VISA RULES

The instruction and information given here is general in nature, however for specific information, you need to consult the Mission concerned.

1. Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India should accompany visa applications.

2. Paste one photo and staple the other one on the form at specified place.

3. 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. Please   refrain  from making inquiries about the status of application during this time.

4. Following visas are available from the Indian missions abroad:

• 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.

• STUDENT VISA
  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 firm letters of admission from Universities/recogenised colleges or educational institutions in India. Change of purpose and institutions are not permissible.

• TRANSIT  VISA
  Are issued for a maximum period of 15-days with single/double entry facilities to bonafide transit passengers only.

• VISA TO MISSIONARIES
  Are valid for single entry and duration as permitted by Government of India. A letter in triplicate from sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in India, probable length of stay, and nature of duties to be discharged should be submitted along with guarantee for applicant’s maintenance while in India.

• JOURNALIST  VISA
  Are issued toprofessional journalists and photographers for visiting India. The applicants are requied to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and in other places, the Office of the Government of India's Press Information Bureaus.

• 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
• EMPLOYMENT VISA
  Are issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organisations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract/employment/engagement of of foreign nationals by the company or organisation.

• FEES
  The fee structure depends on the nationality of the passport holder and type/duration of visa applied. The existing fee structure is:

           Transit Visa                                                                     US$    5.00

           Visas with validity upto six months                                    US$ 30.00 

            Visas with validity upto one year                                      US$ 50.00

            Student Visa                                                                    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.
  • Extension of visa in Delhi- MHA- Director(F), Lok Nayak Bhawan, Ist floor, Khan market, New Delhi-110003.

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