Overview

India has a visa policy that determines which nationals require a visa to enter the country and the type of visa required. India offers various types of visas, including Travel visa, tourist visas, business visas, medical visas, student visas, employment visas, and e-visas.

E-visas:

E-visas are available for citizens of over 160 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. They are valid for tourism, business, medical treatment, and conferences. They are valid for a maximum of 60 days and are issued within 72 hours.

Tourist visa:

A tourist visa given to those who wish to visit India for sightseeing or visiting friends and family. It is valid for six months, one year, or five years, depending on the applicant’s nationality.

Business visa:

A business visa given to those who wish to visit India for business purposes, such as attending a conference, negotiating a contract, or exploring business opportunities. It is valid for one year or more, depending on the applicant’s nationality.

Medical visa:

A medical visa given to those who wish to visit India for medical treatment. It is valid for up to six months and can be extended based on the duration of the medical treatment.

Student visa:

A student visa is issued to those who wish to study in India. It is valid for the duration of the course and can extend based on the course’s duration.

Employment visa:

An employment visa issued to those who have secured employment in India. It is valid for one year or more, depending on the applicant’s nationality.

Visa application:

Visa applications will submit online or in person at an Indian embassy or consulate. Applicants must provide a passport, a recent photograph, and the necessary fees. The visa fees depend on the type and duration of the visa. They range from $10 to $80 for e-visas and $25 to $500 for regular visas.

Visa processing time:

The processing time for a visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. It can take up to 10 business days for regular visas and 72 hours for e-visas. Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not require registering themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places.

Transit Visas:

Transit visas granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days. Collective Visas: The facilities exists for issuing collective visas to group tours of not less than 4 members and sponsored by a government recognized travel agency. Such groups may split into smaller groups to visit different places in India after obtaining a collective “license to travel” from Indian immigration authorities. They must reassemble and depart as the original group.

Tourists visas are available for a maximum period of 180 days. No charges are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180 days. Identical passport photographs needed. However, in case of an extension beyond 180 days, which  allowed only in exceptional cases, an extension fee  charges. Tourists from other countries  advised to check current applicable visa fee/visa extension fees with government of India Tourist Offices or Indian Consular Offices located in their respective countries.