Mumbai essentials

The India e-Visa (checked 21 October 2026)

Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in, the Government of India’s official site, at least 4 days and no more than 120 days before you arrive. Your passport must be valid for at least six months when you apply, and you need a return or onward ticket.

The e-Tourist Visa comes in three lengths: 30 days from your first arrival, and one year or five years from the date it is granted, each with multiple entries. It cannot be extended or converted, and it isn’t valid for protected, restricted or cantonment areas. Your biometrics are taken on arrival.

Mumbai’s airport is one of the e-Visa’s designated entry points, and cruise passengers can enter at Mumbai’s seaport. The official site does not list Navi Mumbai separately, so if your flight lands there, check with your airline. Beware of look-alike websites that charge extra fees.

The e-Arrival card

Foreigners and OCI cardholders can complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arriving, at boi.gov.in or indianvisaonline.gov.in, or in the official “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” app. It is arrival information, not a visa (indianvisaonline.gov.in).

The two airports

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) describes Terminal 1 as domestic and Terminal 2 as international, with a free shuttle between them for eligible passengers; some airlines use both, so check your ticket. The airport’s 24/7 helpline is 1800-572-111111.

Navi Mumbai International Airport, across the harbour, has handled domestic flights since 25 December 2025. Atal Setu, the 21.8 km sea bridge, links it to South Mumbai.

Metro, trains, buses and ferries

Metro Line 3, the Aqua Line, runs underground from Aarey through BKC, Worli, CSMT and Churchgate to Cuffe Parade. Metro Line 1 crosses the suburbs from Versova to Ghatkopar, from 05:30 to 23:50. The suburban trains run from Churchgate (Western line) and CSMT (Central and Harbour lines); avoid the peak commuting hours if you can.

BEST runs the city’s buses, including electric double-deckers. Ferries leave from the Gateway of India for Elephanta (about an hour) and Alibag. MMRDA’s Mumbai ONE app brings 11 public transport operators together.

When to go

Maharashtra Tourism suggests October to February as the best time to visit Mumbai. The monsoon, from June to September, brings heavy rain, but it turns the Western Ghats green for trips to Lonavala and Matheran. For live rainfall figures, see the India Meteorological Department’s Mumbai pages.

Visiting temples and shrines

Dress modestly at places of worship, and check timings with each one’s own trust: Siddhivinayak, the Mahalakshmi Temple (6am to 10pm daily) and Haji Ali Dargah. The Haji Ali Dargah Trust warns of impostors claiming to represent it: use only its official website.

Health and emergencies

Call 112 for police, fire or an ambulance; the 112 India app also works (Ministry of Home Affairs). Mumbai’s major hospitals publish their own emergency lines; see our health page. Carry travel insurance that covers medical costs.

Questions and answers