Planning a trip abroad can involve a lot of preparation, starting with getting travel insurance. You must compare travel insurance plans to secure your trip with the best coverage. Secondly, getting a visa for the country you are visiting is also essential.
If you are planning to interchange two flights in a country to get to your desired destination, some countries make it mandatory to have a transit visa. This blog will discuss transit visas’ importance and purpose.
What is Transit Visa
It is a type of visa that allows travellers to pass or stop over a country to reach their final destination in another country. You can get a transit visa by providing all necessary proof of your travels and tickets showing your onward journey.
Transit visas are typically issued for short stays, often ranging from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the country’s regulations and your itinerary.
How Can You Get a Transit Visa?
For most countries, transit visas are not available at all the airports of entry ports. Hence, it is better to apply for a transit visa beforehand and complete all the necessary formalities for the visa issuing authority, the consulate or the embassy. Below are some essential points you should consider before applying for a transit visa.
- The rules and regulations associated with a transit visa application differ depending on the country.
- The majority of countries have introduced online procedures for transit visas before your desired departure date.
- Some countries still require manual transit visas at a local consulate or embassy in your home country before you go on a trip.
- Therefore, before applying for a transit visa, it is essential to research the application procedure and immigration laws of the country where you are applying.
How to Apply for a Layover Visa Online?
The transit visa online application process may differ from one country to another. However, below is the online application process for an Indian transit or layover visa.
- Go to the Indian visa portal.
- Click the tab “paper/regular visa application.”
- The next page will open the “online visa application.” Here, you will be required to provide mandatory details such as your nationality, expected date of arrival, and the Indian mission where you want to apply.
- Choose the type of visa as a transit visa. Press continue after you enter the valid captcha.
- On the next page, you will find an online application form. Please ensure you enter all the required applicant, travel, and passport details. After completing the application form, click the “save and continue” button.
- You must mention where you intend to enter India. Further, pay the transit visa fee using a valid credit/debit card to complete your application form.
It takes around four working days to get your Indian transit visa approved.
What is the Validity of the Transit Visa
The validity of a transit visa begins from the date it is issued. The typical validity of a transit visa can vary depending on the country issuing it. In general, transit visas are issued for short durations that align with the traveller’s transit period.
An Indian transit visa’s validity typically lasts up to 15 days but this period cannot be extended. Below are some essential factors you should be aware of regarding the validity of a transit visa.
- During the 15 days of the transit visa, the maximum duration you can stay in transit in India is three days (consecutively).
- Before applying for a transit visa, ensure you have a valid visa approved for the country you are visiting.
What is the Need for a Transit Visa in India
Wherever you plan to travel to a destination that requires you to travel through India, you must seek a transit visa. This visa will allow an individual to the Indian airport for a limited time (3 days) to board a flight to your desired destination. Below are some scenarios where you will need a transit visa-
- If you plan to leave another country soon after you arrive in India.
- To re-check your baggage for your outbound flight.
- If you plan to stay at a hotel outside the transit area.
- In case there is an immigration check procedure.
To Wrap It Up
Transit visas ensure that you transit from one country to another smoothly and legally. Hence, it is essential to understand specific requirements and obtain a transit visa to enjoy your trip.
For your safety, while travelling, it is recommended that you buy travel insurance. A travel insurance plan will cover you against unforeseen emergencies, such as loss of travel documents. With travel insurance coverage, if you lose your passport while travelling, the insurance provider will cover the cost of a duplicate passport. Therefore, consider securing your trip with an online travel insurance plan and enjoy travelling without worrying.