Do I need a transit visa for a self-transfer in Chennai while traveling from Thailand to Germany?

Mar 26, 2023
2 years ago
Mae ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, please confirm.

Thailand to Chennai (India) thru Thai AirAsia

Self transfer and Lay over for 3 hrs

Then Chennai to Germany thru Lutfhansa

Do i need transit visa? Urgent!!!

flight on March 28
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquires about needing a transit visa for a self-transfer at Chennai Airport for an onward flight to Germany after arriving from Thailand. Comments suggest that since the flights are on separate tickets and involve collecting luggage, the user will likely need a visa to enter India as they will go landside. There's disagreement on whether a transit visa is sufficient or if a tourist visa is required.
A*
99.9% correct advise from a chennai resident and frequent traveller to Thailand and other places - You cannot do it. And don't do it. They won't even let you board in Thailand without an Indian entry permit. Unless you have an Indian e-visa and at least 4 hours time in between flights. Even then it is a very bad airport to do any transfer. Delhi Mumbai Bangalore Hyderabad Kochi are much better choices for Air Asia (still need visa). So don't try this. Go via dubai / middle east. Or for budget go via Singapore (scoot/air asia) then lufthansa. But still need to enter exit Singapore (free for germans / 3 hours min).
Mae ***************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@A*
i am filipino and have work visa in Europe, only be transiting with self transfer, check in and lay over? Does this still mean that I should book another flight tho I am not going out of Chennai airport?
A*
@Mae ******
Yes. Please find another route. Or get an Indian visa and be ready to immigrate out, collect bags, and check in from level 2. 2.5-3 hours layover should be fine for chennai airport if you have a indian visa, not 4 hours as I said.
Klaus *********
Be very careful with advice given by strangers on Facebook!

I doubt very much that AirAsia will check luggage through onto a Lufthansa flight!!!

You have obviously bought two separate flights which means that you have to pass immigration to be able to get your luggage and check it in for your flight to Germany.

I don't know wether a transit visa is available, otherwise you might need a tourist visa.

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Phil ******
@Mae ******
you say "Self transfer". Those words indicate you will be picking up your bags and rechecking in with Lufthansa air. Therefore you will be going through immigration and need a visa
Yiba *******
No need for a connected trip
Jan **********
IF it's a connecting flight, airasia/lufthansa is not.
Peter *********
No
Robert ******
2 seperate tickets have to collect your bag landside? Sounds like it, you will need a visa as you will go landside. This is why i never hop through India on budget airlines on route to SEA
Robert ******
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Colin **********
As long as both flights are international flights, you can stay "airside" and not clear customs. There should be a transit desk to confirm your onward flight.
A*
@Colin *********
No. There's no "air side" in chennai Airport. You need to clear immigration.
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