Chennai Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and one of India's major metropolitan cities, welcomes international travelers through Chennai International Airport (MAA), one of the country's busiest airports. All foreign nationals entering India, including Chennai, must comply with Indian immigration and visa regulations administered by the Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The entry requirements vary significantly based on nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. The immigration process in Chennai is generally efficient, with dedicated counters for Indian nationals, foreign nationals, and e-Visa holders. Chennai International Airport has modern immigration facilities with both manual and automated immigration clearance systems. Travelers should be prepared with all required documentation, including a valid passport, appropriate visa, return tickets, and proof of accommodation. The airport handles both international and domestic flights, so ensure you follow the correct arrival procedures for international passengers. Before traveling to Chennai, it's essential to understand that India has specific visa categories for different purposes including tourism, business, medical treatment, and conferences. Processing times and requirements vary by visa type and nationality. Most travelers can apply for an e-Visa online, which has streamlined the entry process significantly. However, some nationalities and certain visa categories still require traditional visa applications through Indian missions abroad.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

India does not offer visa-free entry to foreign nationals except for citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Most travelers to Chennai must obtain either an e-Visa or a traditional visa before arrival. The e-Visa system has made travel to India more accessible for citizens of over 160 countries.

Visa-Free Entry

No specific time limit for Nepal and Bhutan citizens

Only citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a visa

Includes

Nepal Bhutan

Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can live and work in India without restrictions. Maldivian citizens can enter without visa for up to 90 days. All other nationalities require a visa.

Electronic Travel Authorization (e-Visa)

Tourist e-Visa: 30 days (double entry) or 1 year/5 years (multiple entry); Business e-Visa: up to 1 year; Medical e-Visa: 60 days (triple entry)

Citizens of over 160 countries can apply for e-Visa online before travel

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia Germany France Italy Spain Japan South Korea Singapore UAE Saudi Arabia Brazil Argentina South Africa Russia China and over 140+ other countries

How to Apply: Apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel (120 hours minimum). Applications are typically processed within 72 hours. Upload required documents including passport bio page, recent photograph, and supporting documents based on visa type.
Cost: Tourist e-Visa: USD 10-80 depending on nationality and duration; Business e-Visa: USD 80; Medical e-Visa: USD 80. Payment by credit/debit card online.

e-Visa is valid for entry through 28 designated airports including Chennai. Must have passport valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival and at least 2 blank pages. Print the e-Visa ETA and carry it with you. Some nationalities including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, and a few others are not eligible for e-Visa.

Visa Required (Traditional Visa)

Varies by visa type: Tourist visas typically 6 months to 10 years with varying stay limits; Employment visas up to 5 years; Student visas for duration of course

Nationals not eligible for e-Visa or requiring visa types not available as e-Visa must apply at Indian embassy/consulate

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Indian embassy, high commission, or consulate. Complete online application form, submit required documents, attend interview if required. Processing time typically 3-5 working days but can vary. Some countries use VFS Global as visa application centers.

Required for nationalities not eligible for e-Visa, diplomatic/official passport holders, those seeking employment, student visas, journalist visas, research visas, or long-term stays. Pakistan nationals have specific additional requirements. Always check with your nearest Indian mission for exact requirements.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Chennai International Airport, international passengers will go through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is straightforward if you have all required documentation. Chennai Airport has separate queues for Indian nationals, foreign nationals, and e-Visa holders to expedite processing.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

Exit the aircraft and follow signs for international arrivals. You may undergo health screening including temperature checks, especially during disease outbreaks. Fill out any required health declaration forms if applicable.

Immigration Control

Proceed to immigration counters. Choose the correct queue: Foreign Nationals or e-Visa holders. Present your passport, visa, completed arrival card (if required), and supporting documents. Immigration officer will verify your documents, may ask questions about your visit, and stamp your passport with entry date and permitted duration of stay.

Biometric Collection

Foreign nationals may be required to provide fingerprints and have a photograph taken at immigration. This is standard procedure for most visitors.

Baggage Claim

After immigration clearance, proceed to baggage claim area. Check flight information displays for your carousel number. Collect all checked luggage and verify tags match your baggage claim receipts.

Customs Declaration

Proceed to customs area. Use Green Channel (nothing to declare) if you have no dutiable goods or Red Channel (goods to declare) if carrying items exceeding duty-free allowances, restricted items, or currency above declaration threshold. Present customs declaration form if required.

Exit to Arrivals Hall

After customs clearance, exit to the arrivals hall where you can access transportation, currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and be met by greeters. Keep all travel documents accessible as you may need to show them when exiting the airport area.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in India and have at least 2 blank pages for stamps. Damaged passports may result in entry denial.

Valid Visa or e-Visa

Appropriate visa for your purpose of visit. For e-Visa holders, carry a printed copy of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) received via email. Traditional visa should be stamped in your passport.

Arrival Card

Immigration/Disembarkation card may need to be filled out on the flight or upon arrival. Includes personal details, flight information, purpose of visit, and address in India.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of return or onward travel. Immigration officers may request to see confirmed flight bookings showing you will leave India within your permitted stay period.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation, invitation letter from host, or address where you'll be staying in Chennai/India. Required for visa application and may be checked at immigration.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence of financial means to support yourself during your stay. This could include bank statements, credit cards, cash, or sponsorship letter.

Supporting Documents

Depending on visa type: business invitation letters, conference registration, medical documents and hospital appointment letters, student admission letters, etc.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible in a travel folder before reaching immigration. This includes passport, visa printout, return tickets, hotel bookings, and invitation letters if applicable.

Fill out arrival cards completely and accurately on the flight to save time. Use black or blue pen and write clearly in block letters.

Keep your phone charged and have digital copies of important documents accessible offline or in email, in case you need to show additional proof.

Be honest and concise when answering immigration questions. Avoid volunteering unnecessary information. If you don't understand a question, politely ask for clarification.

Dress appropriately and be courteous to immigration officials. First impressions matter and can make the process smoother.

Verify the entry stamp in your passport before leaving the immigration counter. Check that the permitted stay duration is correctly stamped.

Exchange some currency before leaving the airport or use ATMs in the arrivals area to have Indian Rupees for immediate expenses like transportation.

For e-Visa holders: Ensure you enter India through an authorized port of entry. Chennai International Airport is authorized, but verify if traveling to other entry points.

Peak arrival times (early morning and late evening) can mean longer queues. Factor in at least 45-90 minutes for the entire arrival process during busy periods.

Keep the departure card portion of your arrival card safe if provided - you may need to submit it when leaving India.

Customs & Duty-Free

Indian customs regulations apply to all passengers arriving in Chennai. Travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and certain restricted items. Chennai Customs operates under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). There are two channels at customs: Green Channel for passengers with nothing to declare, and Red Channel for those carrying dutiable or restricted goods.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, or spirits)

Only for passengers aged 18 years and above. Indian states have varying alcohol laws; Tamil Nadu has government-controlled alcohol sales. Bringing alcohol into India is prohibited for passengers arriving from certain countries.

Tobacco

100 cigarettes OR 25 cigars OR 125 grams of tobacco

Only for passengers aged 18 years and above. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are banned in India and will be confiscated.

Currency

Foreign currency: No limit but amounts exceeding USD 5,000 (or equivalent) in cash, or USD 10,000 in total (cash plus travelers cheques) must be declared on Currency Declaration Form (CDF). Indian Rupees: Maximum INR 25,000 can be brought into India.

Failure to declare currency can result in confiscation and penalties. Keep exchange receipts. Pakistani and Bangladeshi currency notes are not allowed.

Gifts/Goods

Used personal effects and travel souvenirs are duty-free. New articles/gifts up to INR 50,000 (approximately USD 600) for tourists. Indian residents returning from abroad have different allowances based on duration of stay abroad.

Professional equipment may require a carnet or temporary import permit. Items must be for personal use, not for commercial purposes. Jewelry has specific rules - tourist can bring personal jewelry, but high-value items should be declared.

Prohibited Items

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - Strict penalties including imprisonment
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives - Without proper license and permissions
Counterfeit currency and fake Indian currency notes
Pornographic and obscene material in any form
Goods from Israel - Banned in India
E-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related products - Completely banned since 2019
Endangered species products - Items made from ivory, animal skins, etc., without CITES permits
Satellite phones - Without prior permission from Department of Telecommunications
Drones and UAVs - Without prior approval from aviation authorities
Beef products - Banned in Tamil Nadu and most Indian states

Restricted Items

Gold and silver - Exceeding 1 kg requires declaration and payment of duty; commercial quantities require import license
Prescription medications - Carry only reasonable quantities for personal use with valid prescription. Certain medications may be banned in India.
Plants, seeds, and plant materials - Require phytosanitary certificate and import permit
Pets and animals - Require import permit, health certificate, vaccination records, and quarantine compliance
Wireless equipment and radio transmitters - Require approval from Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing
Professional video/photography equipment - May require carnet or temporary import documentation
Cultural artifacts and antiquities - Items over 100 years old require export certificate from country of origin
Currency and negotiable instruments - Amounts exceeding limits must be declared

Health Requirements

India has specific health requirements for international travelers. While most routine vaccinations are recommended, only certain vaccinations are mandatory based on your travel history. It's advisable to consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before your trip to Chennai.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Mandatory for travelers aged 9 months and above arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, or travelers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Yellow fever vaccination certificate must be presented at immigration. Countries include most of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers to India due to food and water-borne transmission risk
Typhoid - Recommended for most travelers, especially those visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas, or adventurous eaters
Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who might have contact with blood or body fluids, engage in sexual contact with locals, or require medical treatment
Japanese Encephalitis - Recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural areas, especially during transmission season
Rabies - Consider for travelers with extensive outdoor exposure in rural areas, or those working with animals
Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR, DPT, Chickenpox, Polio, and yearly flu shot
COVID-19 - Check current requirements as policies continue to evolve

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry to India. Medical care in Chennai ranges from excellent private hospitals to basic facilities, but costs can be high for foreigners. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Some visa types may require proof of health insurance. Private hospitals in Chennai include Apollo Hospital, Fortis Malar, and MIOT International, which provide world-class care but require upfront payment or insurance guarantee.

Current Health Requirements: Health requirements can change rapidly, especially regarding COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases. Check the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website and your country's travel health advisory before departure. Requirements may include pre-departure testing, vaccination certificates, health declaration forms, or quarantine measures. Download and register on India's Aarogya Setu app if required. Carry copies of all vaccination certificates and medical prescriptions for any medications you're bringing.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Chennai or New Delhi

Register with your embassy before travel. U.S. Consulate General Chennai: +91-44-2857-4000. UK Deputy High Commission Chennai: +91-44-4219-2151. Check your government's travel advisory website for updated contact information and emergency support.

Immigration Authority

Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs - https://boi.gov.in | e-Visa portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

For visa applications, extensions, and official immigration information. Chennai FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office): +91-44-2345-0973, located at Shastri Bhavan Annexe, Haddows Road, Chennai 600006. Required for visa extensions and registration for certain visa types.

Emergency Services

National Emergency Number: 112 (works for police, ambulance, fire). Police: 100, Ambulance: 108, Fire: 101

Chennai Police Control Room: 044-23452300. Tourist Police: Available at major tourist areas and airport. For medical emergencies, private ambulance services (108 GVK EMRI) are often faster and better equipped than government services.

Airport Information

Chennai International Airport: +91-44-2256-0551 | Website: www.aai.aero/en/airports/chennai

For flight information, lost baggage, and airport services. Airport is located approximately 21 km from city center in Tirusulam. Immigration helpdesk available at airport.

Customs

Chennai Customs: +91-44-2234-3326 | CBIC Helpline: 1800-11-1550

For customs-related queries, duty calculations, and baggage clearance issues. Chennai Customs House located at Rajaji Salai.

Health Emergency

Apollo Emergency: 1066 | Ambulance Services: 108 (Government) or 1298 (Private)

Major hospitals: Apollo Hospital (+91-44-2829-3333), Fortis Malar Hospital (+91-44-4289-2222), MIOT International (+91-44-4200-2288). Most have 24/7 emergency departments.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and appropriate visa. For e-Visa, children of all ages need separate applications. If a child is traveling with only one parent or without parents, carry a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing travel, along with copy of their passport/ID. This is especially important for children traveling with relatives or guardians. Birth certificate may be requested. Children under 18 traveling alone may face additional scrutiny at immigration. Unaccompanied minors require special airline arrangements and documentation.

Traveling with Pets

Import of pets (dogs and cats) to India requires: (1) Import Permit from Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of India, obtained in advance; (2) Valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months); (3) Health certificate issued by government veterinarian in country of origin within 7 days of travel; (4) Microchip identification recommended; (5) Quarantine may be required upon arrival - typically 30 days at owner's expense unless exempted with proper documentation; (6) Airlines have specific pet travel policies - confirm with your carrier; (7) No objection certificate from Animal Quarantine Station, Chennai. Process should begin at least 60 days before travel. Certain breeds may be restricted. Birds and other exotic pets have additional requirements.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas have specific duration limits. To stay longer: (1) Apply for visa extension at Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Chennai before current visa expires - not guaranteed and granted only in exceptional circumstances; (2) Consider applying for appropriate long-term visa (employment, student, research, business) if you have valid reason; (3) Exit India before visa expiry and re-enter on new visa if eligible; (4) Overstaying visa is a serious offense resulting in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. Foreigners staying in India for more than 180 days on any visa (except tourist) must register with FRRO within 14 days of arrival. Student and employment visa holders have different registration requirements. Always maintain valid visa status.

Business Travelers

Business visitors need Business e-Visa or traditional Business Visa. Required documents include invitation letter from Indian company with detailed purpose, duration, and places to visit; proof of business relationship; company registration documents. Business visa does not permit employment or paid work in India - only business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, etc. For actual employment, an Employment Visa is mandatory. Business travelers may carry professional equipment duty-free with proper documentation (ATA Carnet recommended for expensive equipment). Keep all business meeting schedules and contact information readily available for immigration.

Medical Tourists

India, including Chennai, is a popular medical tourism destination. Medical e-Visa or Medical Visa required. Must provide: (1) Letter from recognized hospital in India confirming appointment and treatment details; (2) Medical reports from home country; (3) Proof of financial means to cover medical expenses. Medical visa allows up to 3 entries and 60 days stay. Up to 2 attendants can apply for Medical Attendant Visa to accompany patient. Chennai has world-class hospitals specializing in cardiac care, orthopedics, organ transplants, and cancer treatment. Arrange all medical appointments before arrival and carry complete medical documentation.

Journalists and Media Personnel

Journalists, photographers, and film crews require special Journalist Visa - not available as e-Visa. Must apply through Indian mission with: (1) Letter from media organization; (2) Detailed itinerary and purpose; (3) Government clearance may be required. Tourist visa holders cannot engage in journalistic activities. Professional filming requires additional permits from Ministry of External Affairs and local authorities. Violation can result in deportation and equipment confiscation. Social media influencers and bloggers: while in grey area, if monetizing content or on professional assignment, should consider journalist visa to avoid issues.

Students

Students must obtain Student Visa (not available as e-Visa) before arrival. Required: (1) Admission letter from recognized Indian educational institution; (2) Proof of financial support; (3) Academic transcripts. Student visa is typically granted for duration of course. Must register with FRRO within 14 days of arrival. Student visa allows multiple entries. Part-time work generally not permitted on student visa. Chennai has prestigious institutions including IIT Madras, University of Madras, and various medical colleges. Visa extensions can be applied for through FRRO with institution's support.

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)

OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free entry to India for life with multiple entry and multi-purpose travel. Must carry valid OCI card and current passport of their nationality. Children under 20 and persons over 50 who obtained OCI must get new card when getting new passport. Benefits include: no visa required, no registration with FRRO regardless of stay duration, parity with NRIs in financial and economic matters (except agricultural land purchase). PIO card scheme merged with OCI in 2015. Former PIO cardholders should convert to OCI. OCI does not grant Indian citizenship or voting rights.