General Visa 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.

Requirement of Visa

Foreigners of visiting India can do so after obtaining a visa from the Indian Mission in the country of their residence. They should possess a valid National Passport - except in the case of nationals of Bhutan and Nepal, who may carry only suitable means of identification.

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 also exists for the issue to group tours consisting visas of not less than four members and sponsored by a travel agency recognized by the Government of India.

Exemption from Registration: Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not required to register themselves with any authority in India.

Landing Permit Facility: Tourists may note that no Landing Permit Facility is available to any foreign tourist landing without visa. A limited facility exists only for group tours consisting of four or more members and sponsored by a travel agency recognized by the Government of India.

Tourist Groups: A tourist group arriving by air, ship or by a chartered or scheduled flight may be granted a collective landing permit for a period of up to 30 days by the immigration authorities on landing ,provided the group is sponsored by a recognized travel agency and a pre drawn itinerary is presented along with details of passport.

Extension of Visa: No extension of stay is granted on a tourist Visa.

Other Types of Visas: If a foreigner wishes to come to India for a purpose other than tourism, he should come after obtaining an appropriate visa out of the following:

Business Visa: A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian Embassy abroad.

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, 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 avail for this visa.

Employment Visa: Foreigners desirous of coming to India for taking up employment should apply for a Employment Visa.