Kolkata 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 nationality. What you need to enter Kolkata depends on your passport. The rules are complex, with different agreements for different countries. Check your specific visa requirements well in advance. Processing times vary.
A limited number of nationalities can enter India without obtaining a visa in advance.
Conditions and permitted stay durations vary significantly by country. Travelers from most other nations, including the US, UK, EU member states, Canada, and Australia, require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization.
Many travelers can obtain an e-Visa online before departure, which covers tourism, business, and medical visits.
Cost: Approximate fees vary by nationality and visa duration. But tend to be in the mid-range for such services.
The e-Visa must be obtained before travel. You cannot get it on arrival. Print a copy to present at immigration. The e-Visa is only valid for entry at designated airports and seaports, which include Kolkata.
Nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry or an e-Visa must apply for a traditional visa from an Indian embassy or consulate.
This category also includes travelers seeking long-term stays, employment, or other purposes not covered by the e-Visa. Start the process early.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Kolkata's airport, you'll go through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. The process is generally efficient. Lines form during peak periods.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
India has standard customs regulations concerning duty-free allowances and restricted goods. Declare items correctly. Avoid penalties.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - illegal
- Pornographic materials - illegal
- Counterfeit currency and goods - illegal
- Certain wildlife products derived from endangered species, prohibited under CITES.
Restricted Items
- Firearms and ammunition require prior permission from the Indian government.
- Gold bars or coins exceeding specified limits require declaration and may be subject to duty.
- Plants, seeds, and soil require phytosanitary certificates from the country of origin.
- Drone equipment requires specific permits and approvals from Indian authorities before import.
Health Requirements
There are no blanket health document requirements for entry into Kolkata. Certain situations and general health preparedness matter.
Required Vaccinations
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, varicella) should be up to date.
- Hepatitis An and Typhoid are recommended for most travelers, given the potential for contaminated food or water.
- Hepatitis B is recommended for those who might have medical procedures or intimate contact.
- Rabies vaccination may be considered for travelers involved in outdoor activities or handling animals.
Health Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Get it anyway. Medical care in Kolkata runs expensive for visitors, and evacuation coverage matters if serious illness or accident strikes.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children need their own passport and visa. One parent traveling alone, or neither? Carry notarized consent from absent parent(s). Immigration might not ask. Bring it anyway. Delays hurt.
Bringing dogs or cats into India means paperwork. You need an import permit from the Director General of Foreign Trade. Rabies vaccination must be current. A veterinary health certificate is required too. Pets fly cargo, never cabin. Quarantine awaits. Start this process months early.
Want to stay past your tourist visa? You usually must exit India and apply fresh from outside. Extensions happen only in narrow cases, like medical treatment, and need Foreigners Regional Registration Office approval. Overstay and you face fines, deportation, worse.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Kolkata Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Kolkata?
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