Visa / Travel Documents Required for traveling to India

• • Original passport valid for at least six months
  • Correct visa fee
  • Two passport-size photographs (five photographs in case of Pakistani nationals)
  • Supporting documents, where necessary
  • Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals need to apply on special application forms)

Kinds of Visa

Tourist Visas: Usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of 180 days, is granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid from the date of issue.

Collective Visas: The facility exists for group tours consisting of not less than four members and sponsored by a travel agent recognized by the Government of India.

Transit Visas: Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.

Visa for purposes other than tourism

If a foreigner wishes to come to India for a purpose other than tourism, he should come after obtaining one of the following visas:

Business Visa: A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian Embassy abroad. A multiple entry visa is valid for 5 years, provided he wishes to come for some business. Foreigners of Indian origin can obtain a 5-year multiple entry visas for business, to meet their relatives etc.

Student Visa: A student visa can be obtained from the Indian Embassy on the production of proof of admission and means of sustenance while in India, etc. The visa is valid for one year but can be extended in India for the duration of the course.

Conference Visa: Delegates coming to attend international conferences in India can be granted Conference Visa to cover the conference as well as for tourism in India. Delegates are advised to apply to Indian Embassies well in advance.

Employment Visa: Foreigners desirous of coming to India for taking up employment should apply for an Employment Visa, which are issued by Indian Missions abroad. Initially granted for a period of one year, it can be extended in India up to the period of contract.

Recreation: Foreigners wishing to undertake any international sporting event, trekking, botanical expeditions, yoga, journalists, media men, documentary and feature film makers may obtain visas after due formalities from the Indian Embassy.