Kolkata Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is served by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), the primary point of entry for international travelers. All foreign nationals entering India, including Kolkata, must pass through immigration control where their passport, visa, and arrival documents are checked. India has a tiered entry system based on nationality, ranging from visa-free entry for a select few to eVisa or traditional visa requirements for most. The immigration process is generally straightforward but can be time-consuming during peak hours; having all documents organized is key. Travelers should ensure their passport has at least six months' validity from the date of arrival and has at least two blank pages for stamps. It is also mandatory to complete a Disembarkation Card (usually provided on the flight or at the airport).

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

India's visa policy applies uniformly across the country, including entry via Kolkata. Requirements are primarily based on the traveler's nationality.

Visa-Free Entry

Varies (e.g., 30-90 days)

Only nationals of a few neighboring countries can enter India without a visa for tourism.

Includes

Bhutan Nepal Maldives (up to 90 days)

Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter with official identity documents instead of a passport. Maldivian citizens receive visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourism.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days, 1 year, or 5 years, with specific stay limits per visit (e.g., 30, 90, or 180 days depending on eVisa type).

The Indian eVisa is available for tourism, business, and medical purposes for citizens of over 160+ countries. It must be obtained online before travel.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Australia Canada Germany France Japan South Korea Singapore Brazil South Africa

How to Apply: Apply online via the official Indian Government eVisa website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/). A digital photo and passport scan are required. Processing typically takes 24-72 hours, but apply at least 4 days before travel.
Cost: Approximately $10 - $100 USD, depending on nationality and visa type (e.g., 30-day tourist eVisa is around $25).

The eVisa is valid for entry via 28 designated airports, including Kolkata (CCU). You must carry a printed copy. It allows double entry for the 30-day and 1-year tourist eVisas. Entry must be within 120 days of eVisa approval.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type (Tourist visas commonly issued for 6 months to 10 years with multiple entries).

Nationals not eligible for visa-free entry or the eVisa must apply for a traditional, sticker visa from an Indian embassy or consulate.

How to Apply: Apply in person or via a visa application center (like VFS Global) at an Indian diplomatic mission. Requires forms, photos, fees, and often proof of travel and funds.

This category includes citizens of Pakistan, who have specific application procedures. Long-term visas (e.g., employment, research) always require a traditional visa application.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, follow signs for 'Arrivals' and 'Immigration'.

Health Screening

You may pass through a thermal screening station. Be prepared to show any required health documentation if asked.

Immigration Check

Proceed to the appropriate queue (Foreigners). Present your passport, visa (or eVisa printout), and completed Disembarkation Card. An immigration officer will verify your documents, ask about your purpose of visit, and stamp your passport.

Baggage Claim

After immigration, collect your checked luggage from the carousels.

Customs Check

Walk through the Green Channel (nothing to declare) or Red Channel (items to declare) after baggage claim. Bags may be scanned or inspected.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After customs, you exit into the public arrivals hall where you can find transport, SIM cards, and currency exchange.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival and have at least two blank pages.

Valid Indian Visa or eVisa

Physical visa in passport or a printed copy of your approved eVisa authorization.

Disembarkation Card

Also known as the Arrival Card. Filled with personal details, flight info, and address in India. Usually provided on the flight.

Return/Onward Ticket

Immigration may ask for proof of your intention to leave India.

Proof of Accommodation and Funds

Hotel bookings or invitation letter and evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay may be requested.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Fill out the Disembarkation Card on the plane to save time.

Keep your visa printout, passport, and boarding pass easily accessible.

Answer immigration questions clearly and confidently. Have supporting documents (hotel booking, return ticket) ready if asked.

The immigration area is busy; be patient. Avoid using phones or taking photos.

Consider getting a local SIM card or arranging a pickup from the airport in advance for convenience.

Customs & Duty-Free

India has strict customs regulations. All baggage is subject to screening. Be aware of duty-free allowances and prohibited items to avoid fines or confiscation.

Alcohol

Up to 2 liters of wine or spirits

Traveler must be over the legal drinking age (varies by state; 21+ in West Bengal).

Tobacco

Up to 100 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 125g of tobacco

Restricted to adults.

Currency

Unlimited foreign currency can be imported, but amounts exceeding USD $10,000 (or equivalent) in cash, or USD $5,000 in cash plus $5,000 in TCs, must be declared on arrival.

Indian currency (INR) import is prohibited for non-residents. Export of INR is strictly limited.

Gifts/Goods

Articles for personal use up to a value of ₹50,000 for Indian residents. For foreigners, a reasonable quantity of personal effects is allowed.

New items in commercial quantities may be subject to duty. High-value electronics (like multiple new laptops) may raise questions.

Prohibited Items

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - illegal
Pornographic materials - illegal
Counterfeit currency and goods - illegal
Live plants, seeds, soil - biosecurity risk
Endangered wildlife products (ivory, fur, skins) - CITES violation
Radio transmitters without a WPC license - illegal

Restricted Items

Firearms and ammunition - require a license from Indian authorities
Gold & Silver - beyond personal jewelry, requires declaration and may be subject to duty
Professional camera equipment or drones - may require declaration; drones need special permission from DGCA
Medicines - psychotropic drugs; carry a doctor's prescription and limit to personal use

Health Requirements

While there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry into India for most travelers (unless coming from a yellow-fever endemic country), several health precautions are strongly advised.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (required only if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission)

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Influenza, Chickenpox)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis (for rural, long-term travel)
Rabies (for adventure travelers, animal handlers)
Cholera (for humanitarian workers in outbreak areas)

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for a tourist visa, but highly recommended. Medical treatment for foreigners can be expensive, and complete travel insurance covering medical evacuation is advised.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry into India. However, travelers may be subject to random thermal screening. This can change; check the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website for the latest advisories.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in India. For Kolkata, many countries have Consulates-General or Honorary Consuls.

Check your government's travel advisory website for the most accurate and updated contact information.

Immigration Authority

Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Official website for visa/OCI information and immigration rules: https://boi.gov.in/

Emergency

Single emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services.

Dial 112 from any phone. For police only, you can also dial 100; for ambulance 102 or 108.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors (under 18) should have their own passport and visa. If a child is traveling with only one parent, with relatives, or alone, it is advisable (though not always checked) to carry a notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s). This can prevent delays during immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs/cats) require an Import Permit from the Animal Quarantine & Certification Service (AQCS), a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the quarantine station at the port of entry, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and a veterinary health certificate. Pets must be microchipped. Strict quarantine may apply if requirements are not met.

Extended Stays

If you wish to stay longer than your visa allows, you must apply for a visa extension at the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Kolkata BEFORE your current visa expires. Overstaying is a serious offense leading to fines, deportation, and potential bans on re-entry. Tourist visas generally cannot be converted to long-term residential visas within India.

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