Foreign Nationals desirous of coming to
Passport, Visa Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is responsible for issuance of Indian visas to the foreign nationals for their visit for various purposes. This facility is granted through various Indian missions abroad. The High Commission reserves the right for granting and deciding type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making application. There is no provision of 'Visa on Arrival' in
Nationals of
Requirements for Applying Visa
· Original passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of intended departure from India
· Correct visa fee
· Two passport size photographs (5 photographs in case of Pakistani Nationals)
· Supporting documents, if the visa being applied for is other than a Tourist Visa, the visa application should be accompanied with supporting documents on type of visa applied for.
· Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladeshi Nationals need to apply on special application forms)
It is advisable to read the relevant instructions carefully before applying to avoid any inconvenience. The validity of the visa starts from the date of issue and not the date of entry into Foreigners holding other nationalities (other than the country where applying for visa), should submit proof of long-term (at least three years)/ permanent residence in the country (where applying). For citizens of other countries, a reference has to be made to their country of residence for which an additional fee is applicable and will involve extra processing time. For transferring an Indian visa from an old passport to a new passport, the regular visa application form with 2 additional photographs is required along with a fee of $25.
Visa Categories
Tourist Visa
Tourist visa is issued for 6 months to 10 years. 10 year visa is available only for US citizens under bilateral arrangement. Tourists traveling in groups of not less than four members under the auspices of a recognized travel agency may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa. Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, on each visit maximum period of stay in
Business Visa
Business Visa is valid for six months or one or more year with multiple entries. A letter from sponsoring organization indicating nature of business, probable duration of stay, places and organizations to be visited incorporating there in a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses, etc. should accompany the application. Business visa valid for ten years with multiple entries is available to foreign businessmen who have set up or intend to set up joint ventures in
Student Visa
Student Visas are issued for the period of study in
Transit Visa
A transit visa is granted for the sole purpose of enabling the holder to travel through
Visa to Missionaries
Single entry visa valid for the duration approved by the Government of India is issued. A letter in triplicate from sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in
Journalist Visa
Are issued to professional journalists and photographers for visiting
Conference Visa
Are issued for attending conferences/seminars/meetings in
Employment Visa
Employment visas are issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract, employment, engagement of foreign nationals by the company or organization. Duration of visa would depend on the period of the contract.
Visa Exemption Letters for Minors
Visa Exemption Letters previously granted to children of Indian origin (for a maximum validity of 90 days from the date of issue) have been discontinued since 1 July 1999. Visa Exemption Letters issued in the past are hence no longer valid. All children holding separate passports are now required to obtain regular Visa.
Registration Formalities for Foreign Nationals
1. If you are entering India on a student, Employment, Research, Medical or Missionary Visa, which is valid for more than 180 days, you are required to register with the Foreigners Registration Officer under whose jurisdiction you propose to stay. This should be done within 14 days of arrival in India , irrespective of your actual period of stay.
2. Foreigners visiting India on any other category of long term VISA that is valid for more than 180 days are not required to register themselves if their actual stay doe not exceed 180 days on each visit. If such a foreigner intends to stay in India for more than 180 days during a particular visit, he/she should get registered within 180 days of arrival in India .
3. The following categories of Foreign Nationals are exempt from Registration.
(a) Those visitingIndia on any short term VISA i.e. valid for 180 days or less.
(b) Children below 16 years of age (Irrespective of any type of VISA.
(c) Holding VISA for Overseas Citizen ofIndia .
(a) Those visiting
(b) Children below 16 years of age (Irrespective of any type of VISA.
(c) Holding VISA for Overseas Citizen of
4. Pakistan Nationals are required to register within 24 hours of their arrival in India . Afghanistan Nationals are required to register within 7 days of their arrival in India .
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