All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India, although there are some relaxations for Bhutanese and Nepalese nationals.
Instructions for applying for a visa
The instruction and information given here is general in nature. We recommend that you visit the website of the Indian Mission for your country for specific information.
Requirements for Indian visa:
- Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India should accompany visa applications.
- Paste one photo and staple the other one on the form at the specified place.
- 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 citizen 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.
Visas available from the Indian missions abroad:
There are several types of visas available for visiting India. However for the purpose of tourism, we are only featuring the relevant visas. For further information, you can contact the nearest Indian mission in your country.
Tourist visa
Is given for 6 months normally, rest specifically depends on the country of residence. The applicant is required to produce/submit documents in proof of his financial standing. Tourist travelling in groups of not less than four members under the auspices of a recognised travel agency may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa.
Business visa
Valid for 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.
Conference visa
Are issued for attending conferences/seminars/meetings in India. A letter of invitation from the organiser of the conference is to be submitted alongwith the visa application. Delegates coming to attend conferences may combine tourism with attending conferences
Visa fees
The fee structure depends on the nationality of the passport holder and type/duration of visa applied. The existing fee structure is:
Visas with validity up to six months US$ 30.00
Visas with validity up to one year US$ 50.00
Visas with validity between one to five years US$100.00
Visa fees indicated in US$ are payable in local currencies as well. Visa fees are not refundable except in cases where a visa already issued is cancelled thereafter.
Processing duration
Depends on the type of visa applied
Miscellaneous information:
The duration of stay in India, for each visit on a tourist visa or business visa is only for a period of 6 months even though a valid visa may be for more than 6 months.
Visa is given for a period for which passport is valid. For example, if a passport is valid until April 30,2003 and an applicant is applying for 5 years visa on December 31,1999, the applicant will not be issued a 5 years visa as the passport expires before the 5 year visa.
Validity of all visas is counted from the date of their issue. Tourist visa up to 5 years may be granted if the foreigner is connected with the tourism trade. If visa is for more than 180 days, registration is compulsory within 14 days of first arrival in India.
