Transit verus Entry.. Visa Issues
Mar 17, 2001 | 10:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: HKG/SFO
Programs: CX GR; AA Life GLD, EXP; SPG Life GLD, PLT
Posts: 1,050
Transit verus Entry.. Visa Issues
I am planning a trip that requires me:
Case 1.
...-LHR-SIN-BOM-HKG-...
I will arrive BOM at 2200 with QF and then 0400 with CX.
Do I need to get a VISA for India? This seems like transfer.
Case 2.
in a RTW fare just for mile:
...-LHR-DXB-LHR-SIN-...
The LHR flight arrive DXB at 0800 and I will get into 0930 DXB-LHR. Any chance I can get both BP at LHR or transfer desk at DXB thus no need to go through passport control? But will BA kick me off b'cos I don't have the DXB visa?
P.S. I will have checked luggage and I need visa to go "into" both countries.
Thanks!
Case 1.
...-LHR-SIN-BOM-HKG-...
I will arrive BOM at 2200 with QF and then 0400 with CX.
Do I need to get a VISA for India? This seems like transfer.
Case 2.
in a RTW fare just for mile:
...-LHR-DXB-LHR-SIN-...
The LHR flight arrive DXB at 0800 and I will get into 0930 DXB-LHR. Any chance I can get both BP at LHR or transfer desk at DXB thus no need to go through passport control? But will BA kick me off b'cos I don't have the DXB visa?
P.S. I will have checked luggage and I need visa to go "into" both countries.
Thanks!
Mar 17, 2001 | 10:35 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 16,063
CX and QF operate from the same terminal at BOM (Terminal II-A) and there is a transfer desk inside the sterile area. I don't believe the Indian Government requires you to have a visa as long as you don't mind spending 6 hours in a stark empty windowless corridor. You will not be able to access the lounge, since it is a third-party lounge and access is by invitation only and invites are only issued at the check-in counter which you cannot get to.
However, the specific airline policy may be different on this issue. I know that AI for example requires all pax to possess documentation allowing entry into India, even if they are only going to be in international transit. However, since AI and IC are the only carriers that have online international transfers at BOM, this may be an airline specific policy.
You should check with QF in advance to verify that they will allow you to board at SIN without an Indian visa. Since it is a oneworld connection and they will probably issue both boarding passes at check-in, you may get away with it.
However, the specific airline policy may be different on this issue. I know that AI for example requires all pax to possess documentation allowing entry into India, even if they are only going to be in international transit. However, since AI and IC are the only carriers that have online international transfers at BOM, this may be an airline specific policy.
You should check with QF in advance to verify that they will allow you to board at SIN without an Indian visa. Since it is a oneworld connection and they will probably issue both boarding passes at check-in, you may get away with it.
Mar 17, 2001 | 11:51 pm
#3
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGLfL
Posts: 12,759
I've done the DXB transfer quite a few times. You can stay airside, but BA will not issue the return boarding pass in LHR.
You have to go to the DXB transfer desks operated by Emirates. Two problems here - they'll think you're mad as they want to know why you're going straight back. And they'll almost certainly put the wrong frequent flyer number on the boarding pass. This can be fixed at the gate if you get the BA supervisor.
You have to go to the DXB transfer desks operated by Emirates. Two problems here - they'll think you're mad as they want to know why you're going straight back. And they'll almost certainly put the wrong frequent flyer number on the boarding pass. This can be fixed at the gate if you get the BA supervisor.