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.
6 months beyond entry. 6 months beyond entry, with at least 2 blank pages.
Airlines flying to India check your passport against the 6-month rule the moment you check in. Even if the country itself would let you in, the airline won't board you — no refund, ticket marked used. Here's what actually happens →
Can I travel to India?
6 months beyond entry, with at least 2 blank pages.
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.
Frequently asked questions
- 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.
Related reading
All guides →Why countries enforce it and how to tell if you meet it.
Read →Full list of countries that strictly enforce the rule.
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Denied boarding, refused entry — the real consequences.
Read →Why your airline can refuse you boarding.
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