Chennai transit advice
Dec 20, 2014, 4:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA, virgin atlantic
Posts: 14
Chennai transit advice
Hi
I am arriving at chennai at 17:30 from South east Asia on airasia leaving next day at 5:30am to london on BA.
Will I have to obtain a visa if staying at a nearby hotel or can I transfer within the terminal and recheck bags?
Any assistance appreciated
I am arriving at chennai at 17:30 from South east Asia on airasia leaving next day at 5:30am to london on BA.
Will I have to obtain a visa if staying at a nearby hotel or can I transfer within the terminal and recheck bags?
Any assistance appreciated
Dec 20, 2014, 7:53 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 151
Chennai transit advice
As far as I know, yes, will need a visa. Would check with your embassy, but I don't know of a 24 hr transit rule in India like there is in some countries. Also, even to collect and recheck bags will probably need one since that is on other side of immigration.
Hopefully someone will correct me if they know other information.
Hopefully someone will correct me if they know other information.
Dec 22, 2014, 3:14 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,677
if you want to stay at a hotel then you will need to get a visa....
Dec 22, 2014, 3:22 am
#5
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,611
There is a transit visa available (if you're not eligible for VOA) but the rules for it are slightly odd, and, from experience, it confuses both consular staff and immigration officers. It does save you money vs a tourist visa, but check you have the paperwork to hand on arrival, check the time windows for application (which are fairly short) and be prepared to be patient as they ask a supervisor for help...
There is a near zero chance that Air Asia will check luggage through to BA. And you may well face problems reentering the terminal in the early evening for a morning flight.
There is a near zero chance that Air Asia will check luggage through to BA. And you may well face problems reentering the terminal in the early evening for a morning flight.
Dec 22, 2014, 3:32 am
#6
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,165
UK citizens don't qualify for the the new ETA scheme, so you have to go thru the hoops of applying for a transit visa. NewbieRunner just got one without any issues.