Visa Roundup: Tourist Visa FAQs

Nick-H

Its now two weeks since I promised to do this, so time to make a start.

UPDATE: Visa applicants in UK should read the threads about Outsourcing, which has now happened.

The information given here is from my own experience, that of friends, and that shared on IndiaMike.com. I've started with the obvious stuff that doesn't really require cross-referencing, but may well add some pointers to other threads (eg on limited visas and overstaying) soon. Corrections welcome

Basic visa information is given in all the guide books, but people still come here and ask again, so.....

Do I Need A Visa to visit India YES. Without Exception. Unless, of course, you are an Indian Citizen with a valid Indian Passport**.

Are There Any Exceptions? NO. Unless, of course, you are an Indian Citizen with a valid Indian Passport or of Nepal and Bhutan. Nationals of Maldives do not require visa for entry in India for a period upto 90 days**.

Can I just get a Visa on Arrival India? No. There has been talk about introducing this, but it hasn't happened.

How long will my visa be valid? India issues tourist visas with 6-Month Validity to most people from most countries. It is possible for USA Citizens to get tourist visas lasting up to ten years, but each visit to India must be only up to six months

Important Note: India has announced and is introducing longer-term tourist visas, even up to five years validity, for residents of certain European (thought to be Schengen only) and some other countries. although the validity is extended the period of stay per visit is reduced to 90 days. The situation is not clear at time of writing and seems to be being implemented faster in some embassies than others. Please see this thread for ongoing discussion.

Single or Multiple Entry? The standard 'tourist visa' is multiple entry.

When does my 6 months start from The day your visa is ISSUED. NOT the date of arrival in India. You should ensure you get your visa well in advance, but not too much in advance if you want to make a long trip. This is true of other visas also: if you get a 1-year visa, it is one year from date of issue.

How long does it take to get a visa? Usually it can be done same day, in London it takes about 2 hours. You must check with your local Embassy/High Commission for opening hours (eg in London you must arrive before 12.00 midday or you will not be admitted). Check also for Indian Public Holidays. India has several major religions, and public offices (worldwide) may be closed for any of their major days.

Other non-routine applications include applying in a country where you are not a resident/citizen. Check well in advance: They may ask for documents you have to get from home. Non-routine applications may involve delays of hours, weeks or even months.

Any Other Exceptions? Unfortunately yes: If you come from, or your family originates in, certain countries such as for example, Pakistan or Sri Lanka, you may find that your visa application is not dealt with same day, and/or you are given a limited visa such as three-month, single entry etc etc.

Can I get my visa by post? Maybe. Check your local HCI/Embassy website.

Note for UK applicants: On 13 July 2007, the London High Commission announced that it was no longer accepting applications by post, but there is a list of travel agents who it has authorised to receive applications. See the announcement here. Birmingham and Edinburgh HCIs are still accepting postal applications.

Can I get visas for my family or must we all go? Yes. Check your local HCI/Embassy website. In London a Queue-Ticket system operates: you must get tickets for the number of applications you are making.

Queueing sounds tedious, and I don't want to put my passport in the post... Use a travel agent who offer visa services. This is the luxury method and will not be cheap.

The form asks for referees in India: I don't know anybody there! You do not have to fill in the referee field when applying for a tourist visa, but if you wish, or it is insisted upon, put the name of tour operator, or one or more of the hotels you plan to stay at.

What about my profession?Just don't put anything that suggests you might be even vaguely related to journalism. see This Thread here . Of course if you are a journalist and you are going as part of your job that is a different matter. We're talking tourist visas here.

I'm having a good time but my six months is up: can I stay? Strictly No. Overstaying your visa is a criminal offence. Please take this seriously because the Indian authorities will. Just because the occasional person has found a way around it doesn't mean you will and you may have future visa applications refused.

...But I've been in hospital for three months There are mechanisms for dealing with genuine emergencies.

Can I work on a tourist visa Strictly No.

Can I get married to an Indian Citizen on a tourist visa? It is not compulsory, but I can recommend it. Seriously: yes you can.

*How do I find my National Embassy/High Commision? You can see the list of [almost all] those having websites at Indian Missions Abroad . It also has a link to a complete list of all Indian foreign missions. (Thanks Manojb). A more complete list can be found on the Ministry of External Affairs website

I'm just changing planes in India: Must I get a visa? See This Post . It seems Delhi has a transit lounge, but this thread is, so far, the only information we have on this. Check with Travel Agent, Airline, Embassy etc. Remember that the airline won't let you fly unless you have all necessary visas

**...or you hold a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) or Dual Citizenship card. These will be mentioned in another post about visas other than Tourist visas.