India visa

India, a vast and diverse country in South Asia, is a cradle of ancient civilizations and offers an unparalleled blend of tradition and modernity. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and the deserts of Rajasthan to the tropical beaches of Goa and the bustling metropolises of Delhi and Mumbai – India fascinates with its culture, history, spirituality, and hospitality. Given its global significance and the diversity of its visitors, India has a comprehensive visa system. The e-Visa facility has significantly simplified entry for tourism, short-term business, and medical visits for many nationalities, while traditional visas are still required for other purposes and longer stays.

Do I need a visa for India?

Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter India.

Exceptions to Visa Requirement:

  • Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan: Can enter India without a visa under specific conditions based on bilateral treaties (specific identity documents are required).
  • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Cardholders: OCI cardholders possess a lifelong visa status for India and do not require a separate visa for entry, stay, or work in India.

E-Visa (Electronic Visa): For nationals of many countries (often over 160 nationalities), the e-Visa is the most common and recommended method for tourist travel, short-term business visits, medical treatment, and attending conferences. It must be applied for online before travel.

Regular Visa / Paper Visa (Sticker Visa): For longer stays, purposes not covered by the e-Visa (e.g., employment, study, journalism, research), or for nationals not eligible for an e-Visa, a regular visa is required. This is applied for at an Indian Embassy, High Commission, or an authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC).

It is essential to check the specific requirements for your nationality and purpose of travel.

Visa Categories for India

India offers a variety of visas tailored to the respective purpose of stay:

Visa Exemption / Special Arrangements

Applies to nationals of Nepal and Bhutan as per bilateral agreements. Holders of an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card enjoy lifelong visa status.

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Valid identity documents for Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens as recognized under the treaties. OCI cardholders must present their OCI card along with a valid passport.
  • Application Process: No visa application required for these categories.
  • Fees: No visa fees.

E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

An online visa facility for citizens of numerous countries, divided into several sub-categories:

e-Tourist Visa: For recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends/relatives, short-term yoga programs. Available with different validity options:

  • 30-day (double entry; often at a reduced fee from April to June).
  • 1-year (multiple entry; max 90 days stay per visit for most nationalities, up to 180 days for some like USA, UK, Canada, Japan).
  • 5-year (multiple entry; max 90 days stay per visit for most nationalities, up to 180 days for some).

e-Business Visa: For short-term business purposes (e.g., meetings, negotiations, setting up business ventures). Typically valid for 1 year, multiple entry, max 180 days continuous stay per visit. Not intended for regular employment.

e-Medical Visa (& e-Medical Attendant Visa): For short-term medical treatment in Indian hospitals. The e-Medical Attendant Visa is for up to two attendants accompanying the patient. Typically triple entry, 60 days stay from the first arrival.

e-Conference Visa: For attending conferences, seminars, or workshops organized by government bodies, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), or specific NGOs. Single entry, validity is tied to the duration of the conference.

Key Requirements for E-Visas (general):

  • Documents: Scanned color copy of the passport data page (valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of arrival in India, with at least two blank pages for stamps), recent digital passport-style photo (white background, meeting specifications). Specific e-Visa types require additional documents: e.g., for e-Business Visa: business card, possibly an invitation letter; for e-Medical Visa: letter from the Indian hospital; for e-Conference Visa: invitation from the organizer, political clearance from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • Application Process: Online application exclusively via the official e-Visa portal of the Government of India (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Complete the form, upload documents, and pay the fee online. The approval (Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA document) is usually sent via email within 24-72 hours. The ETA must be printed and carried during travel. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) are collected upon arrival in India.
  • Fees: Vary significantly by nationality, e-Visa type, and duration (e.g., from approx. 10 USD to over 100 USD). There are different fee slabs (e.g., 0 USD, 10 USD, 25 USD, 80 USD, 100 USD) based on reciprocity and visa type. The current fee structure must be checked on the official website.

Regular Visa / Paper Visa (Sticker Visa – via Indian Mission/VAC)

Required for travel purposes not covered by the e-Visa, for nationalities not eligible for an e-Visa, or for stays exceeding the e-Visa validity. Applied for at Indian Embassies, High Commissions, or their outsourced Visa Application Centres (VACs).

Key Subcategories:

  • Tourist Visa (T): If e-Tourist Visa conditions are not suitable (e.g., longer continuous stays needed).
  • Business Visa (B): For more extensive or longer-term business activities than possible with the e-Business Visa.
  • Employment Visa (E): For qualified professionals taking up employment in India. Requires an employment contract, sponsorship from the employer, and often meeting minimum salary benchmarks.
  • Student Visa (S): For regular full-time study at recognized Indian educational institutions.
  • Entry Visa (X) / Visit Visa: For persons of Indian origin, spouses/children of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders, or for other specific long-term purposes not covered by other categories.
  • Journalist Visa (J): For professional journalists and media personnel.
  • Research Visa (R): For undertaking research on approved subjects/at approved institutions.

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, blank pages), completed application form (generated online at indianvisaonline.gov.in and then printed), passport photos, specific supporting documents depending on the visa type (e.g., employment contract and sponsorship letter, university admission letter, marriage certificate, detailed research proposal, etc.).
  • Application Process: Online completion of the application form, followed by submission of the printed form along with all required documents to the responsible Indian Mission or VAC. Payment of fees. A personal interview may be required. Biometric data are usually collected during the application process.
  • Fees: Vary significantly depending on nationality, visa type, validity period, and processing location.

Transit Visa

For transiting through India to another country. Valid for up to 15 days, for single or double entry. The actual stay in India must not exceed 3 days per visit. Not required if the passenger does not leave the aircraft or the designated transit area of the airport.

  • Key Requirements: Confirmed onward travel ticket, valid visa for the final destination country.
  • Fees: Vary.

Visa for India: Final Points to Consider

The Indian visa system is multifaceted, but the introduction of the e-Visa has significantly simplified the process for many short-term visitors. It is of utmost importance to use only the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in) for e-Visa applications and to be wary of fraudulent third-party websites. Be aware that India has strict rules regarding overstaying visas and using visas for purposes other than intended. For long-term stays (over 180 days), registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) is often required. Online-Visa.com strives to provide you with clear and comprehensive information. However, this cannot replace individual legal advice or consultation with official government sources. Careful preparation and adherence to regulations are key to a successful journey to India.