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Visa & Special Permit Guidance
If you are not a citizen of India, then you are required to carry a valid passport from your country and a Visa from the Indian embassy in your country to enter India.
If there is no Indian Embassy in your country, you should contact the Indian Embassy in the country closest to you, which will appraise you with the other formalities required.
For more details visit: http://india.gov.in/overseas/indian_missions.php
However, the exceptions are made in the following
• Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal do not require a visa.
• Nationals of Maldives do not require a visa for a visit spanning not longer than 90 days.
• Persons of Indian Origin and Non-Resident Indians who possess either an OCI or a PIO card that are equivalent of an Indian visa.
India issues the following types of visas http://india.gov.in/overseas/passport.php
• Tourist Visa: Provided for up to 6 months. One needs to apply with documents supporting one’s financial status.
• Business Visa: Provided for one or more years. One needs to apply with a letter from the sponsoring organization.
• Student Visa: Provided for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years, whichever is less. A student needs to apply with the proof of admission from the recognized University / Institution in India.
• Transit Visa: Offered for maximum period of 15 Days. To be applied with the evidence of onward travel to a destination outside India.
• Conference Visa: Offered for the duration of the conference or seminar. To be applied with the letter of invitation from the organizer of the conference.
When you apply for a visa at an Indian Embassy or the High Commission, you must include the following:
• The validity of your passport should be for at least 6 months
• Visa fee in cash or by postal order (cheques are normally not accepted)
• Two passport-size photographs
• Supporting documents, wherever necessary
• Duly completed application form
• Note: Allow one month's processing time for postal applications.
• Some parts of India are "restricted areas" and require special permits.
Restricted and prohibited areas
Certain parts of the country need special entry permits before they could be visited.
These include
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland: These Sates/Union Territories have been designated as protected areas and foreigners cannot enter these areas without special permits. These permits are issued by
The Under-Secretary,
Ministry of Home Affairs,
Foreigner Division,
Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market,
New Delhi -110003
These permits are to be issued at least 4 weeks before the date of the expected visit by the Indian Mission or the consulates near your home. It is advisable to check before leaving.
Sikkim: Certain areas of Sikkim like Gangtok, Rumtek, Phodang and Zongri in West Sikkim and Pamayangtse have been excluded from the inner line and declared as Restricted Areas. Individual tourists are permitted to visit Gangtok, Rumtek and Phodang. Group tourists are permitted to visit Zongri and Pamayangtse. The duration of stay has been raised from 7 to15 days. Permits can be issued by all Indian missions abroad, all FRRO-Immigration officers at Airports at Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and New Delhi.
These are to be issued by the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Sikkim; Secretary, Hotel Department, Govt. of Sikkim; L.G. Police, Govt. of Sikkim’ Siliguri; Dy. Director Tourism, Government of Sikkim, New Delhi; Resident Commissioner, Govt.of Sikkim, New Delhi; Calcutta - Dy Commissioner of Darjeeling and Dy Secretary, Home department, Govt. of West Bengal.
Manipur: Manipur has also been opened to foreign tourists. Permits can be issued by all missions abroad, all FRRO, Home Commissioner, Manipur, Imphal. The duration of stay has been raised from3 to 5 days.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Individual foreign tourists can visit Port Blair municipal area, Have lock Island, Long Island, Neil Island, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, where a night halt is allowed and Jolly Buoy, South Cinque, Red Skin, Mount Harriet, Madhurban where only day visits are allowed. Prior permit is necessary. Individual tourists are permitted for a maximum period of 30 days.
Lakshadweep Island: Here, only Bangaram, Agatti and Suheli Islands are open to foreign tourists. Permits are required and are obtainable from
The Lakshadeep Administration,
Wellington Island,
Harbour Road,
Cochin-3
However foreign tourists traveling in organized groups might get permits in advance from the administrator at Cochin via a recognized Travel Agent / Tour Operator.
