Visa Guidelines For India

India is a tourist's delight from the snow-capped peaks of Himalayas in the north to the glorious palm beaches of Kerala and Goa in the south. From the sand dunes and forts of Rajasthan in the western region to the forests of Sunderban in the east. When it comes to diverse attractive destinations for tours for all human natures, India undoubtedly offers a vast range of opportunities to visit - adventurous spots, pilgrim centers, scenic beauty, historical monuments, beaches and hill resorts, wildlife safaris, medicinal tours and much more!

Do you wish to visit India?

Following are the guidelines that will help you to get the Visa:

RULES

Visa for India is a must unless you are a national of neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.

HOW TO APPLY?

• For a Visitors Visa you should apply at the diplomatic missions in your own country of residence or nearest Mission en route.
• If your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India you should accompany visa applications along with it.
• You will have a specified space to paste one photo and do not forget to staple another on to the form (comes in handy while comparing).
• And in case you are applying for visa from a country you are not a national of (foreigner), you need to submit proof of long term permanent residence in the country, which is at least three years, from where you are applying.

If you are a citizen of another country, then a reference of your country of residence is needed for which there is a additional fee and it would require extra time for processing.

If you are a Tourist:

• Visa is given for 6 months normally, rest specifically depends on the country of residence.
• You need to produce documents in proof of your financial standing.

If you are a group of tourists (traveling in-groups of not less than four members) under the auspices of a recognized travel agency you may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa

VISA FEES and processing time:

• Visa fee is USD 40.
• Processing time is 2 working days.
• Payment to be made by Draft.

Traveling for Business

If you are on a business visit, you can avail a visa that is valid for one or more years with multiple entries.

Documents required:

• A letter from your sponsoring organization mentioning the nature of business, probable duration of stay with itinerary.
• A guarantee to meet all expenses incurred during your stay.

VISA FEES and processing time:

• USD 40 for six months.
• Processing time is 2 working days.
• Payment to be made by Draft.

Studying in India:

Student Visas are issued for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years (whichever is less), on the basis of confirmed admission to universities/recognized colleges or educational institutions in India. During this period you will not be permitted to change the purpose of your stay or your institution.

While you are in Transit:

As a bonafide transit passenger you will be issued a visa for a maximum period of 15 days with single or double entry permit.

Types of VISAS

Missionary VISA

Missionaries are issued visas which are valid for single entry and duration will be as permitted by the Government of India.

A guarantee for the applicant(s) maintenance while in India along with a letter in triplicate from the sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in India, probable length of stay, and nature of duties to be discharged should accompany your application.

Journalist VISA

This visa is issue to professional journalists and photographers visiting India. On arrival in New Delhi, the applicant is required to contact the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and in other places, the Government of India's Press Information Bureau.

Conference VISA

• This type of visa is issued to those who are attending conferences / seminars or meetings in India.
• Along with the visa application a letter of invitation from the organizers of the conference is needed.
• As a delegate you may also combine tourism with attending conferences (have not heard of anyone who wasted such a trip).

Employment VISA

Qualified and skilled professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executive's etc are issued this visa.

They will have to submit proof of contract / employment / engagement of foreign nationals from the company or organization appointing them along with their application.

ADDED INFORMATION

• The validity of visa may be for more than 6 months but the duration of stay in India for each visit on a tourist visa or business visa will not exceed 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.
• Visas are valid from the date of their issue.
• If the foreigner is connected with the tourism trade he may avail a tourist visa up to 5 years.
• Registration is compulsory within 14 days of first arrival in India if visa is for more than 180 days.

How to extend your VISA:

Any visitor who wishes to extend his visa, unless he is a tourist, is required to contact the FRRO's personally (no clones please).

Documents Needed:

• Original Documents -
• Passport
• Residence permits
• PIO Card
• Travel documents

Photocopies -

• of the front page and visa page
• of passport, relevant pages of residence permit having last extension. other relevant documents for particular category of visa. e.g.
1. Bonafide Certificate and Identity card for student visa.
2. Company letter and terms and conditions for business / employment visa.
3. Marriage certificate in case seeking extension of visa on the ground of marriage to an Indian.
4. For Research Visa, approval of research projects from the Nodal Ministry.

VISA FEES AND PROCESSING TIME:

• USD 30 for extension of visa up to 180 days.
• USD 50 for extension of visa beyond 180 days.

EXTENSION OF VISA IN DELHI CAN BE DONE AT:

Ministry of Home Affairs
Director (F)
Lok Nayak Bhawan
Ist floor, Khan market
New Delhi-110003

TIPS

• Although a provision exists for the issue of a Temporary Landing Permit (TLP) at the point of entry if you are traveling in transit through India, it is advisable to obtain a transit visa prior to your arrival in India. It is issued for a stay of 72 hours and is not available to all nationalities. The TLP is issued only to those travelers in whose countries there is no Indian Diplomatic representation at the discretion of the Immigration Capital. For this, a valid passport confirmed onward air ticket and onward visa is a must.

· A special agreement has been made with India and the SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) to keep the visa fee to the minimum to facilitate the travel between its people.

· There also exist bilateral agreements between India and some countries like Argentina, Bangladesh, Hungary, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, South Africa etc. for gratis visa.