Visa Roundup: Tourist Visa FAQs

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.

Great thread.

Also see.....

Indian Embassy Websites

Link for Indian Mission website directory edited into root post. Thanks Manjb and Steven.

<three hours later> Included Ministry of External Affairs web link, mentioned PIO and Dual Citizenship and made minor corrections. Thanks, John.SW

<Further> remembered to mention that Referees in India field on the form that worries first-timers.

<Further> Added the note on transit. Anyone else know any more about this aspect?

Added the warning about being a journalist

Nick, you have done a yeoman service here, and are a true Bodhisattva.
Thanks for the straightforward FAQ format.

Wait a minute-- I thought Nepalis were not required to have visa AT ALL for India? (below) - I know Indians are not required to get a visa for Nepal - or if they are, it is completely free and just a routine thing at the border.
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Any Other Exceptions? Unfortunately yes: If you come from, or your family originates in, certain countries such as for example, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, 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.

Thank you Sirensongs; a bad mistake on my part. What you say is also true of Bhutan, and, although restricted to 90 days, Maldives.

Now corrected.

New IMer sanjmeister has done a vast amount of work putting together his site: an entire website of India Visa information.

One of the hottest things there appears to be forms that you type in online and print out!

I haven't had a chance to look around properly yet but please check out

www.visas4india.com/

What happens when/if you do arrive in India and you don't have a valid visa? There was a guy in front of me in line during my last trip to India who did not have a visa and he was shuttled off to another line (though I couldn't tell what happened to him thereafter). Are people actually deported????

Usually it's the airline's responsibility to repatriate you if they have transported you to India without a visa--they are supposed to check your passport at your point of origin and confirm the valid visa, so as far as India is concerned it's the airline's fault for bringing you to the subcontinent. So, yes, you will be deported if you show up sans visa.

Thanks for the great information!

I travelled to India last fall on a work visa for my company, which is valid for 2 entries and one year.

I am travelling back in 5 weeks for personal travel. Do I need to apply for a separate tourist visa? Or will my work one be sufficient for this trip? I know when entering Delhi it won't be a huge deal, but we are travelling to Sikkim where I understand I will be required to show my visa for permission to enter, and don't want to get denied due to personal travel on a business visa.

Will that happen? Suggestions?

Thanks!

There are a few signs up at the CGI in Birmingham which state that they reserve the right to see you previous passports. So if you want no hassle take your previous passports with you (especially if you are a PIO).

You missed one very important point Nicky Ji!!

If you are applying for a visa in a country other than your own be prepared to wait upto 10 days while the Indian authorities check you out!!

Here in the Netherlands for instance a British Citizen will have to wait 1 week while the Indian embassy checks with the British passport office (or that's what they say their doing anyway)

Hi folks,

I need a little clarification regarding multiple entry visas. I'm leaving for India on June 12 for an extended stay. I have a 10 year multiple entry visa. My question is....every six months when I will need to leave India do I need to go to an Indian embassy or will they stamp my visa upon re-entry into India?

Thanks!

Joyce

I believe it is the latter. Now my question for Nick and all is what about the one year visas being reported. Supposedly the period of residence is for 6 months but within the one year period. This would modify the validity of a visa from date of issuance answer we normally give. Also, I have heard this is being phased in. Of course, I have heard that the 3 months visa is being phased out. For some nationalities an interview is required (Vietnamese). Would be interested in any info to clarify the above..

Great thread - having all this information in the same place is priceless, thanks!