India Visa – How to apply for an Indian Visa?
Are you a foreign national desiring to apply for an Indian visa? Visit the nearest Indian Mission (Indian Embassy) in your place or country and seek a visa to vist India. Any foreign Nationals desirous of coming into India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa.
Every foreign national desiring to visit India has to get a Indian VISA Certificate stamped on his/her passport. A VISA is a certificate approving the applicant’s credentials (after appropriate verification) that he/she has been granted permission to enter India for a temporary stay within a specified period.The Consular Passport and Visa Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuing Indian visas to all such foreign nationals applying for a visa to visit india for various purposes. This facility is granted through the Indian missions situated in various countries abroad.
All foreign visitors to India should ensure that they are in possession of a valid Indian Visa before commencing their journey to India. However, nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa to enter India. Also, nationals of Maldives do not require visa for entering India for a period up to 90 days. A separate Visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport holders.
Indian Visa Types
Indian visas are of different types and they are granted for several different purposes. The types are summarized below.
| Type | Period | Documents required |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 6 months | Docs 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 |
How to obtain an Indian Visa?
A foreign national desirous of visiting India can apply for visa in person or by post at the High Commission of India based in the country from where he wants to undertake the journey to India.
Where can you obtain the Indian Visa application Form?
An Indian Visa application form can be obtained from the office of Indian Embassy in the country where the foreign national resides. Visa form for nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh are generally different.
Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who possess either OCI (Overseas Indian Citizenship) or PIO card do not need an Indian Visa to visit india. OCI and PIO give them the freedom to visit India without a visa throughout their life!
All NRIs and PIOs, including children (who don’t possess OCI or PIO card) need to apply for an Indian Visa in separate visa forms.
What are the documents needed for obtaining Indian Visa?
The following are the general documents needed for obtaining an Indian Visa. However, it may be noted that these requirements may vary from one country to another.
- Two passport size photographs of the applicant
- A copy of driver’s license or utility bill, showing the applicants name and current address.
- A photocopy of the applicant’s birth certificate or school diploma
- any other supporting document as may be required
- Duly completed Visa application form
Original passport of the applicant, valid for at least 6 months
The applicant should also have paid the requisite visa fees.
Find below the links to some important Indian Visa related forms
- Application form for Visa Note (91 KB)
- Foreign National Registration Form
- Visa Extension Form/Return Visa/Multiple Entry Visa (195 KB)
- Special Permit Form (145 KB)
Get an Indian Visa and enjoy your travel to India.
You can also download Indian Passport Application Forms or register your Indian Passport Application online.
