Need help: Multiple questions re multiple transits through DEL
 

Sorry about so many questions here. I've done some searching and re a couple of my questions have looked through visa info sites of Delta and a visa processing service I usually use, but could still use some advice and info:

1. In mid-March I may overnight in DEL flying between San Francisco and Kabul. If arriving on AA, the overnight would be on the outbound for about 15 hours; if on BA, the overnight would be on the return for about 8 or 12 hours. Air India between DEL and KBL. FWIW, the tickets would be in J. Is the airport transit hotel open yet? If so, would I need to clear immigration and security in transiting from AA or BA to AI?
2. If I do need to clear immigration and security, am I correct in assuming that I would need a visa (I am a US citizen, not of Indian origin)? And if so, is there a transit visa or would I need a regular tourist (or other) visa?
3. If the airport transit hotel is not open yet, what are the best nearby options for overnighting?
4. There is also a chance that I will need to attend a conference in New Delhi in late February. If I correctly understand the rules, it is possible to get a multiple entry visa, but one cannot re-enter the country within two months of leaving it. So what is the best process to follow in the event that I need to visit the country in late February and then pass through again in March.
5. If because of the multiple entry problem I might want or need to remain within the airport and the transit hotel there is not yet open, are there any lounges or other options for grabbing a shower and sleeping through the night there?

FWIW, instead of passing through DEL in March I could possible route through Dubai to get to Kabul. But for various mundane (though not on FT!) reasons--mileage accrual, upgrade possibilities, price--I might prefer DEL if possible.

Thanks for any advice and info!

Questions re transiting through DEL
 

Forgive my posting these questions here...I tried on another forum, but got no answers and I need to decide on this trip very soon. I've also done some searching at FT and at visa processing sites, but remain somewhat confused. So perhaps I'll have better luck here:

1. In mid-March I may overnight in DEL flying between San Francisco and Kabul. If arriving on AA, the overnight would be on the outbound for about 15 hours; if on BA, the overnight would be on the return for about 8 or 12 hours. Air India between DEL and KBL. FWIW, the tickets would be in J. Is the airport transit hotel open yet? If so, would I need to clear immigration and security in transiting from AA or BA to AI?
2. If I do need to clear immigration and security, am I correct in assuming that I would need a visa (I am a US citizen, not of Indian origin)? And if so, is there a transit visa or would I need a regular tourist (or other) visa?
3. If the airport transit hotel is not open yet, what are the best nearby options for overnighting?
4. There is also a chance that I will need to attend a conference in New Delhi in late February. If I correctly understand the rules, it is possible to get a multiple entry visa, but one cannot re-enter the country within two months of leaving it. So what is the best process to follow in the event that I need to visit the country in late February and then pass through again in March.
5. If because of the multiple entry problem I might want or need to remain within the airport and the transit hotel there is not yet open, are there any lounges or other options for grabbing a shower and sleeping through the night there?

FWIW, instead of passing through DEL in March I could possible route through Dubai to get to Kabul. But for various mundane (though not on FT!) reasons--mileage accrual, upgrade possibilities, price--I might prefer DEL if possible.

Thanks for any advice and info!

The re-entry restriction is only on tourist visas. As a US citizen, you can apply for a multiple entry Business visa if you get the required documentation (i.e. an invitation or sponsor letter from any Indian business - possibly the hosts of the conventions).

Not sure about the transit hotel in Delhi - but the Radission is quite close to the airport and is probably your most decent option...

1. Airport transit hotel not yet open AFAIK.. If u r transitting intl to intl, u dont need to cross immigration..
2. If u need to cross immigration for whatever reason u would need a visa..
3. Radisson is pretty close and so are some others depending on the budget..
4.As u r planning to come for official work in Feb, get a multiple entry Business visa.. these will hv no restrictions on no of times u can enter.
5. There are lounges which u can access and also some sleeping facilities.. I hv been to the ITC lounge and its possible to have a nap there as there was a quite room there inside..

Search this forum for more info on lounges and the sleep room facility available on per hr basis IIRC..@:-)

my suggestion would be to stay in the transit area & try one of the sleep cabins mentioned in the thread below:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/airli...ep-cabins.html

Great info from all. Thanks very much!