Can I travel to India on a bridging visa?

On the majority of occasions, you can't travel to India on a bridging visa since it is not a travel document. An Australian bridging visa, such as Bridging Visa A (BVA), B (BVB), C, D, or E, only allows you to remain lawfully in Australia while waiting for a visa outcome. New Zealand, on the other hand, uses a different system, including the Interim Visa, which also functions as a temporary lawful stay but is not a travel document

Bridging visas generally do not allow international travel, except for Australia's Bridging Visa B (BVB), which permits travel within a limited period.

Nevertheless, you might be able to travel to India, assuming that you fulfill two requirements:

• You must hold a valid national passport that is accepted by Indian immigration authorities.
• Travelling is done with an Indian visa.

A bridging visa is not accepted by India as an indication of identity or nationality, and you cannot get into India on a bridging visa alone.

1. What a Bridging Visa Allows You to Do

• New Zealand uses a different system, such as the Interim Visa, which serves a similar purpose but is not classified as a bridging visa.
• Maintain lawful status while waiting for another visa decision
• You may be permitted to work or study, depending on the visa type

But it does not guarantee re-entry if you leave the issuing country. For example:

• Australia's Bridging Visa A (BVA) automatically becomes invalid once you depart the country.
• Bridging Visa B (BVB) allows travel, but only during the specified travel period.
• Bridging Visa C, D, and E generally do not allow international travel.
   

This means your ability to travel to India depends not only on Indian immigration rules but also on whether you are legally allowed to return to the country that issued your bridging visa.

A bridging visa lets you:

• Remain legally in Australia while awaiting a visa decision, New Zealand, or any other country where it was issued.
• Remain legal during the time of an additional visa decision.
• Depending on the type of visa, you can be allowed to work or study.

It does not, however, assure re-entry on leaving the country of issue. For example:

• The Bridging Visa A (BVA) of Australia is an automatic invalidity, so when you leave the country, it expires.
• Bridging Visa B (BVB) holders can travel, but within the given period of travel.
• Generally, bridging visas C, D, and E do not permit international travel.

This implies that you can only travel to India, not just based on the Indian immigration policy, but also whether you are legally permitted to return to the country where your bridging visa.

2. Do Bridging Visa Holders Need a Visa to Enter India?

Yes. India requires a visa for virtually all foreigners, regardless of the type of bridging visa or the country in which they live. The Indian eVisa system demands a national passport, and not a bridging visa or temporary travel document.

So, you must:

• Hold a valid passport, and
• Request the appropriate Indian visa (tourist, business, medical, etc.)

India does not allow entry using:

• Bridging visas
   
• Temporary residence permits
   
• Acknowledgement letters
   
• Pending visa receipts
   

Eligibility for an Indian e-Visa depends on the applicant’s nationality, not on their bridging visa or country of residence.

3. Can You Return to Australia or New Zealand After Visiting India?

This is often the biggest concern for bridging visa holders.

If you hold:

• BVA, BVC, BVD, or BVE -> You might not be granted back into Australia if you go.
• BVB → You may come back, but not exceed the authorised time span on the visa grant letter.

Coming into the country without assurances of your re-entry rights can void your pending visa application and place you in the country illegally.

Always check:

• Your bridging visa conditions
   
• Whether travel is permitted
   
• The validity period of your visa
   
• Any travel restrictions or reporting obligations

Conclusion

You can travel to India only if you hold a valid passport and the correct Indian visa. A bridging visa alone does not allow international travel unless you hold a Bridging Visa B (BVB), which permits limited travel and re-entry into Australia.

You should carry a valid passport, get an Indian visa beforehand, and make sure that your bridging visa allows you to leave and come back. Otherwise, you need to seek a Bridging Visa B prior to travel arrangements.