Transit Visa for Mumbai Airport (BOM) — Do You Need One? 2026

Can I stay airside at Mumbai Airport without a visa?

Yes for most nationalities. If you stay inside the international transit area at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Terminal 2 (T2) without clearing immigration, no transit visa is required for the vast majority of passport holders. India’s Bureau of Immigration: a foreigner in direct transit by air does not need a transit visa if they do not leave the specified precincts of the airport, for up to 24 hours. After 24 hours a transit visa is required.

Do I need a visa to transfer between Mumbai T1 and T2?

Yes — T1 (domestic) and T2 (international) at BOM are about 4 km apart and the shuttle bus is landside-only. A transfer requires clearing immigration, customs and re-checking your bags — which means you need a valid Indian e-Visa or tourist visa. If you can, book the trip on a single airline that hands off your bags or routes you through Delhi T3 instead.

How do I apply for an Indian e-Visa for Mumbai transit?

Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa at least 4 days before travel. The fee depends on your nationality and is shown on indianvisaonline.gov.in when you apply. Upload your passport bio page, a passport-style photo, your onward ticket and a hotel/contact address in India. Approval typically comes within 72 hours as an ETA email.

Is there a separate transit visa for India?

India’s Bureau of Immigration says a transit visa is required if you stay in direct air transit for more than 24 hours. Up to 24 hours within the airport precincts needs no visa. To leave the airport, you need an Indian visa such as the e-Visa — check the options for your nationality on indianvisaonline.gov.in.

Can I leave Mumbai Airport during a long layover?

Only with a valid Indian e-Visa or tourist visa. With one, you can clear immigration, use the BOM left-luggage service (24h, ~₹350/bag), and explore. The closest hotels are in Andheri East (15 minutes by metered taxi from T2). Marine Drive and the Gateway of India are 60–90 minutes during the day, longer in evening traffic.

How long does immigration take at Mumbai T2?

Typically 30–60 minutes during peak overnight arrivals (00:00–04:00 IST), faster (15–25 minutes) during daytime arrivals. Mumbai T2 has more immigration desks than most Indian terminals. Have your passport, ETA printout and onward boarding pass ready.