Indian Visas FAQs

An India Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals to visit India for tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, and short leisure trips. It does not permit work, business, or long-term study.

Most foreign nationals are eligible, subject to nationality-specific rules and security clearance. Applicants must hold a valid passport and meet basic travel and health requirements.

India offers regular Tourist Visas through embassies and e-Tourist Visas (eTV) applied online. Validity and entry options vary by nationality.

An e-Tourist Visa is an online visa that allows eligible travelers to enter India without visiting an embassy. It is typically issued for short stays with single or multiple entries.

The permitted stay depends on the visa type and nationality, commonly ranging from 30 days to 180 days. Overstaying is strictly prohibited.

Usually required documents include a valid passport, recent photograph, completed application form, travel itinerary, and proof of funds. Additional documents may be requested based on nationality.

You can apply online for an e-Tourist Visa or submit an application through the Indian embassy or consulate. The process depends on your nationality and visa type.

e-Tourist Visas are generally processed within 3 to 5 working days. Embassy-issued visas may take longer.

Visa fees vary based on nationality, visa duration, and entry type. Government fees are non-refundable.

Tourism, sightseeing, casual visits, and short recreational activities are allowed. Employment, paid activities, business operations, and formal studies are not permitted.

An Indian Medical Visa allows foreign nationals to travel to India for medical treatment at recognized hospitals or treatment centres. It is issued specifically for healthcare purposes.

Foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in India are eligible, provided they have confirmed appointments with recognized hospitals or doctors. Eligibility depends on nationality and medical purpose.

Permitted treatments include surgery, specialist consultations, advanced medical procedures, alternative therapies, and long-term treatment plans approved by Indian medical institutions.

Common documents include a valid passport, medical invitation or treatment letter from an Indian hospital, proof of funds, recent photographs, and a completed visa application form.

Applications can be submitted online through the e-Medical Visa portal or via the Indian embassy or consulate, depending on nationality and urgency.

Medical visas are generally issued for up to 6 months or longer, based on treatment duration. Multiple entries are often permitted.

A Medical Attendant Visa is issued to companions or caregivers accompanying the patient. Usually, up to two attendants are allowed per medical visa holder.

e-Medical Visas are typically processed within 3 to 5 working days. Embassy applications may take longer.

Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type. Government fees are non-refundable and subject to change.

Yes, emergency or urgent processing may be available in genuine medical cases, subject to approval by Indian authorities and supporting medical documents.

An India Business Visa is a travel permit for foreign nationals who wish to visit India for commerce‑related activities such as establishing a venture, buying/selling products, or attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.

Eligible applicants are foreign nationals who are investors, business owners, company representatives, or professionals coming to India for business exploration, meetings, or transactions on behalf of a foreign firm.

Permitted activities include exploring or setting up a business/venture, attending board or technical meetings, participating in trade fairs and conferences, and purchasing or selling goods or services on behalf of a foreign company.

A Business Visa does not allow productive employment, salaried work, project‑based remunerative assignments, on‑the‑job training, or internal/external audit activities inside an Indian company.

Typical documents include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages, recent passport‑size photos, a completed visa application form, business invitation or support letters from both foreign and Indian entities, and proof of financial standing in the business.

You can apply by filling the online form at the official Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in), uploading required documents, and paying the fee for an e‑Business visa; or by submitting a physical application with supporting documents at an Indian embassy or consulate if opting for a regular business visa.

Business visas are typically issued for 3 months to 1 year or more, depending on nationality and purpose, and may be granted with single or multiple entries; some nationalities can receive long‑term business visas valid up to 10 years.

For a regular Business Visa, the maximum continuous stay per visit is usually up to 180 days, whereas an e‑Business Visa typically allows about 60 days per visit without any extension.

Yes; most regular and long‑term Business Visas are issued with multiple‑entry facility, allowing several trips to India within the visa validity period.

Processing usually takes about 10–15 business days for a regular Business Visa, while an online e‑Business Visa is typically processed within 3–5 business days after submission.

An India AYUSH Visa (AY‑1) is a special medical‑category visa for foreign nationals coming to India solely to receive treatment or wellness care under AYUSH‑linked traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homeopathy at accredited institutions.

AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy, which are India’s main traditional systems of medicine and wellness.

Eligible applicants are foreign nationals who need non‑invasive, traditional‑medicine‑based treatment or wellness at an AYUSH‑accredited hospital or wellness centre in India, supported by a medical‑invitation letter and proof of adequate funds.

Permitted treatments include Ayurveda, Yoga‑based therapy, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy at accredited hospitals or wellness centres, focusing on holistic, non‑surgical, and therapeutic care.

Typical documents include a valid passport, recent photo, online‑form printout, medical‑invitation letter from an accredited AYUSH institution, proof of treatment necessity (medical history/prescription), and bank statement showing financial ability to cover treatment and stay.

You apply online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in), upload the AY‑1‑specific documents including the hospital‑generated invitation from the Medical and AYUSH Visa Portal, and submit the application at the nearest Indian mission or visa centre.

Regular AY‑1 visas are generally issued for up to 180 days with single or multiple entries, while e‑AYUSH visas are usually valid for 60 days from arrival with up to three entries.

Processing typically takes about 3–5 working days for regular AY‑1 visas if the application is complete; e‑AYUSH applications may take 3–10 working days depending on the mission and load.

Exact fees depend on nationality and whether you apply for a physical AY‑1 visa or an e‑AYUSH visa, but e‑AYUSH includes a government‑set e‑visa fee plus a separate service/processing fee via the online portal.

An AYUSH Attendant Visa (AY‑2) is for a family member or caregiver accompanying an AY‑1 visa holder, with validity co‑terminus to the patient’s visa and documentation linked to the same accredited AYUSH institution.

An Indian Student Visa (also called a Study Visa) is a visa category for foreign nationals who wish to pursue regular, full‑time academic or research‑based courses at recognised educational institutions in India.

Eligible applicants are foreign nationals who have secured admission to a recognised Indian educational institution (school, college, university or research institute) and can show proof of funds and a valid passport.

A Student Visa covers full‑time degree, diploma, research, yoga, Vedic‑culture, music, dance, Buddhist studies, theological studies, and short‑term courses at recognised institutions, as long as they are regular and not purely casual or tourism‑linked.

Required documents typically include a valid passport, recent photos, online‑form printout, offer or admission letter from a recognised institution, proof of financial support, and photocopies of academic records and birth certificate.

You apply online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in), upload the required documents, and then submit the application with originals at the nearest Indian mission or authorised visa‑services centre.

The visa is generally granted for the duration of the course, up to a maximum of five years, and can be single or multiple entry depending on the institution and course length.

Yes; foreign students can apply through the local FRRO/e‑FRRO portal for extension of the Student Visa, usually in one‑year increments up to the total course period or five years, subject to sponsorship from the institution and no adverse record.

Processing usually takes about two weeks after submission, though exact timelines may vary by mission and workload, so it is advisable to apply as soon as the admission letter is received.

Fees depend on nationality and duration; for many countries the student‑visa charge is around a few hundred USD for a multi‑year visa, with detailed country‑wise tariffs available on the official visa‑fee schedule.

Yes; students holding a Student Visa valid for more than 180 days must register with the local FRRO/FRO within 14 days of arrival, which is now done online via the e‑FRRO portal.

An India Conference Visa is a category‑specific visa for foreign nationals whose sole purpose of visiting India is to attend an international conference, seminar, or workshop held in the country.

Eligibility is for foreign delegates, speakers, or participants holding valid passports and a clear invitation to a recognised conference/ seminar, who are not listed as undesirable or prohibited by the Government of India.

The visa covers international conferences, seminars, and workshops organised by government ministries, state governments, PSUs, public‑funded universities, UN bodies, reputable NGOs, and private companies, usually with a clearly defined academic or professional agenda.

Typical documents include a valid passport, recent photos, online‑form printout, invitation letter from the host organisation, a letter from the applicant’s home institution or employer, and occasionally earlier‑visa or passport copies if applicable.

Yes, for many conferences (especially political, scientific, or those involving sensitive topics or restricted areas) the host must obtain prior clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs or Ministry of Home Affairs before the visa can be issued.

You apply online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in) for an e‑Conference visa or by submitting a physical form with supporting documents at an Indian mission/visa centre, as directed by the organiser.

The visa is generally issued for the duration of the conference, typically a single‑entry visa valid from the issue date, though some missions may allow a slightly longer period to include a short accompanying stay.

The stay is usually limited to the dates of the conference plus a short buffer (often a few days), with exact period decided case‑by‑case by the Indian mission and subject to the invitation letter.

No; a standard Conference Visa is normally a single‑entry visa, and multiple‑entry is not granted unless special circumstances are considered and justified by the competent authority.

Processing generally takes about 7–10 working days after submission, but may take longer if political or security clearances are required for the event.

An India Intern Visa (often coded S‑6) is a student‑linked visa category for foreign nationals who wish to undertake a structured internship in Indian companies, educational institutions, or NGOs, usually as part of or soon after their academic programme.

Eligible applicants are current students or recent graduates (typically within 1–2 years) who have a confirmed internship offer from an Indian company, educational institution, or NGO and hold a valid passport.

Allowed internships are full‑time, supervised, skill‑based placements in regular sectors such as IT, engineering, management, healthcare, and research, excluding prohibited areas like defence, telecom, space, mining, civil aviation, and nuclear energy.

Typical documents include a valid passport, recent photo, online‑form printout, internship‑offer letter specifying role and duration, proof of current student status or recent graduation, and undertaking‑cum‑departure‑guarantee by the host organisation.

You apply online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in), upload the internship‑letter and supporting documents, and then submit the physical form with the passport at the nearest Indian mission or visa‑services centre.

The visa is usually valid for the internship period or one year, whichever is shorter, and can be issued with single, double, or multiple entries depending on the mission’s assessment.

No; the Intern Visa is explicitly non‑extendable in India, and holders must leave the country at the end of the approved internship period.

Processing generally takes about 7–10 working days after submission, though it may vary by mission and any additional clearances or background checks.

Fees follow the standard student/ work‑linked visa tariff; they differ by nationality and duration, with approximate ranges available in the official India‑visa‑fee schedule posted by each mission.

Common reasons include internship in a prohibited sector, lack of clear supervision or role description, evidence of intent to work rather than learn, gap beyond two years post‑graduation, incomplete documents, or adverse security findings.

An India Employment Visa (often coded E‑1 to E‑5) is a long‑term work‑and‑stay visa for foreign nationals who have a confirmed employment contract with an Indian company or organisation and meet skill and salary thresholds.

Eligible applicants are highly skilled or qualified professionals (including certain volunteers in NGOs) who are sponsored by an Indian entity or a foreign firm executing a project in India and are not eligible for a Business or Conference Visa instead.

Key criteria include having a genuine employment‑offer or contract, a required minimum annual salary (typically around USD 25,000 or roughly INR 16.25 lakhs, with some exemptions for sectors like education, IT, or humanitarian work), and a role that cannot be filled by qualified Indian nationals.

Typical documents include a valid passport, recent photos, completed visa form, employment‑offer or contract letter stating role and salary, proof of qualifications and experience, employer‑registration documents, and an undertaking‑cum‑police‑clearance‑type affidavit from the sponsor.

You apply online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in), upload the employment‑specific documents, and then submit the printed form with the passport and supporting papers at the nearest Indian mission or visa‑services centre.

Employment Visas are generally issued for the contract duration up to five years, with single or multiple entries, and can be renewed/extended in India through the local FRRO/e‑FRRO depending on the sector and government‑set rules.

Yes, an Employment Visa can be extended in India usually up to the total contract period or five years, subject to approval from the FRRO/FRO, continued employment with the same or approved employer, and no adverse record.

Processing typically takes about 7–15 working days after submission, but may extend if the mission needs additional salary or employer‑verification checks or sector‑specific clearances.

Fees vary by nationality and validity period, with multi‑year Employment Visas costing more than short‑term ones; exact tariffs are published in the official India‑visa‑fee schedule for each country.

Yes; an Employment Visa allows free domestic travel in India for the duration of the visa, provided the holder remains in compliance with immigration rules and does not move to an unapproved workplace without prior permission.

An India Project Visa (P‑visa) is a sector‑specific work visa for highly/skilled foreign nationals who come to India solely to execute a defined project in the power or steel sector under a foreign company executing a contract with an Indian entity.

Eligible applicants are highly skilled or skilled professionals sponsored by a foreign company that has been awarded a power‑ or steel‑sector project contract in India and must work only at the specified project location.

Project Visa is limited to projects in the power and steel sectors; other sectors such as IT, manufacturing, or services generally fall under Employment or Business Visas instead.

Required documents include a valid passport, recent photos, completed visa form, project‑contract and engagement letter from the Indian company, educational and professional‑qualification proof, CV, employer‑registration documents, and a no‑criminal‑record or police‑clearance‑type certificate.

You apply online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in) for a Project Visa category, upload the project‑specific documents, and then submit the printed application and supporting papers at the Indian mission or visa centre as directed by the sponsor.

The visa is initially granted for the project‑contract duration or one year, whichever is shorter, with multiple entries; for longer projects, state/UT authorities can approve one‑year extensions, and further extensions need Ministry of Home Affairs approval.

Processing usually takes about 7–15 working days after submission, though it may extend if the mission or Home Ministry requires additional project or security‑related checks.

Fees follow the work‑/project‑visa tariff structure and vary by nationality and requested validity; exact charges are listed in the official India‑visa‑fee schedule for each country.

No; a Project Visa is strictly project‑specific, and the holder cannot work on any other project, even for the same company, and must remain restricted to the endorsed project location.

Yes; the Project Visa application is made online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in), after which the physical form and documents are submitted at the Indian mission or visa‑services centre

An India Entry Visa (often coded X‑1 or X‑2) is a special‑purpose visa granted to foreign nationals whose reason for visiting India does not fit standard categories such as Tourist, Business, or Employment, typically for family or long‑term personal stays.

Eligible applicants include persons of Indian origin, their spouses and dependent children, and family members accompanying or joining long‑term visa holders (such as Employment, Research, or Business Visa holders), subject to relationship proof and nationality‑specific rules.

Common purposes are accompanying or joining a family member on a long‑term visa in India, long‑term personal or family visits by persons of Indian origin, and other personal reasons not covered by standard‑category visas.

Typical documents include a valid passport, recent photos, completed visa form, proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate), proof of Indian origin or PIO/OCI/long‑term‑visa‑sponsoring family member, and bank‑solvency or sponsorship‑support letter as required.

You apply online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in) or by submitting a physical form with supporting documents at the nearest Indian mission or visa centre, depending on the mission’s instructions and whether an e‑Entry‑Visa option exists.

Entry Visas are often issued for up to five years with multiple entries, but validity depends on nationality, relationship proof, and the discretion of the Indian mission, sometimes in shorter or renewable blocks.

The stay per visit is usually as per the mission’s endorsement, often up to 180 days per calendar year for multi‑year X‑category visas, with exact limits specified on the visa stamp or e‑visa document.

Processing commonly takes about 10–15 working days after submission, though it may extend if the mission needs to verify origin‑status, relationship, or sponsorship‑support documents.

Fees follow the India‑visa‑fee schedule for each nationality and duration; for many countries the Entry Visa tariff is similar to other long‑term X‑category visas and is published on the official MEA/visa‑fee page.

Yes; an Entry Visa generally allows free domestic travel throughout India for the duration of the visa, as long as the holder remains in compliance with immigration rules and does not take up prohibited employment.

An India Film Visa (F‑visa) is a project‑specific visa for foreign nationals shooting feature films, reality TV shows, web series, commercial TV serials, or location recce in India, after obtaining screening and shooting approval from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

Eligible applicants are actors, directors, producers, and key technical crew of an approved feature‑film, TV/web‑series, or commercial TV‑series shot in India, who are sponsored by the production company and have MIB clearance.

Allowed productions include feature films, commercial TV serials, reality TV shows, and web‑series/web‑shows; documentaries, AV commercials, and music videos are generally not covered under the standard Film Visa.

Typical documents include a valid passport, recent photos, online‑form printout, MIB‑issued clearance/authorisation letter, a detailed shooting‑script or concept‑note, letter of intent with schedule and locations, and a list of cast and crew.

You apply online via the Indian visa portal (indiavisaonline.gov.in) or the India Cine Hub portal after securing MIB shooting permission, upload the film‑project documents, and then submit the printed application with originals at the Indian mission or visa centre.

Film Visas are usually issued for up to one year with multiple entries, aligned with the approved shooting schedule, and are strictly project‑specific to the film or series.

Yes; the Film Visa is generally issued with multiple‑entry facility for the one‑year validity, so crew can travel in and out of India within the approved shooting period.

Processing commonly takes about 7–15 working days after submission, depending on the mission and any additional checks, once the MIB clearance and full project documentation are in place.

Fees follow the India‑visa‑tariff for Film Visas, which vary by nationality and validity; an online‑processing or service fee (often around USD 225) may also be charged on top of the government‑levied visa fee.

You should apply at least 4–6 weeks before the intended shooting start, to allow time for MIB clearance processing, embassy‑level verification, and return of the passport with the visa stamp.

India Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a scheme that allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain a tourist/business/meeting‑related visa directly at designated Indian airports (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru) instead of applying in advance at an embassy.

No; VoA is only available for citizens of selected countries (such as Japan, South Korea, and certain UAE nationals who already hold or have held an Indian visa), while others must use e‑Visa or regular‑visa channels.

A Visa on Arrival is applied for and stamped at the airport on arrival, whereas an e‑Visa is applied for and approved online before travel and presented at immigration in electronic form.

Eligible travellers must be from an eligible country, carry a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and must not be of or born in Pakistan, for which all visas must be obtained in advance.

Documents typically include a valid passport, return/onward‑ticket proof, sufficient‑funds‑proof (bank statement or similar), and a completed VoA form at the airport; pre‑submitted online application and ETA may also be required for Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA).

Visa on Arrival is available at specific international airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and a few others, as listed by the Indian government for the TVoA or VoA scheme.

Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) is usually valid for 30 days from the date of arrival with a single entry; some schemes may vary slightly by nationality and airport‑specific implementation.

The fee is generally around INR 2,000 (or equivalent foreign‑currency amount such as USD 60–65) per passenger, including children, payable at the airport or via prior online‑payment depending on the VoA variant.

Risks include possible delays or denial at the airport if documents are incomplete, last‑minute checks, or ineligibility issues, whereas pre‑approved visas (e‑Visa) reduce uncertainty and speed up immigration.

For most travellers, the India e‑Visa is the safer and smoother alternative, as it is applied online in advance, gives clear approval, and avoids the risk of being refused at the airport on arrival.