Visas India
All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. The only exceptions are nationals of Nepal and Bhutan who can enter India without a visa however Nepalese nationals need a visa if entering India from China
Foreigners entering India on long term visas valid for more than 180 days should follow the relevant registration formalities. All persons who hold Student Visas, Employment Visas and Research Visas which are valid for more than 180 days are required to get themselves registered with the nearest Foreign Registration Office (FRO) or (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival in India
Types of Indian Visas
Tourist Visas are granted to those who visit India for tourism. Tourist visas may be valid for 6 months to 1 year with single or multiple entries. The maximum length of stay in Indian is 6 months (180 days) Irrespective of the overall validity of the visa. Please note the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Business Visas are granted to those who do business in India such as making sales or establishing contacts on behalf of a company outside of India. Business visas may be valid for 6 months to one year or more with single or multiple entries. The maximum length of stay in Indian is 6 months (180 days) Irrespective of the overall validity of the visa. Please note the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Employment Visas are granted to those who are an employee of an Indian company/honorary work (without salary) with Registered NGOs in India. The Embassy/Consulate may grant Employment visas valid for a limited validity irrespective of the duration of the contract. Further extension up to 5 years could be obtained from MHA/FRRO in the concerned state in India. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Student visas are granted to students to pursue regular studies at recognized institutions in India. Visas are valid for the period of study as approved by the educational institution in India for multiple entries. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Entry Visas are granted for a specific purpose (short term courses and unpaid internships) or other non-business related purposes, an invitation letter is required from the concerned organisation or authority in India.
Family members of a person employed in India are also eligible for Entry visas. In the latter case, documents establishing the employment of the spouse along with a copy of his/her Employment visa must be attached. These visas may be valid for 6 months to 5 years with single or multiple entries. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Long term 5 years entry visas are issued to people of Indian origin only. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Conference visas are granted to people who want to attend international conferences or conferences on certain subjects as decided by the Government of India from time to time, these visas can be issued only after clearance for the said conference is received from the Government of India. The visas are valid for three months to five years with single or multiple entries. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Journalist Visas are granted to professional journalists and photographers valid for three months with a single entry. If you are intending to make a documentary in India, kindly contact the Press and Information wing in the Embassy. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Research Visas are granted to Research Professors or Scholars, who wish to conduct research work in India. Applicants are requested to obtain prior permission to conduct research projects in India from the concerned authorities. Applicants are requested to apply at least six weeks before their date of departure to India and visas will be valid for entry into India four weeks after issue. Validity of the visa would coincide with the research period. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Transit visas are granted to enable the holder to travel through India to reach his/her ultimate destination. Change of purpose is not allowed. The Transit visa is valid for direct transit only within 15 days from the date of issue for a maximum period of 3 days with single or double entry. For a stay in India beyond 3 days, an appropriate visa should be obtained. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Medical visas are granted to those who travel to India for medical treatment. Visas are valid for up to three months with a single entry. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment, signed and stamped by the concerned hospitals/doctors are required to validate the purpose of travel. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
Medical Escort visas are granted to those who would accompany a patient travelling to India for medical treatment on a medical visa. This visa can be given to a close relative/family member or a friend of the patient. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment, signed and stamped by the concerned hospitals/doctors, a declaration from the patient or an immediate family member is also required confirming the escort travel along with the patient. Visa is valid for up to three months with single entry. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.
There is only one service available for processing Indian visas and this take 3 working days
The visa process may take longer for the following passport holders:
Non-UK passport holders residing in the UK for less than two years. (processing time is 15 working days).
Nationals or origin of Pakistan (Minimum 7-8 weeks)
Nationals of Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan (Minimum 15 working days)
Remember to allow yourself enough time to obtain your visa and to make your travel arrangements
To obtain your visa you will need to submit the following documents:
Tourist Visa:
Passport
You need to lodge your actual passport, which will remain at the Consulate until the visa is granted. Your passport should be valid for six months after your exit date from the country. Two empty pages are required to place the visa
Passport – Type Photo Please provide 2 recent passport - type photos on a light or white background (Do not staple to the application form) the photos MUST BE 50mm x 50mm IN SIZE - this is not the standard passport-type size so beware if you use a photo booth.
Visa Application Form
The Indian visa application form should be completed online, printed out and signed. If the form is completed incorrectly the application will be rejected.
Additional documents required:
Media related professionals, journalists and police or armed forces personnel travelling to India for tourism also need to submit the following:
- Letter from the employer stating the purpose of travel.
- An undertaking stating that the applicant will not do any media or media-related work during his/her stay in India.
- Applicants working with police or armed forces, travelling to India for tourism purposes are required to provide a signed declaration from their employer, confirming that the purpose of their visit to India is purely for tourism and that they will not be engaging in their professional activities during their stay in India.
- The purpose of their visit to India is purely for tourism and that they will not be engaging in their professional activities during their stay in India.
For British passport holders of Pakistani origin:
- A notarised invitation from relative(s) in India with a photo ID.
- A copy of employer's letter OR A chartered accountant's certificate (if self-employed) OR An unemployment allowance letter / disability allowance letter / benefit letter (if unemployed) AND latest one month bank statement.
For British passport holders of Bangladeshi origin:
- A copy of employer's letter OR A chartered accountant's certificate (if self-employed) OR An unemployment allowance letter / disability allowance letter / benefit letter (if unemployed) AND latest one month bank statement.
For British passport holders of Afghanistan origin:
- A copy of employer's letter OR A chartered accountant's certificate (if self-employed) OR An unemployment allowance letter / disability allowance letter / benefit letter (if unemployed) AND latest one month bank statement.
We provide a visa lodging service here in London, UK and can lodge your application on your behalf for a fee of GBP50.00 + VAT plus the relevant consulate fees listed below:
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Business Visa:
Passport
You need to lodge your actual passport, which will remain at the Consulate until the visa is granted. Your passport should be valid for six months after your exit date from the country. Two empty pages are required to place the visa
Passport – Type Photo
Please provide 2 recent passport- type photos on a light or white background (Do not staple to the application form) the photos MUST BE 50mm x 50mm IN SIZE - this is not the standard passport-type size so beware if you use a photo booth.
Visa Application Form
The Indian visa application form should be completed online, printed out and signed. If the form is completed incorrectly the application will be rejected.
Indian Invitation Letter
A signed letter of invitation from an Indian company on their official company letterhead clearly stating the purpose and duration for which visa is requested.
This letter should include the applicants full name, date of birth, passport number along with the purpose and duration of their visit.
Important Information: The business letters should be provided on the letter head of the Indian company inviting you and addressed to the High Commission of India and its respective address. In London, UK that is:
High Commission of India
India House
Aldwych
London
WC2B 4NA
UK Company Letter
An original UK company letter that needs to confirm your UK employment and the purpose of your visit to India, This letter should include the inviting company details and the duration of your stay.
Additional Documents Required:
For Non UK Passport Holders applying for any visa type other than an Employment, andresident in UK for less than Two years, need to provide:
Duly filled additional form for non-UK nationals who have been living in the UK for less than two years. The processing time for such applications will be minimum 15 working days.
For Non UK Passport Holders, resident in UK for more than two years, need to provide:
Stamp of Indefinite stay OR 2 utility bills, one should be the most up today bill and one from at least Two years ago (but not older than 30 months).
Utility Bills include acceptable are Landline Telephone, Gas, Electricity, Water, Council Tax Bills and Tenancy Agreements.
Bank statements will not be considered as Proof of Stay.
A mixture of different utility bills is not acceptable.
If you cannot prove 2 years residential status in UK, then the application will be treated as a Non UK national and a Non UK form should be submitted.
If you are a UK passport holder of Pakistan origin or if you hold a passport from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka or China please contact our office for the necessary application forms.
We provide a visa lodging service here in London, UK and we can lodge your application on your behalf for a fee of GBP50.00 + VAT plus the relevant consulate fees listed below:
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