India

India Visa Requirements

The required documents when applying for an India visa include the following:

  • A valid passport.
  • The completed application form.
  • A passport photo.
  • Copy of previous India visa.
  • Proof of income.
  • Proof of residence.
  • Copy of onward air ticket.
  • Proof of visa fee payment.

Your Valid Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from India. Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for visa stamps and endorsements.

The Completed Application Form

The Indian Visa application form is available online on the official website. You must complete this form with accurate and up-to-date information. Pay close attention to details such as your name, address, date of birth, and other personal information. Any discrepancies may result in delays or rejection of your application.

Passport Photo

The digital photograph you provide should meet specific requirements to ensure its acceptability:

  • Size 2 x 2 inches.
  • It must be in JPEG format.
  • The file size should range from a minimum of 10 KB to a maximum of 300 KB.
  • The photo should depict a full face with a front view, open eyes, and a centered head within the frame.
  • The background should be plain and light-colored or white, with no shadows or borders.
  • The head should measure between 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm).
  • The photograph should be recent, not older than three months.

Copy of Previous India Visa

If you’ve had a previous India visa, including any expired visas, it’s advisable to include a copy of these visas in your application. This helps verify your travel history to India and provides additional context for your application.

Proof of Income

You’ll typically need proof of income to demonstrate your financial capability during your stay in India and ensure you won’t become a financial burden. This documentation shows you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in India. The necessary financial documents may include bank statements, pay stubs, employment letters, income tax returns, proof of employment or business ownership, and other relevant financial records. These documents help establish your ability to meet your financial obligations while visiting India.

Proof of Residence

When applying for an India visa, it’s important to provide proof of your current residence to establish your place of abode and strengthen your visa application. This typically involves submitting a copy of your national identity card issued by your home country, which should prominently display your name, photograph, and relevant personal information.

Additionally, you’ll need to include a recent utility bill (a maximum of six months old) as further evidence of your residence. Utility bills for electricity, telephone, gas, or water are accepted, provided they show your name and current residential address. These documents collectively verify your current residence, a crucial requirement for visa processing, so ensure that your utility bill is up-to-date and presents your name and address to facilitate a smooth application process.

Copy of Onward Air Ticket

Including a copy of an onward air ticket is a mandatory document when applying for an India visa. This document proves your intention and ability to depart from India once your visa or authorized stay period ends. Typically, this document consists of a confirmed flight reservation to India, clearly indicating your destination, arrival, and departure dates.

More information abut Proof of Onward Ticket

Proof of Visa Fee Payment

Proof of Visa Fee Payment is crucial for your India visa application, verifying that you’ve met the financial obligations for the visa. After making your visa payment online, through a bank, or via an approved method, you’ll receive a payment receipt. This document outlines the payment’s specifics, including the amount, date, and a transaction/reference number, serving as clear evidence of your fee payment.

More information about India Visa Fees.

Traveling With Minors (Under 16 Years of Age)

When traveling with a minor, it’s essential to have the following documents, each serving a specific purpose:

Consent Letter or Parental Authorization

  • This document is a crucial authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians of the minor.
  • It should be legally certified to validate its authenticity.
  • The consent letter permits the minor to travel with the accompanying adults.
  • It should include the parents’ or guardians’ names, contact information, and the child’s information, including name and date of birth.
  • The letter should specify the purpose of travel, destination, and travel dates.

Birth Certificate for the Minor

  • The minor’s birth certificate is essential for confirming their identity and age.
  • It provides crucial information, including the child’s full name, date of birth, and place of birth.
  • Ensure that the birth certificate is an official and government-issued document.

Valid Passports of Both Parents or Legal Guardians

  • The passports of both parents or legal guardians establish their identities.
  • Ensure the passports are current, with sufficient validity beyond the intended travel dates.
  • Some countries may require a certain number of blank visa pages in the passport.

Child Custody Letter (If Applicable)

  • In cases of divorced parents, a child custody letter is necessary to demonstrate legal custody arrangements.
  • This document should outline the custody agreement, including details about custody rights, visitation, and travel permissions.
  • It may be required to prevent potential disputes or concerns when traveling with a minor.

Consent Letter and Child Benefit Letter (If Traveling with a Single Parent)

  • If a single parent travels with the child, a consent and child benefit letters are typically required.
  • The consent letter provides permission from the absent parent for the child to travel with the accompanying parent.
  • The child benefit letter may be requested to ensure that the traveling parent has the means to provide for the child during the trip.

Additional Documents

Additional documentation will be required for an India visa, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

Business Visa

  • Invitation letter. Include an invitation letter from the Indian company you intend to do business with. This letter should detail the purpose and duration of your visit and clarify the relationship between the Indian and foreign companies.
  • Endorsement letter. An endorsement letter from the local company or firm on whose behalf you are traveling to India is essential. The invitation and endorsement letters should contain your name, the names of each company, company stamps, the required visa duration, and a detailed description of the intended business activities.
  • Business correspondence. Include documentation of your business activities, such as a recommendation letter from your employer in your home country, your company profile, and your company’s bank statements from the last month.
  • Incorporation details. Provide incorporation details of the Indian company, including a copy of the business owner’s GST registration, PAN card, and business registration certificate.

More information about Business Visa.

Employment Visa

  • Employment contract. A copy of your signed employment contract or job offer letter from the Indian company that has hired you. This document should include details such as your job title, salary, and the duration of your employment in India.
  • Company offer letter. A formal offer letter from the Indian company specifies your employment terms and the position you’ve been offered.
  • Appointment letter. A letter confirming your appointment to the position, including your job responsibilities and any conditions of employment.
  • Justification letter. A letter explaining the reasons for hiring a foreign national for the position, outlining how your skills and qualifications match the job requirements.
  • Request for grant of visa letter. A letter formally requesting the Indian government to grant you an employment visa. The Indian company typically issues this letter.
  • Tax liability letter. A letter indicating that you understand and acknowledge your tax liability in India and agree to comply with Indian tax laws.
  • Address of stay in India. Provide information about your intended place of residence in India during your employment.
  • EPFO letter. If applicable, a letter or certificate from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) indicates your enrollment in the provident fund program.
  • Certificate of incorporation of company. Proof of the Indian company’s incorporation, demonstrating its legal status.
  • Company PAN Card. A copy of the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card of the Indian company, which the Indian Income Tax Department issues.
  • Police clearance certificate. Some Indian missions may require a police clearance certificate or a background check to verify your criminal record.

Student Visa

  • Admission letter and financial arrangements. You must provide an official admission letter from the Indian educational institution where you have been accepted. Additionally, include comprehensive details about the financial arrangements you’ve made to support your stay and study expenses in India.
  • Medical or paramedical courses. If you are enrolling in medical or paramedical courses in India, it is essential to obtain a Letter of Approval or a ‘No Objection’ Certificate from the Indian Ministry of Health. This certificate is a crucial prerequisite for obtaining a long-term student visa.
  • Course details and schedule. Submit detailed information regarding your course of study. This should encompass the curriculum, course duration, class schedules, and other pertinent academic particulars.
  • Educational certificates. Provide copies of your educational certificates level and school leaving certificates and the original documents.
  • Registration (if applicable). If you are currently studying in India and are seeking a visa extension or renewal, include copies of your registration documents.

More information about Student Visa.

Research Visa

  • A comprehensive summary of the research project, validated by the endorsing institution in India.
  • A duplicate of the admission letter issued by the Indian educational institution.
  • A letter from the relevant ministry or department.

Conference Visa

  • An invitation letter from the conference organizer.
  • Evidence of approval from Indian authorities to host the conference (if applicable).

Medical Visa

  • Letters of endorsement, signed and stamped, from both the Indian hospital concerned and your country.
  • Indian Hospital Registration certificate.
  • Bank statements for the last three months or proof of insurance coverage.
  • Copy of registration (applicable only if you have previously stayed in India for more than six months).

Journalist Visa

  • Documentary proof (employment card or original letter from a reputable News/Media agency) for a 3-month visa.
  • Letter of appointment from the Foreign Media/TV office in India for a 6-month visa.
  • Detailed synopsis of the documentary or work in India.
  • Copies of passports for the applicant and all crew members.
  • List of cinematic equipment to be used.
  • Undertaking from the producer and team leader.
  • Information on the locations of shoots in India.