A Visa is a document issued by a country giving a certain individual permission to enter the country for a given period of time and for a certain purpose. Most countries demand a visa before you travel, some may provide visa on arrival.
* Visa for Visitors to India
* Visa for Indians Travelling Abroad
Visa for Visitors
Visa: Traveller's Guide
Foreign Nationals visiting India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa. The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division - External website that opens in a new window of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) - External website that opens in a new window is responsible for issuing Indian Visas. This facility is made available through various Indian missions abroad - External website that opens in a new window. However nationals from certain countries may get a visa on arrival - External website that opens in a new window.
* Visa Procedure
* Visa Fees
* Registration for Foreign Nationals
* Visa Extension/Conversion
Visa Procedure
Visas can be applied for in person or by post, to the High Commission of India/Embassy - External website that opens in a new window, based in the country from where the candidate intends to depart for India.
The High Commission/Embassy reserves the right to grant and decide type/duration of Visa. Granting of Visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
Categories of Visa Entry Visa (X Visa)(15 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window Conference Visa - External website that opens in a new window
Tourist Visa (23 KB)
* Visa for Visitors to India
* Visa for Indians Travelling Abroad
Visa for Visitors
Visa: Traveller's Guide
Foreign Nationals visiting India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa. The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division - External website that opens in a new window of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) - External website that opens in a new window is responsible for issuing Indian Visas. This facility is made available through various Indian missions abroad - External website that opens in a new window. However nationals from certain countries may get a visa on arrival - External website that opens in a new window.
* Visa Procedure
* Visa Fees
* Registration for Foreign Nationals
* Visa Extension/Conversion
Visa Procedure
Visas can be applied for in person or by post, to the High Commission of India/Embassy - External website that opens in a new window, based in the country from where the candidate intends to depart for India.
The High Commission/Embassy reserves the right to grant and decide type/duration of Visa. Granting of Visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
Categories of Visa Entry Visa (X Visa)(15 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window Conference Visa - External website that opens in a new window
Tourist Visa (23 KB)
Work Visa (65 KB)
Student Visa (13 KB) -
Change of purpose is not permitted once one reaches India.
Visa application form (26 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window is available at the office of the Indian Mission in the country where the candidate resides. All NRIs/PIOs, including children (who don't possess Overseas Citizenship of India - External website that opens in a new window or PIO card - External website that opens in a new window) need to apply for Visa in separate Visa forms. Visa form for nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh are generally different.
Important links:
* Visa application form (26 KB)
* Procedure for obtaining Indian Visa
* Online Visa Appointment Scheduling
* Frequently Asked Questions on Visa
Visa Fees
Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice.
Nationals of Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, South Africa and Uruguay are issued Gratis (free of charge) Visa.
Visitors can enquire about the fees from the relevant Embassy/Consulate - External website that opens in a new window before remitting the amount. Some guidelines are:
* Personal Cheques and Credit Cards are not accepted.
* Payment can be made with Money Order/Certified Cheque/Cashier's Cheque drawn in favour of Embassy of India/Consulate General of India.
* Cash is accepted only at the Consular Counter.
Registration Requirements for Foreign Nationals
All foreigners including those of Indian origin visiting India on long term (more than 180 days) will be required to get themselves registered with concerned Registration Officer within 14 days of his/her first arrival, irrespective of the duration of their stay. Detailed information on Registration Requirements for Foreign Nationals can be accessed here - External website that opens in a new window.
The webpage of the Bureau of Immigration, Government of India - External website that opens in a new window provides vital information to foreign nationals planning to visit India.
Student Visa (13 KB) -
Change of purpose is not permitted once one reaches India.
Visa application form (26 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window is available at the office of the Indian Mission in the country where the candidate resides. All NRIs/PIOs, including children (who don't possess Overseas Citizenship of India - External website that opens in a new window or PIO card - External website that opens in a new window) need to apply for Visa in separate Visa forms. Visa form for nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh are generally different.
Important links:
* Visa application form (26 KB)
* Procedure for obtaining Indian Visa
* Online Visa Appointment Scheduling
* Frequently Asked Questions on Visa
Visa Fees
Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice.
Nationals of Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, South Africa and Uruguay are issued Gratis (free of charge) Visa.
Visitors can enquire about the fees from the relevant Embassy/Consulate - External website that opens in a new window before remitting the amount. Some guidelines are:
* Personal Cheques and Credit Cards are not accepted.
* Payment can be made with Money Order/Certified Cheque/Cashier's Cheque drawn in favour of Embassy of India/Consulate General of India.
* Cash is accepted only at the Consular Counter.
Registration Requirements for Foreign Nationals
All foreigners including those of Indian origin visiting India on long term (more than 180 days) will be required to get themselves registered with concerned Registration Officer within 14 days of his/her first arrival, irrespective of the duration of their stay. Detailed information on Registration Requirements for Foreign Nationals can be accessed here - External website that opens in a new window.
The webpage of the Bureau of Immigration, Government of India - External website that opens in a new window provides vital information to foreign nationals planning to visit India.
Extension/Conversion of Visa
For conversion or extension of Visa, foreigners residing in India can contact the Foreigner's Division - External website that opens in a new window of the MHA.
Foreigners not residing in Delhi may approach the FRROs/FROs cum Superintendent of Police - External website that opens in a new window concerned. For more information, click here - External website that opens in a new window.
Visa for Indians Travelling Abroad
Visa: Traveller's Guide
Indian nationals travelling abroad - External website that opens in a new window require a valid Indian passport and travel authority for the destination country. The travel authority is normally in the form of Visa, which is obtained prior to the journey, except in case of countries where "Visa on Arrival" is available.
The embassy of the particular country you want to visit issues the visa and you need to contact them for the same. Here is a list of Foreign Embassies in India - External website that opens in a new window.
Each country has separate rules and guidelines for grant of different categories of Visa. Information on Visa for some of the major countries visited by Indians is given here:
Visa Guidelines for Popular Destinations United States of America - External website that opens in a new window Canada - External website that opens in a new window
United Kingdom - External website that opens in a new window European Union - External website that opens in a new window
Australia - External website that opens in a new window New Zealand - External website that opens in a new window
China - External website that opens in a new window Japan - External website that opens in a new window
South Africa - External website that opens in a new window Dubai - External website that opens in a new window
Singapore - External website that opens in a new window Thailand - External website that opens in a new window
Hong Kong - External website that opens in a new window Malayasia - External website that opens in a new window
Saudi Arabia (Haj) - External website that opens in a new window Oman - External website that opens in a new window
Related Links
* Ministry of Home Affairs - External website that opens in a new window
* Ministry of External Affairs - External website that opens in a new window
* Consular Passport and Visa Division - External website that opens in a new window
* Bureau of Immigration, India - External website that opens in a new window
* Contact addresses for Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) - External website that opens in a new window
* Foreigners, Tourist & Visa - External website that opens in a new window
* Travel Advisory
* Important Travel Advisory on Chinese Visas - External website that opens in a new window
* Guide for International Conferences/Seminars in India - External website that opens in a new window
* The Foreigners Act (27 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
* The Passport (Entry into India) Act (13 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
* The Passport (Entry into India) Rules (13 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
* The Registration of Foreigners Act (15 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
* The Registration of Foreigners Rules (3.4 MB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
For conversion or extension of Visa, foreigners residing in India can contact the Foreigner's Division - External website that opens in a new window of the MHA.
Foreigners not residing in Delhi may approach the FRROs/FROs cum Superintendent of Police - External website that opens in a new window concerned. For more information, click here - External website that opens in a new window.
Visa for Indians Travelling Abroad
Visa: Traveller's Guide
Indian nationals travelling abroad - External website that opens in a new window require a valid Indian passport and travel authority for the destination country. The travel authority is normally in the form of Visa, which is obtained prior to the journey, except in case of countries where "Visa on Arrival" is available.
The embassy of the particular country you want to visit issues the visa and you need to contact them for the same. Here is a list of Foreign Embassies in India - External website that opens in a new window.
Each country has separate rules and guidelines for grant of different categories of Visa. Information on Visa for some of the major countries visited by Indians is given here:
Visa Guidelines for Popular Destinations United States of America - External website that opens in a new window Canada - External website that opens in a new window
United Kingdom - External website that opens in a new window European Union - External website that opens in a new window
Australia - External website that opens in a new window New Zealand - External website that opens in a new window
China - External website that opens in a new window Japan - External website that opens in a new window
South Africa - External website that opens in a new window Dubai - External website that opens in a new window
Singapore - External website that opens in a new window Thailand - External website that opens in a new window
Hong Kong - External website that opens in a new window Malayasia - External website that opens in a new window
Saudi Arabia (Haj) - External website that opens in a new window Oman - External website that opens in a new window
Related Links
* Ministry of Home Affairs - External website that opens in a new window
* Ministry of External Affairs - External website that opens in a new window
* Consular Passport and Visa Division - External website that opens in a new window
* Bureau of Immigration, India - External website that opens in a new window
* Contact addresses for Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) - External website that opens in a new window
* Foreigners, Tourist & Visa - External website that opens in a new window
* Travel Advisory
* Important Travel Advisory on Chinese Visas - External website that opens in a new window
* Guide for International Conferences/Seminars in India - External website that opens in a new window
* The Foreigners Act (27 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
* The Passport (Entry into India) Act (13 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
* The Passport (Entry into India) Rules (13 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
* The Registration of Foreigners Act (15 KB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
* The Registration of Foreigners Rules (3.4 MB) - PDF file that opens in a new window
