Travelling to India for tourism, business, studies or other purposes requires a valid passport and an entry visa. Visas are issued in the Indian Embassies or Missions abroad. No entry visas are issued at the entry point. A passenger who is travelling without an entry visa shall be detained and deported.

The Passport of the person who is applying for the visa should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure date from India. Foreigners holding nationalities other than the country from where applying for visa, should submit proof of long-term (at least three years)/ permanent residence in the country from where they are applying.

The following visas are issued from the Indian Missions abroad.

Tourist Visas

Entry visas for tourists are generally issued for six months from the date of issue. Tourist travelling in groups of not less than four members under the auspices of a recognised travel agency may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa. If a traveller plans to visit neighbouring countries and re-enter India, ask for a six months visa with a request for multiple entries.

Business Visas

Business Visas are issued for one or more year with multiple entries. A letter from sponsoring organization indicating nature of business, probable duration of stay, places and organizations to be visited with a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses, etc. should accompany the application.

Student Visas

Student Visas are issued for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years whichever is less, on the basis of firm letters of admission from Universities/recognised colleges or educational institutions in India. Change of purpose and institutions are not permissible.

Transit Visas

Transit Visas are issued for a maximum period of 15-days with single/double entry facilities to bona fide transit passengers only.

Visas to Missionaries

Visas to Missionaries are valid for single entry and duration as permitted by Government of India. A letter in triplicate from sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in India, probable length of stay, and nature of duties to be discharged should be submitted along with guarantee for applicant’s maintenance while in India.

Journalist Visas

Journalist Visas are issued to professional journalists and photographers for visiting India. The applicants are required to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and in other places, the Office of the Government of India's Press Information Bureaus.

Conference Visas

Conference Visas are issued for attending conferences or seminars or meetings in India. A letter of invitation from the organiser of the conference is to be submitted along with the visa application. Delegates coming to attend conferences may combine tourism with attending conferences

Employment Visas

Employment Visas are issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organisations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract or employment or engagement of foreign nationals by the company or organisation.

Tourism visas can be extended by three months at the foreigner's registration office in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Madras. It can also be extended with the Superintendent of Police at any District Headquarters. If overstayed, beyond 180 days, the tourist is required to get a tax clearance certificate available at the foreigner's section of the income tax department in every major city. It is recommended to keep records of all money transactions to prove legality.

In addition to entry visas, special permits may be required to visit certain areas of the country. Areas such as North Eastern Frontier States of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu & Kashmir, certain areas of Uttar Predesh and Rajasthan, Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep are out of bound for foreign nationals. If you plan to visit any of these areas, apply for a permit well in advance, at least four weeks in advance at the

Foreigner's Section,
Ministry of Home Affairs,
Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi - 110003