Flying to Bhutan via Delhi: Do You Need an Indian Transit Visa?
Planning a trip to the mystical Kingdom of Bhutan? Many international travelers find themselves transiting through Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India en route to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport. This brings up a crucial question: Do you need a transit visa for your Delhi layover? Let’s unpack the facts and help you navigate your layover like a pro.
Understanding the Route to Bhutan
Bhutan, a hidden gem in the Himalayas, maintains strict limits on flight routes. With Paro International Airport being the only point of entry by air, flights to Bhutan are limited and often routed through neighboring countries like India, Nepal, Singapore & Thailand.
Among them, Delhi is a major hub, especially for travelers on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines—the only two carriers that fly into Bhutan.
What Is a Transit Visa?
A transit visa allows travelers to pass through a country temporarily on their way to another destination. It’s not meant for touring or visiting family—it’s solely for making a connection.
But whether you need a transit visa for India depends on how you transit.
Indian Transit Visa Rules
India does provide a transit visa, but it’s a bit more nuanced than in some countries.
Here’s the basic rule:
- Airside transit (not leaving the airport) = No visa required
- Landside transit (leaving the airport or changing terminals) = Visa required
- Also, your layover must be under 24 hours to qualify as transit.
Airside Transit in Delhi
If you’re flying the same airline or partner airlines and you stay inside the international transit area, you don’t need to worry. You:
- Won’t go through Indian immigration
- Won’t collect luggage
- Simply wait for your connecting flight at the gate
- In this case, no transit visa is required. However, to avoid any complications, we always recommend obtaining an Indian visa even if you are only transiting through Delhi.
Landside Transit in Delhi
Need to leave the airport to change terminals? Or your layover is longer than 24 hours? Then you’ll need to go through immigration—and that means a visa.
Some examples include:
- Switching from T3 (International) to T1 (Domestic) terminals
- Booking separate tickets with unconnected airlines
- Having checked baggage that’s not tagged to the final destination
In such cases, you’ll need a Transit Visa or even a Tourist Visa.
Flying Druk Air via Delhi
Here’s the good news: If you’re flying Druk Air via Delhi, in most cases:
- The aircraft only stops in Delhi to pick up or drop off passengers
- You remain on the plane
- You do not go through immigration
In this scenario, you do not need a transit visa.
Direct Transit Without Exiting the Plane
It’s common for Bhutan-bound travelers to stay on board during a Delhi stopover. Druk Air passengers flying from Singapore, Bangkok, or Kathmandu may stop in Delhi briefly.
If you’re:
- Not changing aircraft
- Not disembarking
- Not collecting baggage
…then no Indian visa is required.
Still, it’s essential to confirm this arrangement with your airline ahead of time.
When Do You Need a Transit Visa for Delhi?
Let’s break it down. You’ll need an Indian transit or tourist visa if:
- You change terminals or carriers that don’t handle baggage transfer
- Your layover exceeds 24 hours
- You exit the terminal for accommodation or sightseeing
- You recheck baggage
In these cases, immigration clearance is mandatory—and so is a visa.
India’s e-Arrival Card: A New Requirement for Foreign Travellers
In addition to checking your visa requirements, foreign tourists travelling to India should be aware of the Indian e-Arrival Card, introduced from 1 October 2025.
Eligible foreign travellers entering India must complete the online e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before their arrival. This is a separate entry form and is not a visa.
The requirement is relevant to travellers who are entering India, including those who need to clear immigration during a transit. If you remain entirely airside and do not enter India, check with the airline or Indian authorities whether the form applies to your particular journey.
How to Complete the Indian e-Arrival Card
Step 1: Visit the official website
Complete the form through the Indian government’s official portal:
India e-Arrival Card – Official Website
Step 2: Enter your details
You will generally need to provide information such as:
- Passport details and nationality
- Arrival date and travel purpose
- Contact information
- Accommodation address in India, where applicable
Step 3: Submit within 72 hours of arrival
Complete the form within the permitted window before arriving in India. Keep a copy of the submission confirmation on your phone for reference.
The e-Arrival Card is free of charge and does not replace an Indian visa where one is required.
Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders are exempt from this e-Arrival Card requirement. Check the official portal for the latest eligibility and instructions.
How to Apply for an Indian Transit Visa
To apply:
- Visit Indian Visa Application
- Choose Transit Visa
- Submit passport, photo, itinerary, and flight tickets
- Pay the fee (usually around 10–20 USD)
- Processing time: 3–5 business days
Alternative: Tourist e-Visa
Can’t qualify for a transit visa? Or want flexibility? Then a Tourist e-Visa might be better:
- Valid for 30 days (or more)
- Allows you to leave the airport
- Can be used for multiple entries if you plan more travel around India
Apply via Indian eVisa Portal.
Key Tips for Smooth Transit
- Double-check if your bags are checked through to Paro
- Confirm terminal usage with your airline
- Ask if you’ll stay onboard in Delhi or disembark
- If unsure, apply for a tourist visa just in case
Bhutan Entry Requirements
Bhutan requires all tourists (except nationals of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives) to:
- Obtain a visa clearance before arrival
- Book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Your tour operator usually handles your Bhutan visa process.