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 Visa
Guidelines For India
Rules
How To Apply
Visa Fees and Processing Time
Type Of Visas
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.
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VISA FEES and processing
time:
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- 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.
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Types
of VISAS |
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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.
- Bonafide Certificate and Identity card for student visa.
- Company letter and terms and conditions for business / employment visa.
- Marriage certificate in case seeking extension of visa on the ground of marriage
to an Indian.
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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)
North Block
Central Secretariat
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.
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