and emergency assistance

Register with your embassy's traveler registration system. US citizens: https://step.state.gov, UK citizens: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Australian citizens: Smartraveller, Canadian citizens: Travel.gc.ca

Emergency Services

Police: 100 | Ambulance: 102 | Fire: 101 | National Emergency Number: 112 (works from mobile phones)

112 is India's integrated emergency number connecting to police, medical, and fire services. English-speaking operators available.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport

Airport information: +91-33-2511-8787 | Website: www.aai.aero/en/airports/kolkata

For flight information, lost luggage, airport services, and general inquiries

Tourist Helpline

India Tourism Helpline: 1800-111-363 or 1363 (toll-free within India) | West Bengal Tourism: +91-33-2248-8271

24/7 multilingual support for tourist assistance, complaints, and information

Medical Emergency - Major Hospitals

AMRI Hospital: +91-33-6606-3800 | Apollo Gleneagles: +91-33-2320-3040 | Fortis Hospital: +91-33-6628-4444 | Woodlands Hospital: +91-33-4040-5000

These are private hospitals with international standards, 24/7 emergency services, and English-speaking staff

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (cannot be included on parent's passport). Same visa requirements apply regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with only one parent should carry: notarized consent letter from absent parent(s) authorizing travel, birth certificate showing parents' names, and copies of parents' passports. Schools may require additional documentation. Some airlines have specific unaccompanied minor policies. For adoption cases or children traveling with guardians, carry legal guardianship documents. Indian immigration may scrutinize child travel more carefully for child protection reasons.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering India require: Import permit from Department of Animal Husbandry (apply at least 30 days in advance), Health certificate from veterinarian in origin country issued within 7 days of travel, Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days old but not more than 12 months), Veterinary certificate showing pet is free from infectious diseases, Microchip for identification (ISO standard). Upon arrival, pets must undergo quarantine inspection at the airport. Dogs and cats from certain countries may require quarantine period (up to 30 days). Contact Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS) at Kolkata Airport in advance: +91-33-2511-9117. Airlines have specific pet policies and fees. Certain breeds may be restricted.

Extended Stays and Visa Extensions

Tourist visas generally cannot be extended except in emergency situations (medical emergency, natural disaster). For longer stays, consider: Business visa (up to 5 years with multiple entries), Employment visa (requires job offer and company sponsorship), Student visa (requires admission to recognized institution), Research visa (requires affiliation with Indian institution), Medical visa (for treatment, up to 60 days, can be extended). Extensions and conversions must be applied for at Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Kolkata before current visa expires. Overstaying results in penalties, possible deportation, and future visa complications. For work or study, employer or institution typically handles visa processes.

Business Travelers

Business visa holders must carry: invitation letter from Indian company, letter from employer explaining business purpose, company registration documents if establishing business, and conference registration if attending events. Business visas allow activities like meetings, conferences, trade fairs, but not employment or paid work. Register with FRRO if staying beyond 180 days. Business visa holders cannot engage in missionary, journalistic, or mountaineering activities. For setting up business, consider Business visa followed by employment visa. Keep all business-related documentation for immigration and tax purposes.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Journalists, photographers, and film crews require special Journalist visa or Film visa, not tourist visa. Apply through Indian embassy with: letter from media organization, detailed assignment description, and proposed itinerary. Filming in certain areas requires additional permissions from Ministry of External Affairs and local authorities. Using tourist visa for journalistic activities is illegal and can result in deportation and ban. Documentary filmmakers need special permits. Commercial filming requires separate clearances. Processing time can be lengthy; apply well in advance.

Volunteer and NGO Work

Volunteering in India requires appropriate visa - typically Employment visa or Entry visa for NGO work, not tourist visa. Requirements include: sponsorship from registered Indian NGO, clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs for certain organizations, background checks, and detailed project information. Tourist visa holders cannot engage in volunteer activities, even unpaid. Medical volunteers require additional clearances. Religious or missionary activities have strict regulations and require Missionary visa. Violations can result in deportation and future entry bans.

Students and Academic Visitors

Students admitted to Indian educational institutions require Student visa with: admission letter from recognized institution, proof of financial means for tuition and living expenses, and educational certificates. Register with FRRO within 14 days of arrival. Student visa typically valid for duration of course plus examination period. For research scholars, Research visa requires: affiliation letter from Indian institution, research proposal, and academic credentials. Short-term academic conferences may use Conference visa or e-Conference visa. Student visas can be extended through institution and FRRO.

Medical Tourists

Medical visa (e-Medical visa available) requires: letter from recognized Indian hospital confirming appointment and estimated treatment duration, medical records showing need for treatment, and proof of financial means for treatment. Valid for 60 days, triple entry, can be extended up to one year for long-term treatment. Attendants (maximum 2) can apply for Medical Attendant visa. Carry all medical documentation, treatment estimates, and hospital contact information. Many hospitals in Kolkata offer international patient services and assistance with visa processes.

Transit Passengers

Transit without visa (TWOV) allowed for passengers with onward confirmed tickets within 24 hours, staying in airport international transit area, and holding valid visa for destination country. For leaving airport during transit, Transit visa required unless eligible for e-Visa. Some nationalities cannot use TWOV facility. If planning to exit airport, arrange appropriate visa in advance. Kolkata airport has limited transit facilities; confirm airline policies for extended connections.

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

OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free entry with multiple entry, multi-purpose lifelong visa. Must carry valid passport and OCI card. No registration required for stays under 180 days. PIOs can apply for OCI or use e-Visa facility. OCI holders cannot engage in certain activities (agricultural/plantation work, government employment) without permission. OCI card must be re-issued on getting new passport (until age 20, after age 50, and on change of passport particulars). Spouses of Indian citizens eligible for OCI with some conditions.