Passport validity rules for India
India enforces both the 6-month passport rule and a 2-blank-page minimum. Get either wrong and you'll be turned back at immigration.
India's rule: six months plus two blank pages, both strictly checked
India is one of the few countries that enforces both a six-month passport validity rule and a hard blank-pages rule, and both are checked at the e-Visa application stage as well as on arrival. You need at least two completely blank pages facing each other — not two blank pages with entry stamps on them. The Indian e-Visa portal will reject applications where the uploaded passport bio page shows an issue date less than six months before intended travel isn't valid for six months beyond entry.
The blank-pages rule catches frequent travellers by surprise. Immigration at Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai will refuse entry if there aren't two facing blank pages available for the entry stamp and (potentially) an exit stamp. "Endorsements" and "Amendments" pages don't count. If you're close to full, renew before you apply for the visa — you'll need to reapply anyway once your passport number changes.
6 months beyond entry. 6 months beyond entry, with at least 2 blank pages.
Verify with Indian e-Visa portal (Bureau of Immigration)Your passport normally needs six months of validity from arrival in India. This date check does not cover visas, transit stops or other documents. Here's what actually happens →
Can I travel to India?
A date check based on the published entry rule — not a boarding guarantee.
What this means at the airport in India
- Major arrival points
- Delhi DEL · Mumbai BOM · Bengaluru BLR · Goa GOI
- Entry position
- UK and US passport holders normally travel on an e-Visa applied for online before departure.
- If you need to renew
- Two blank pages are also required — check page count as well as expiry before applying.
Entry allowances and validity requirements change. Verify before booking with Indian e-Visa portal (Bureau of Immigration). We summarise the rule and explain how it is applied in practice; we are not a government service. How we check and update this page.
India: your questions answered
- Do I need 6 months on my passport for India?
- Yes. India requires at least 6 months of passport validity from your date of entry, and a minimum of 2 blank pages for the visa and entry stamps.
- Do I need a visa for India?
- Most travellers need an e-Visa, applied for online at least 4 days before travel. The e-Visa allows stays from 30 days up to 5 years depending on the type.
- What if I have less than 2 blank pages?
- Indian immigration can refuse entry. The 2 blank pages are required for visa endorsement and the entry stamp.
- Are the 6-month and blank-page rules strictly enforced?
- Yes. Indian immigration enforces both rules at Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and every other entry point.
Next, if you're flying to India
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