List of Visa Types Available in India

Indian Conference Visas are given to those foreign nationals who wish to visit India for recognized and approved international conferences, seminars, workshops, knowledge transfers, etc. on various subjects.

Delegates of various countries are issued Conference Visas if they hold the necessary invitations and credentials to attend any international conference, seminar, workshop, knowledge transfer session, etc. held by any Department or Ministry of the Indian Government, any of the State Governments, Central Educational Institutions, Publicly Funded Universities, Public Sector Undertakings, United Nations or any agency of the United Nations, NGOs, etc.

For conferences, seminars, workshops, knowledge transfer sessions, etc. that are being conducted by private companies, foreign national attendees must apply for the shortest duration Business Visa that's available to them. Usually, a Business Visa valid for 3 months is granted.

Indian Conference Visas are valid for 3 months and are single entry Visas.

Conference Visa Fees

*It should be noted that Green card holders and those who possess long-term Visa (of 3 years validity or more) will not be charged any reference fees.

Diplomatic Visa: "D Visa"

These are the Visas issued to foreign nationals who hold diplomatic or official passports. These Visas can only be processed by the Indian Embassy and Indian Consulates, except for official, diplomatic, service passport holders from the UK who wish to travel to India on a private Visa - who are required to submit their Visa application through Cox & Kings Global Services.

It should be noted that the Indian Consulate accepts applications for Diplomatic Visas between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM on working days. There is no fee or charge for this type of Visa.

Documents Required for an Diplomatic Visa

1. Visa Application Form.
2. A letter from the Department of State.
3. Additional Information Forms 1 & 2.
4. A letter of invitation from any Indian agency, for bilateral visits.

Diplomatic Visas are stamped in the official, diplomatic, or service passport within 4 days of the application, but this could be delayed in some cases due to administrative processing, etc.

Emergency Visa

This Visa is issued to those persons of Indian origin who hold a US passport. The Consular Office has the power to approve 'Emergency Visas' for events that require the US passport-holding person of Indian origin to travel to India for a short period of time.

Usually, emergency Visas are approved for genuine emergencies like the death of a blood relative, legal commitments that require a presence in an Indian court, etc. and the Consular Office has the power to deem an event as an 'emergency' and either approve or deny an Emergency Visa to a particular person.

It should be noted that emergency situations do not include weddings, religious visits, family holidays, etc. do not fall under the category of emergencies.

Documents Required for an Emergency Visa

Apart From The General Documents Required To Be Submitted For The Approval Of Any Visa Application, Emergency Visas also require the submission of:

1. Valid and verifiable proof of the emergency for which the Visa has been applied for - example - a death certificate of the recently deceased blood relative of the US passport-holding person of Indian origin.
2. A confirmed and printed copy of a flight ticket that has been booked for the very same day as on which the Visa is required.

It should be noted that if the required departure date happens to be on a weekday, the applicant should apply at Cox & Kings Global Services as soon as possible.

Entry Visa: "X Visa"

Entry Visas are given to those persons who are:

1. Of Indian origin, meaning that they have held and Indian nationality at some point in their lives. These applicants must apply under Entry Visa instead of Tourist Visa, even if their travel to India can be defined as requiring a Tourist Visa.
2. Spouses/children of persons of Indian origin.
3. Spouses/children of foreign nationals that are travelling to India on Employment Visas, Business Visas, Research Visas, Student Visas, or other long term Visas.

It should be noted that the duration of validity on these Visas will be the same as the validity of the principal Visa, for those travelling to accompany foreign nationals with long term Visas.

The Entry Visa can only be applied for by a dependant family member once the principal Visa has been approved and issued.

Journalist Visa: "J Visa"

Professional journalists, photographers, videographers, etc. must apply through this category of Visa in case they wish to enter India to conduct journalism-related activities. This Visa has a processing time of just 3 to 5 days.

Journalist Visas have a validity of 3 months, starting from the date of issuance and not from the date of first travel under the Visa to India.

Journalists who wish to travel to India to make a documentary must first contact the Press and Information Wing of the Indian Consulate.

Medical Visa: "MED Visa"

Foreign nationals who wish to seek specialized medical treatment in India at reputed and recognized medical treatment centers must apply through this Visa category.

Primary consideration is given to the following ailments/conditions:

1. Organ transplantation.
2. Heart-related problems.
3. Neurosurgery.
4. Ophthalmic treatments.
5. Renal disorders.
6. Gene therapy.
7. Radio therapy.
8. Congenital disorders.
9. Joint replacement.

This is not an exhaustive list of the conditions that are considered for Medical Visa issuance, but these are the most common cases.

Blood relatives who wish to accompany the Medical Visa holder to India can do so by applying for a Medical Attendant Visa (MEDX Visa). Up to 2 people can travel as medical attendants with a MEDX Visa.

Duration and Validity of a Medical Visa

The Medical Visa is valid for the duration of the medical treatment sought, or one full year, whichever is lesser. The Visa does, however, allow for up to 3 entries during the one full year for which it is valid.

The Visa validity starts on the date that the Visa has been issued, and not on the date that the Visa holder travels to India using the Medical Visa.

Medical Visa Fees

It should be noted that Green card holders that have a Visa that's valid for over 3 years will not be charged any reference fee.

Missionary Visa: "M Visa"

This is a single entry Visa issued to those foreign nationals who wish to enter India for religious reasons and purposes. Processing time for such Visas can go up to 3 months.

Duration and Validity of a Missionary Visa

The validity and duration of the Missionary Visa is decided by the Government of India.

It should be noted that the duration of the Visa starts on the date on which it has been issued, and not on the date of the Visa holder's travel to India.

Missionary Visa Fees

Research Visa: "R Visa"

Professors, students, environmentalists, doctors, archaeologists, and other professions that require special Visas to enter India for the purposes of conducting research are allowed entry to India through the Research visa or 'R' Visa.

Eligibility For Research visa:

Scholars, teachers and professors who wish to travel to India through a Research visa are only eligible if they have been invited by a Central Educational Institution or a publicly funded State University/if they wish to attend a research seminar in their field of work/study.

In order to be eligible for a Research visa to India, the applicant must first prepare an application which contains:

• The subject matter of their research.
• Proof of financial resources.
• Places that they intend to visit.
• The specific reason for visiting these places.
• Details of all previous visits to the country.
• If the research is being done on specific subjects that relate to the foreign researcher's own country, an additional 150-word synopsis of the research proposal is required which justifies the reason as to why the research must be conducted in India.
• The synopsis and application must be submitted to the Indian Mission or Post along with all other relevant documents as required.
• If the applicant is performing the research as a student of an Indian university, the original admission letter and documents must be submitted. Photocopies and email attachments of admission letters won't be taken into consideration.
• If the applicant is performing the research as part of an NGO or is sponsored by an NGO, the relevant documentation needs to be presented at the time of application. The Indian Mission or Post will investigate the background and functions of the NGO and refer the case to MHA, MEA, or any other concerned Ministry of the Indian Government.

Indian Missions And Posts Are Authorized To Issue Research Visas, Except In The Following Cases:

• Teachers, scholars, students, and professors applying from PRC Countries, which are - China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan and Iraq.
• Teachers, scholars, students, and professors applying who are of Pakistani origin and Stateless persons.
• Teachers, scholars, students, and professors whose research work can be classified as either 'politically sensitive' or 'socially sensitive'.
• Research projects which require visits to 'Protected' or 'Restricted' areas in India.

The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs will have to give their clearance for the 'exempted' applications mentioned above. Research Visas can be granted, provided the Government ministries don't find any cause for concern regarding such applications and the results of any research performed.

Dependents of Research Visa Holders Can Accompany Them with an 'X' or Entry Visa

1. The validity duration of this 'X' Visa is directly connected to the validity of the Research visa holder's Research visa. The 'X' Visa will expire on the same day as the primary 'R' Visa, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
2. The validity duration of the 'X' Visa can be given for a shorter period of time than the original Research visa, if necessary, and this will be decided by Indian Mission or Post.
3. Dependents and family members of Research visa holders can, if required, obtain a Research or Student Visa of their own, so long as the requirements for the issue of such a Visa are met.
4. 'X' Visas that have been issued to the family members or dependants of Research visa holders can be converted into Research Visas. The concerned FRO/FRRO can convert these Visas into Research Visas if the applicant fulfils all the requirements of that type of Visa.
5. In case of Research Visas obtained after scrutiny by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs for applications from otherwise excluded persons (as mentioned above), dependants of these Visa holders will also be subject to the same investigation before approval.

Duration and Validity of the Indian Research Visa

The 'R' Visa is valid from 4 weeks after its issuance. The total validity duration of every Research visa is different and depends on the proposed time it would take to complete the entire research project.

Research Visa Fees

It should be noted that Green card holders that have a Visa that's valid for over 3 years will not be charged any reference fee.

Student Visa: "S Visa"

Student Visa to India are issued to those individuals who wish to travel into India for the purpose of pursuing their education at a recognized and accredited Indian university or college. Student Visas are issued for the entire duration of the selected course, or a maximum of 5 years, subject to renewability.

The Student Visa is a multiple entry Visa which means that the Visa holder can travel to his/her country of origin and back to India on the same Visa without having to re-apply during each visit.

Student Visa Fees

It should be noted that Green card holders that have a Visa that's valid for over 3 years will not be charged any reference fee.

Provisional Visa For Students Who Wish To Study In India

If the prospective student does not fully qualify for a Student Visa, meaning that if there are any documents such as the admission letter, university acceptance letter, etc. that haven not yet been released, a provisional visa with a validity of 3 months is issued. This allows the student enough time to get all other documents in order and complete all related formalities. Provisional visas cannot be extended to be valid for a longer duration.

Tourist Visa:

Indian Tourist Visa are issued to those people who wish to travel to India for sightseeing, recreation, holiday, or for a casual visit to friends or relatives. This Visa is not for commercial, business, research or educational purposes.

US nationals can be issued a multiple entry tourist Visa that's valid for a maximum period of up to 10 years. There is a clause on this Visa that states that the Visa holder is not allowed to stay in India for a period of time greater than 180 days at a time. If the holiday has to be extended for a period exceeding 180 days, the same can be communicated to the FRO/FRRO and approved after the relevant processing.

UK nationals can be issued a multiple entry tourist Visa that's valid for a maximum period of up to 5 years. There is a clause on this Visa that states that the Visa holder is not allowed to stay in India for a period of time greater than 180 days at a time. If the holiday has to be extended for a period exceeding 180 days, the same can be communicated to the FRO/FRRO and approved after the relevant processing.

Nationals of Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Vietnam can also be issued a multiple entry Tourist Visa with a maximum validity of up to 5 years. Each visit to India is not to exceed 90 days at a stretch on Tourist Visas issued to nationals of these countries.

There should be a gap of at least 2 months between successive visits of 180 or 90 days, as the case may be, nationals of foreign countries who have been issued 5-year or 10-year validity Tourist Visas. Indian Missions and Posts abroad have the authority to allow the Visa holder to travel to India within that 2 month gap period as well, in cases of emergencies and exigencies like the death of a relative, unavailability of flights, etc. which can be proved with proper documentation, etc.

Tourist Visas that have been issued with a validity of 6 months are valid for up to 3 entries into India. These Visas are not subject to the two-month gap period between visits to India if the Visa holder submits an itinerary and air tickets that confirm his/her intention to visit neighboring countries.

Foreigners who frequently visit India can be granted multiple entry Tourist Visas with a clause that states that no visit should last more than 180 days.

Tourist Visas are not issued to persons of Indian Origin and their dependents, people who own property or have business interests in India, and to people who wish to travel to India for any purpose other than sightseeing, holidaymaking, or visiting friends/family.

Tourist Visa on Arrival:

Currently, nationals of the following countries can acquire a Tourist Visa on Arrival in India: Albania, Anguilla, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Island, Chile, China, China- SAR Hong Kong, China- SAR Macau, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Colombia, Comoros, Cote d'lvoire, Cuba, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Greece, Guinea, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Malta, Malaysia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mongolia, Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Namibia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tajikistan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Tonga, Tuvalu, Turks & Caicos Island, UAE, United Kingdom, Ukraine, USA, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The Tourist Visa on Arrival can only be taken from the international airports at Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Trichy, Trivandrum and Varanasi.

The Tourist Visa on Arrival is valid for a period of 30 days. This Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. Only two visits per calendar year are allowed through this Visa.

An online application must be submitted and a fee must be paid, after which the applicant will receive an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

Eligibility for Tourist Visa on Arrival

1. Only those whose passports have over 6 month's validity will be eligible for Visa on Arrival.
2. Diplomatic or Official Passport holders are not eligible for Visa on Arrival in India.
3. International travelers are eligible for Visa on Arrival if their stated purpose for travel is sightseeing, holidaymaking, recreation, casual medical treatment or casual business meetings.
4. Pakistan nationals are not eligible for Visa on Arrival.

Process To Be Followed For Tourist Visa On Arrival

Online applications for this Visa will be accepted a minimum of 4 days before the date of planned travel to India. There is a window of 30 days allowed for travel, for example, if the application has been submitted on the 1st of January, the applicant can travel any time between the 5th of January and the 4th of February.

The online application must be submitted along with a recent front-facing photograph which has a white background, and the first page of the applicant's passport which contains: full name, photograph, nationality, date of birth, passport expiry date, etc.

There is a fee of $60 that must be paid online a minimum of 4 days before traveling. This is a non-refundable fee.

An ETA will be sent to the registered email ID, and this ETA must be printed and carried to India.

A group Visa can be issued for tourists travelling to India from any of the above-mentioned countries. Usually, the Tourist Visa on Arrival is presented as an individual Visa, but if the entire travelling group of 5-50 members is entering, living, moving about, and leaving India together, group Visas can be issued.