Agra Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
India's visa policy for Agra follows national immigration rules. Most travelers will need to obtain a visa before arrival, either through the e-Visa system or traditional visa application at an Indian embassy or consulate.
Only citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a visa
Citizens of these countries can live and work in India without restrictions. Maldivian citizens can obtain entry permits on arrival for stays up to 90 days.
Citizens of over 160 countries can apply for an e-Visa online before travel
Cost: Varies by nationality and visa type: typically USD $10-$100. US citizens pay $100 for e-Tourist Visa. Additional service fees may apply.
E-Visa holders must arrive at designated airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad (28 airports total). Can only be used for tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes. Not extendable or convertible to other visa types. Passport must be valid for 6 months from date of arrival with 2 blank pages.
Nationals not eligible for e-Visa or those requiring longer stays, employment, or study visas must apply at Indian embassy/consulate
Required for nationals of Pakistan, Afghanistan, China (with exceptions), and some other countries not eligible for e-Visa. Also necessary for long-term stays, employment, journalism, research, or missionary work. Some nationalities require security clearance which extends processing time significantly.
Arrival Process
Most international travelers arrive at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport or other major Indian airports before traveling to Agra. The immigration process follows standard procedures, and having all required documents readily accessible will ensure smooth entry.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
India's customs regulations apply to all travelers entering the country, including those heading to Agra. Travelers must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances and are subject to inspection. Penalties for non-declaration or smuggling prohibited items are severe.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances - Strictly illegal with severe penalties including imprisonment
- Counterfeit currency and fake Indian currency notes
- E-cigarettes, vaping devices, e-hookahs, and related products - Banned in India since 2019
- Pornographic materials in any form
- Endangered wildlife products, ivory, and items made from protected species
- Satellite phones without proper authorization (GPS devices are generally allowed)
- Beef products - Cow slaughter is banned in Uttar Pradesh
- Gold and silver in certain forms (bullion, coins) exceeding specified limits without declaration
Restricted Items
- Firearms and ammunition - Require special permits from Indian authorities; very difficult to obtain for tourists
- Plants, seeds, and agricultural products - Require phytosanitary certificates and import permits
- Prescription medications - Bring reasonable quantities with prescriptions; some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in India
- Drones and UAVs - Require special permission from aviation authorities; recreational drone use is heavily regulated
- Professional video/photography equipment - May require carnet or declaration for temporary import
- Antiquities and artifacts over 100 years old - Cannot be exported without clearance from Archaeological Survey of India
Health Requirements
India requires specific vaccinations for travelers from certain countries and recommends others for health protection. Health requirements can change based on global disease outbreaks, so verify current requirements before travel.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at immigration. Countries in Africa and South America are typically affected. Transit passengers who spent more than 12 hours in airport of yellow fever endemic country also need certificate.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers to India due to food and water safety concerns
- Typhoid - Recommended, especially if visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or eating street food
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for most travelers, especially those who may have medical procedures or intimate contact
- Rabies - Recommended for travelers with extensive outdoor activities, those working with animals, or visiting rural areas
- Japanese Encephalitis - May be recommended for extended stays in rural areas, especially during monsoon season
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, and COVID-19
- Cholera - Generally not required but may be considered for travelers to areas with active outbreaks
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry. Medical facilities in Agra are adequate for basic care, but serious conditions may require transfer to Delhi. Ensure your insurance covers India and includes emergency medical evacuation. Some e-Visa categories may recommend travel insurance. Keep insurance documents and emergency contact numbers accessible.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children of all ages require valid passports and appropriate visas. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing travel, including parent contact information and travel details. If traveling with one parent, carry the child's birth certificate and consent letter from the other parent. Unaccompanied minors must have special arrangements with airlines and clear documentation of who will receive them in India. Adoption papers or custody documents should be carried if applicable. Some airlines have specific policies for unaccompanied minors.
Pets entering India require: (1) Import permit from Department of Animal Husbandry (apply 4-6 weeks in advance), (2) Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 7 days of travel, (3) Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival), (4) ISO-compatible microchip, (5) Quarantine compliance - pets may be quarantined for up to 30 days at owner's expense depending on country of origin. Airlines have specific requirements for pet travel. Some breeds may be restricted. Check with Indian Animal Quarantine and Certification Services (AQCS). Agra has limited pet-friendly accommodations; confirm in advance.
Tourist visas typically allow stays of 30 days to 6 months depending on visa type. E-Visas cannot be extended. For longer stays, you must apply for a traditional visa with appropriate duration before arrival. If circumstances require extension, apply at FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in major cities well before your visa expires - at least 2 weeks in advance. Extension approval is not guaranteed and requires valid reasons (medical emergency, force majeure). Overstaying your visa results in fines, blacklisting, and potential deportation. For stays exceeding 180 days on any visa type (except student and employment visas), registration with FRRO is mandatory within 14 days of arrival. Consider applying for long-term tourist visa (up to 10 years for some nationalities) if planning multiple visits.
Business visitors should obtain e-Business Visa or regular Business Visa depending on nationality and purpose. E-Business Visa allows multiple entries with stays up to 180 days per visit. Required documents include business letter from Indian company inviting you, letter from your employer explaining purpose, and business registration documents. Business visa does not permit employment or paid work in India. For setting up business, attending conferences, or technical meetings, ensure visa category matches your activities. Keep all business correspondence and meeting schedules as immigration may request them.
Journalists, professional photographers, and film crews require special Journalist Visa (J-Visa), which is NOT available as e-Visa. Apply at Indian embassy/consulate with detailed itinerary, letter from media organization, and purpose of visit. Filming in Agra, especially at protected monuments like Taj Mahal, requires additional permits from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Professional equipment may require carnet. Tourist visa holders cannot engage in journalistic activities. Violations result in deportation and potential ban.
Students enrolled in Indian institutions need Student Visa (must be obtained before arrival; not available as e-Visa). Requirements include admission letter from recognized Indian institution, proof of financial support, and educational certificates. Student visas require registration with FRRO within 14 days of arrival. Researchers need Conference Visa or appropriate research visa depending on duration and purpose. Academic exchanges require documentation from both home and Indian institutions.
Medical tourists and attendants can apply for e-Medical Visa (up to 60 days, triple entry). Requirements include letter from hospital in India confirming appointment/treatment, medical documents explaining condition, and proof of financial means for treatment. Up to 2 attendants can apply for e-Medical Attendant Visa. Medical visa holders must carry all medical documentation. Some medical visas may be extended by FRRO with hospital recommendation.
Religious pilgrims can visit Agra on tourist visa. For specific pilgrimage sites elsewhere in India, check if special pilgrimage visa is needed. Carry religious identification if visiting religious sites. Agra has significant religious sites including Jama Masjid and various temples. Dress modestly when visiting religious places. Some sites have restrictions on photography or entry during prayer times.