|
|
Indian Visa Requirements
Visa Requirements, Download Application Forms, Restricted Areas, Export Regulations
All foreign nationals, including children, require a visa to enter India. Please do not finalize your travel arrangements to India before ascertaining the visa requirements.
|
|
Visa Requirements
Citizens of all countries (including Commonwealth) require a valid passport an an appropriate (entry, transit or tourist) visa. The visa must be obtained abroad from an Indian Mission. If planning to visit a neighboring country such as Nepal and then re-entering India, a double/multiple entry visa should be obtained.
General requirements:
- Original passport valid for at least six months
- Correct visa fee.
- Two passport-size photographs (five photographs in case of Pakistani nationals)
- Supporting documents, where necessary
- Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals need to apply on special application forms)
Tourists from other countries are 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.
Validity of all visas is counted from the date of their issue.
For each visit on a tourist visa or business visa, the duration of stay in India is only for a period of six months even though a valid visa may be for more than six months.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
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. Tourist Visa can also be given for 3 months, valid from date 1st entry into India which should be within 2 months from date of issue.
Collective Visas:
The facilities exists for issuing collective visas to group tours of not less than 4 members and sponsored by a government recognised travel agency. Such groups may split into smaller groups to visit different places in India after obtaining a collective "licence to travel" from Indian immigration authorities. They must reassemble and depart as the original group.
Transit Visas:
Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.
Employment Visa
This visa is issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives, etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract/employment/engagement of foreign nationals by the company or organization.
Exemption from Registration:
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or a shorter period are not require to register themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places.
Visa Extension
For extending the visa apply for a letter of permission from the
Ministry of Home Affairs
Lok Nayak Bhavan, 1st floor
Khan Market, New Delhi 110003
Phone: 24693334, 24612543, 24617649
There after the letter is to be presented to the FRRO.
The Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is located at
Hans Bhavan
Tilak Bridge, New Delhi
Phone: 23319489, 23318179
Timings: 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm
(weekends and national holidays closed)
Restricted Areas
Certain parts of the country need special permits before they can be visited.
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.
These States/Union Territories have been designated as protected areas and foreigners cannot enter these areas without special permits. These permits are issued by the Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners Division, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi 110 003 at least 4 weeks before the date of the expected visit.
Sikkim
Certain areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Zongri in West Sikkim and Pemayangtse have been excluded form the inner line and declared as restricted areas. Individual tourists are permitted to visit Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang. Tourists are permitted to visit Zongri and Pemayangtse. The duration of stay has been raised from 7 to 15 days. Permits can be issued by all Indian Missions abroad, all FRROs, Immigration Officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi. Manipur. Manipur has also been opened to foreign tourists; permits can be issued by all Missions abroad, all FRROs, Home Commissioner, Manipur, Imphal. The duration of stay has been raised from 3 to 5 days. Permits are no longer required for Darjeeling, Assam, Meghalaya & Tripura.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Individual foreign tourists can visit Port Blair Municipal Area, Havelock Island, Long Island, Neil Island, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, where a night halt is allowed and Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet, Madhuban where only day visits are allowed. Prior permit is necessary.
Lakshadweep Islands
Only Bangaram and Subeli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required, obtainable from the Lakshadweep Administration, Wellington Island, Harbour Road, Kochi -3.
Export Regulations
The visitor can take back all articles brought in by him. In addition, he can take out the following purchased in India;
- Souvenirs (including Indian silk, wool, handicrafts, etc.) without any limit.
- Gold jewellery and silverware up to Rs.100,000 in value (and in excess of Rs. 100,000 after obtaining an RBI permit).
Other jewellery and precious stones of large value should be appraised by Customs Appraiser at the airport. For these items an RBI permit should be obtained in advance and thereafter declared to Customs. There are restrictions on the export of antiquities and art objects more than 100 years old. In case of doubt, consult the Director, Antiquities, Archaeological Survey of India, Janpath (Tel. 23017443). It is advisable to obtain a certificate of proof. Export of most wildlife products is prohibited or strictly regulated; therefore generally avoid buying anything made of ivory, reptile skin, tortoise shells and any part of wild animals. There are DUTY-FREE shops at the airport both in the Arrival and Departure lounges.
|
Guide to India Visit & Tourism
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contact us
Home |
News papers |
Indian Cuisine |
Tourism |
Contact us |
SiteMap
