Indian Visa

Two things are needed for traveling to any country other than one’s own; one is a valid passport and another visa for intended country. Traveling to India also requires foreigners to obtain a valid Indian visa but people coming from Nepal, Bhutan or Maldives does not need visa for their stay upto 90 days. Visa is the stamp on your passport authenticating you to enter a foreign country.

'Visa on Arrival' facility is not available in India and no immigration fee is charged at the airports. The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs issues visas to the foreign travelers for their visit to India through various Indian missions abroad. After verifying your documents and if you qualify the interview, India visa will be issued.

Visas for different purposes can be tourist visa, student visa, business visa, transit visa or conference visa; all vary in durations. The ultimate authority for granting visa and deciding on type of it is High Commission of India.

The tourist visa is valid for 6 months, business visa for one or more years, student visa for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years whichever is less, conference visa for the duration of the conference and transit visa for a maximum period of 15 days.

Procedure for obtaining visa
The duly filled Visa application form available at the office of Indian Embassy has to be filled first. Visas can be applied for in person or by post at the High Commission of India based in the country from where the candidate intends to depart for India.

Documents required for Visa
Following documents are generally required for obtaining Indian Visa. However, more or less the requirement is same but it may vary from country to country.
•    Original passport valid for at least 6 months
•    Visa fee
•    Two passport size photographs
•    Supporting documents, where necessary
•    Duly completed application form

Exceptions
OCI (Overseas Indian Citizenship) or PIO card acts as multi-purpose life long visa for Persons of Indian Origins and Non-Resident Indians. They don’t need to apply and obtain Indian Visa.

For obtaining visa for India travelers must contact Indian Embassy in respective countries. To know more about Indian Embassy, click here.