Do you need a return ticket or proof of accommodation to enter India?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: today
TL;DR
Yes, Indian border rules officially require a return/onward ticket or accommodation proof — the immigration officer has full discretion to deny entry even if many travelers get through without it. As a safety net, book accommodation on Booking.com with pay-at-property option.
What the community said
Having a return ticket or confirmed accommodation booking is an official requirement for entering India, and denying entry is fully at the discretion of the immigration officer, not just a formality. Many travelers get through without issues and then tell others not to worry, but that luck isn't guaranteed, so it's safer to prepare an accommodation booking in advance (Booking.com has pay-at-property options) and have a rough route planned.
1 day ago Booking.com pay-at-property option
One traveler shares experience hitchhiking through numerous internal Russian border zones (including getting a border-zone permit for Tyva within 4 hours via email) and notes that the more such experience you have, the calmer you feel about uncertainty at borders in other countries, including India.
3 days ago
Some travelers casually claim border formalities are no longer strict and even a domestic (non-international) passport is enough — but this is an individual's personal anecdote and doesn't override the official visa and return-ticket requirements.
15 days ago