Transit Visa for Mumbai Airport (BOM) — Do You Need One? 2026
Everything you need to know about transiting through Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport — airside rules, T1↔T2 transfer requirements, and how to get an Indian e-Visa if your route needs one.
Quick Answer
Most nationalities do not need a transit visa for Mumbai Airport if they stay airside at Terminal 2 (international) and don't change terminals. A transfer between T1 and T2 — which are 4 km apart with no airside connection — requires clearing immigration, and that needs an Indian tourist e-Visa. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan passport holders need advance authorisation for any transit.
Transit Visa Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Airside Transit | T1 ↔ T2 Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Free | e-Visa required |
| UK | Free | e-Visa required |
| Germany | Free | e-Visa required |
| Canada | Free | e-Visa required |
| Australia | Free | e-Visa required |
| Japan | Free | e-Visa required |
| Singapore | Free | e-Visa required |
| UAE | Free | e-Visa required |
| Pakistan | Visa required | e-Visa required |
| Bangladesh | Visa required | e-Visa required |
| Afghanistan | Visa required | e-Visa required |
Rules are correct at the time of writing; always check with Indian authorities before flying.
How to Get an Indian e-Visa for Mumbai Transit
- 1
Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa at least 4 days before travel — earlier is safer.
- 2
Upload your passport bio-page photo, a passport-style headshot, your onward ticket, and a hotel or contact address in India. Pay ~$25–40 USD by card.
- 3
Receive your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) by email within 72 hours. Print it — Mumbai immigration sometimes asks for the printout.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan passport holders need advance authorisation even for airside transit.
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 30-day e-Visa costs roughly $25 (low season) or $40 (high season). 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?
Not as a distinct product since 2014. The 30-day double-entry tourist e-Visa covers both tourism and transit needs. There is also a 1-year multi-entry e-Visa (~$40–80) and a 5-year option. The dedicated paper transit visa was phased out — apply for the 30-day e-Visa for any Mumbai layover that requires immigration.
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.
Planning a Layover in Mumbai?
Read our full guide on what to do in 12 or 24 hours, the best airport hotels in Andheri East, and how to get to South Mumbai and back.
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