Getting Your Visa
Foreign nationals wishing to travel to India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian visa. However, nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require visa to enter India and nationals of Maldives do not require visa for entry in India for a period up to 90 days (a separate visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport holders).
The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuing Indian visas to foreign nationals for their visit for various purposes. This facility is granted through various Indian missions abroad.
Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. The Embassy/High Commission/Consulate reserves the right on granting and deciding the type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making the application. The granting of a visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
Specific visas are granted for different purposes:
| Types of visa | Period | Document Required |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 6 months | Documents supporting the applicant’s financial standing |
| Business Visa | One or more years | Letter from the sponsoring organisation |
| Student Visa | For the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years whichever is less | Proof of admission to recognized Universities/Institutions in India |
| Transit Visa | Maximum For 15 Days | Evidence of onward travel to a destination outside India |
| Conference Visa | For the duration of the conference or seminar | Letter of invitation from the organiser of the conference |
| Medical Visa | Upto one year or the period of medical treatment whichever is less. Visa can be granted to Attendant who is a blood relation to the patient and is co-terminus with the Medical Visa | Documents from registered medical institutions/ doctors supporting the need for medical treatment along with letters from Indian medical institution. |
Visa Application Form
Visa application form is available at the office of Indian Embassy/ High Commission/Consulate in the country where the applicant resides. Visa form for nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh are generally different. All applicants, including children need to apply for Visa in separate visa forms.
Procedure for obtaining Visa
Visas can be applied for in person or by post at Indian Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate based in the country from where the candidate intends to depart for India. You are requested to contact the nearest Indian mission for details.Specific visas are granted for a variety of purposes that are aforementioned.
Requirements for Visa
Generally, the following documents are required for obtaining Indian Visa. However, the requirement may vary from country to country.
• Original passport valid for at least 6 months
• Visa fee
• Two passport size photographs
• Supporting documents, where necessary
• Duly completed application form