Visas for India

Getting a visa for India isn’t too difficult, and the time to process the visas is relatively short. If you plan on visiting or moving to India, it's best to start by identifying the right visa for your situation and organising the necessary documents, certificates, and photographs for the application. It's wise to start this as early as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.

Visa regulations for India can change, so it's crucial to consult the Bureau of Immigration website and contact the nearest embassy for the most up-to-date information.

How to apply for a visa to India

There are several ways to apply for a visa to enter India, including e-visas, visas on arrival, and through an embassy. Most nationalities can apply online for an e-visa, but for a full list of eligible countries, visit the government's IndianVisaOnline website.

If you are a citizen from Nepal or Bhutan, you do not need a visa to enter India unless you are arriving from China. Nationals from the Maldives also enjoy certain exemptions. Some foreign nationals, including those from Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, may be eligible for a visa on arrival. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you must apply through an Indian embassy.

Useful links

• IndianVisaOnline website
• Bureau of Immigration
• Ministry of External Affairs, India

General visa requirements for India

When applying online, you must submit your e-visa application at least four days before your intended arrival date in India. The application process is quick if you have all the necessary documents, and it can be completed in about 15 minutes. All documents must be in English or translated into English.

Visa fees vary depending on your country of citizenship, the type of visa, and the duration of stay, and they are non-refundable. For the most current fee structure, it’s best to check the official visa application website.

Travellers from certain countries need yellow fever and polio vaccinations and must carry a certified card proving this. If you're on a short-term visa, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and have a return or onward journey ticket. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 days, you must register with the appropriate Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) as per visa instructions. Although e-visas typically don't allow extensions, you can renew other visa types and residential permits before expiration. Overstaying your visa can result in heavy fines and punishments.

Useful links

• e-Visa Application
• FRRO Registration

Tourist visas for India

Indian tourist visas are for visiting friends or family or exploring the country's rich cultural heritage. India offers several types of tourist visas with varying validities:

• e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Valid for 30 days from the date of first arrival in India, allowing double entries.
• e-Tourist Visa (1 year): Valid for 365 days from the date of grant with multiple entries, but the maximum stay during any calendar year cannot exceed 180 days.
• e-Tourist Visa (5 years): Valid for five years from the date of grant with multiple entries, also with a maximum stay of 180 days in a calendar year.

Most foreign nationals will apply for their visa in their home country before they leave – this can be done at a local application centre or via the online e-visa system. Nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE can now obtain a visa on arrival in India for tourism purposes, allowing for a stay of up to 60 days with double entries. It's crucial to determine which category you belong to well ahead of time.

For tourist visas, the continuous stay limits are as follows:

• General Tourist Visa: Maximum stay of 90 days for most countries.
• USA, UK, Canada and Japan: Maximum stay of 180 days per visit.

Ensure you do not exceed these limits to avoid penalties or complications with future visa applications.

Student visas for India

If you are attending short-term study courses, you can apply for a student visa. Student visas are valid for the duration of your course or up to five years, though they may be extended. You must provide proof of admission to an Indian institution along with proof of financial means to support your stay. A recommendation letter from the institution may also be required.

To extend your student visa, visit the nearest FRRO and submit an extension application form along with required documents such as your existing visa, passport, proof of enrolment, and other necessary documents. To ensure timely processing, it's best to apply for an extension at least 60 days before your visa expiration date.

Medical visas for India

India is a significant destination for medical tourism, as the largely privatised healthcare system offers a high standard of services and relatively low costs. Medical visas are typically valid for up to six months, with the possibility of extension based on the recommendation of the treating hospital. Medical attendant visas for those accompanying the patient also have similar validity periods and entry allowances.

To apply for a medical visa, you must provide a recommendation letter from a recognised medical institution in India. This letter is crucial for demonstrating the need for medical treatment in India. Recent policies have focused on streamlining the visa process for medical tourists, including simplifying application procedures and maintaining a focus on providing high-quality medical care to international patients.

Useful links

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India

Work visas for India

You can apply for an employment, business, or conference visa to work in India legally – no separate work permit will be needed.

Employment visas

If you are working in India for an organisation or company registered in the country, you will require an employment visa. You are eligible for employment visas if you are relocating with a guaranteed offer of employment or via an intra-company transfer. To be eligible, you must be a highly skilled or qualified professional, not taking a routine job for which qualified Indians are available. You must also have a salary exceeding USD 25,000 per year, except for some exceptions like ethnic cooks, language teachers (other than English), translators and embassy staff.

Employment visas for India are usually valid for one year or the term of the employment contract, although in certain cases, they may be granted for two, three or five years. It is possible to renew an employment visa from within India.

Business visas

Business visas are available for entrepreneurs or investors who want to conduct business in India. You must be able to prove that you are in good financial standing and that you have expertise in your field of business. The visa requirements include a valid passport, photographs, a completed visa application form, and supporting documents such as an invitation letter from the host organisation in India.

Business visas are valid for one year with multiple entries, but continuous stays during each visit must not exceed 180 days. If you exceed this, you must register with the FRRO within two weeks after the 180 days.

Conference visas

If you travel to India for a conference, seminar, or workshop (whether hosted by a public or private entity), you will require a conference visa, which is single-entry and entitles you to stay up to 30 days.

Useful links

• Bureau of Immigration

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.