Can I leave India without an exit permit?

No, you are not permitted to leave India without an exit permit. The Indian government issues departure permits allowing foreigners to leave the country. You will not be able to board your aircraft or cross the border if you do not have an exit permit.

This rule does have a few exceptions. Foreigners in India with diplomatic, student, or medical visas do not require a departure permission. They must, however, have a valid visa and passport.

If you are a foreigner wanting to leave India, you must apply for an exit permission at least 15 days in advance. You can apply for an exit permit at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in your destination city.

To apply for an exit permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • A valid passport
  • A visa application form
  • A recent photograph
  • Proof of financial support, such as a bank statement or letter from your employer
  • A letter from your sponsor, if you are sponsored by a company or organization

A departure permit normally takes 1 to 3 working days to process. When your exit permission is accepted, you will be given a sticker to attach to your passport.

If you are discovered trying to leave India without exit permission, you will be arrested and deported. You may potentially face a fine or imprisonment.

It should be noted that the laws and regulations governing departure permits are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date information, always check with the FRRO in the city where you are staying.