Plan your Kumbh · From abroad
Visiting the Kumbh From Abroad: Visas, Money and Etiquette
If your country is eligible, apply for an e-Visa only at indianvisaonline.gov.in, the government's one official e-Visa website. Apply at least 4 days before you arrive; you can apply up to 120 days ahead.
Plan around the Kumbh you want to see: Haridwar (14 January to 20 April 2027), Nashik and Trimbakeshwar (main bathing days in August and September 2027) or Ujjain (27 March to 27 May 2028, proposed).
Which visa do I need for the Kumbh?
First check whether your country is on the eligibility list at indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. If it is not, apply for a regular visa through the Indian mission in your country. The official site lists the e-Tourist Visa for recreation and sightseeing.
| e-Tourist Visa | Valid for | Stay limit |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 30 days from your first arrival in India | Within the 30 days |
| 1 year | 365 days from the date it is granted | No more than 180 days in a calendar year |
| 5 years | 5 years from the date it is granted | No more than 180 days in a calendar year |
e-Visa rules to know before you apply
- Some nationalities get different e-Tourist terms. The e-Visa site shows yours.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months when you apply and have at least two blank pages.
- Each person needs their own passport and their own e-Visa, children included.
- The fee depends on your country and is not refunded. There is no official express or emergency fee.
- An e-Visa cannot be extended or changed into another visa.
- If you have a defence, military, security or police background, or hold an official or diplomatic passport, the site says you cannot use an e-Visa; apply for a regular visa.
- If you are coming from a country with yellow fever, carry your yellow fever vaccination card.
- Your biometric details are taken at immigration when you arrive. You can also fill in the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before you land.
Use only the official visa website
The e-Visa site says it is the only official website for e-Visas, that no agent is needed, and that you should not pay anyone who promises a faster visa. Do not share your passport details with other websites.
The official e-Visa helpdesk is indian-evisa@gov.in, or +91 827808 7808 and +91 11 24300666.
Where to land
On an e-Visa you must enter India through one of the airports or seaports listed on the e-Visa site. You cannot enter by land on an e-Visa. You can leave from any immigration check post.
- For Haridwar: Delhi is on the list. Jolly Grant, the nearest airport to Haridwar, is not, so land in Delhi first. See how to reach Haridwar.
- For Nashik and Trimbakeshwar: Mumbai and Pune are on the list. See how to reach Nashik.
- For Ujjain: Indore is on the list.
Money: cash, cards and changing currency
- There is no limit on the foreign currency you can bring. Declare it to customs on a Currency Declaration Form when you arrive if your foreign cash is over USD 5,000, or your cash and travellers’ cheques together are over USD 10,000.
- You may bring up to ₹25,000 in Indian notes, entering only through an airport. Different rules apply to citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Change money only at a bank or an authorised money changer, and keep the receipt.
- In the mela area, carry small notes and coins. Do not rely on cards alone.
- Keep your passport and money in an inside pocket, and a copy of your passport and e-Visa somewhere else.
- Do not pay for a “VIP” bath, a special darshan or an “official” tent to someone you cannot check. Use our booking check.
Etiquette at the ghats and camps
These are courtesies most pilgrims will appreciate. They are our advice, not official rules.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, at the ghats and in the camps.
- Take off your shoes where others do, at temples, shrines and inside many camps.
- Ask before you photograph anyone, and never photograph people while they bathe or change.
- Sadhus and the akharas are religious orders. Keep a respectful distance during processions, and do not touch their belongings or sacred objects.
- On an Amrit Snan, the akharas bathe first at the main ghat. Bathe where the police direct you.
- Follow the police and mela staff, even when you do not understand why.
- Do not bring alcohol or meat into the mela area, and keep soap, shampoo and plastic out of the river.
- New to the ritual? Read our snan guide before you go.
Insurance and help in English
- Buy travel insurance that covers medical care in India.
- In an emergency, call 112. For an ambulance, call 108.
- The Ministry of Tourism’s tourist helpline is 1800-11-1363, or 1363. It runs round the clock, in Hindi, English and ten other languages.
- Register with your own embassy or consulate if it offers that service.
Questions people ask
Which visa do I need to visit the Kumbh?
If your country is eligible, the e-Tourist Visa is the one the official site lists for recreation and sightseeing. Apply only at indianvisaonline.gov.in, at least 4 days before you arrive. If your visit has another purpose, check the visa types on that site.
Can I land at the airport nearest the Kumbh on an e-Visa?
Only if that airport is on the e-Visa list. For Haridwar, land in Delhi; for Nashik, Mumbai or Pune; for Ujjain, Indore.
How much cash can I bring into India?
Any amount of foreign currency, but declare it on arrival if your foreign cash is over USD 5,000 or your cash and travellers’ cheques together are over USD 10,000. You may bring up to ₹25,000 in Indian notes, through an airport.