SAARC Tourism.org

Visa is a mandatory requirement for anyone to enter India, including children. One should ensure its possession before planning to enter India. For the purpose of tourism, usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of 180 days, is granted. The visa is deemed valid from the date of issue. Tourist Visa can also be granted for 3 months, valid from date 1st entry into India which should be within 2 months from date of issue.

Prerequisites for Visa
» Passport valid for at least 6 months
» Paid visa fee
» Few passport size photographs
» Supporting documents, whereever necessary
» Duly completed application form

Tourist Visa Additional Requirements
Tourist visa is effective from the date of issue. It is non-convertible and non-extendible. Travel agents whose work more visits to the country can be granted tourist visas for a longer duration.

Points to Remember
» Granting of visa does not mean that one is armed with the right to enter India. One's entry is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
» The documents can be verified whenever the need arises.
» Some cases might need clearance from the government level.
» Time taken for issuing visa differs for every application.
» Persons who desire to visit restricted/protected areas need special permits.
» If one plans to visit a neighboring country and then re-enter India, a double/multiple entry visa should be obtained.

Visa Relaxations
Visa relaxations have been given to the nationals of the countries like Nepal and Bhutan. One can obtain the details from the respective Indian Embassy.

Visa for Trekking and Mountaineering Expeditions
» When the proposed tour itinerary includes taking people to the height of more than 6000 metres, visa is granted after 'No Objection' of the Indian Mountaineering Federation.

» When the itinerary proposes visit to the areas below 6000 metre, it is mandatory to forward with the visa application an itinerary which indicates days and places to be visited along with their height.