Visa Categories

• Tourist visa
  

  A Tourist Visa is given to those visiting India for tourism or other non-business related purposes. Valid for 6 months to 1 year. Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, on each visit maximum period of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days). Multiple entry visas are given. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.

• Business visa
  

  A Business Visa is given those who are doing business in India such as making sales or establishing contacts on behalf of a company outside of India. Business visas may be valid for one year or more with multiple entries. However, the period of stay in India (for each visit) under this category is limited to six months only. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue. Those who are applying to work for an Indian company should apply for an Employment Visa.

• Entry visa
  

  An Entry Visa is given for a specific purpose (short term courses, volunteer work, and unpaid internships) or other non-business related purposes. An Invitation letter is required from concerned organisation/authorities in India. Members of the family of a person employed in India are also eligible for Entry visa. In the latter case, documents establishing the employment of the spouse along with a copy of his/her Employment visa must be attached. Valid for six months to five years stay with multiple entry. Long term 5 years entry visa is issued to people of Indian origin only and hence appropriate documentation is required to substantiate Indian origin e.g. Old Indian Passport copy or any document issued in the name of the applicant by the Government of India. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.

• Employment visa
  

  An Employment Visa is granted to those who are an employee of an Indian company. The Embassy/Consulate may grant Employment visa valid for a year 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.

• Journalist visa
  

  Given to professional journalists and photographers for up to three months' stay in India. 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.

• Student visa
  

  Student visas are given to bona fide students to pursue regular studies at recognized institutions in India. The visa is multiple entry. Valid for the period of study as approved by the educational institution in India Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.

• Conference visa
  

  Visas for international conferences, or on certain subjects, as decided by the Government of India from time to time, can be issued only after clearance for the said conference is received from the Government of India. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.

• Transit visa
  

  A transit visa is granted for the sole purpose of enabling the holder to travel through India to reach his/her ultimate destination. Change of purpose is not allowed. The visa will ordinarily be valid for a single/double journey and for entry within 15 days of date of issue. The Transit visa is valid for direct transit only for a maximum period of 3 days. 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 visa
  

  A Medical visa is given to those who are travelling to India for a medical treatment. The visa can be single/multiple 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 visa
  

  A Medical Escort visa is given to those who are accompanying a patient travelling to India for a 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. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue.

• Research visa
  

  Research Visas are given to Research Professors or Scholars, who wish to conduct the research work in India. Applicants are requested to obtain prior permission to conduct research project 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.

• Transfer of long-term visa
  

  A Long term visa (5 yrs Visa) issued by the HCI/CGI for the Non-Business related purposes. For transferring a long term visa from an old passport to a new passport, applicants are required to submit the old passport which holds the valid Indian Visa and the current valid passport. To transfer a long term visa, it should a remaining validity of at least six month (180 days), on the day you submit your application. Please note that your visa can be transferred from the respective HCI/CGI, where it was issued earlier.