Do I need a visa to go to India?
Yes, all foreigners except for nationals of Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives, need a visa to enter India. With regard to Maldives’ nationals, a visa is required if intended stay in India would be longer than 90 days. Nationals of Nepal would need a visa should they enter India via China.
I wish to visit India for Tourism/to attend a friend’s marriage/to meet my friends/family. Which visa should I apply for?
You should apply for a Tourist Visa valid for a maximum stay of six months. Please note: Tourist Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible or non-transferable. All US and UK Passport holders are permitted a maximum stay of 180 days at a stretch whereas all other Long term Indian Tourist Visa holders are permitted a maximum stay of 90 days at a stretch.
Please view the latest updates in Tourist Visa checklist on our website.
I am a frequent traveler to India for Business meetings/to explore opportunities for partnerships with Indian companies. Which visa should I apply for?
You may apply for a Business Visa valid for either Six months or One year, permitting multiple entries, along with requisite documentation as per the Business Visa checklist. To be eligible for a 5 year Business Visa you must be the Director/CEO/Chairman of the company or have a Joint Venture document available to support your application.
Please note that a Business Visa does not permit you to work in India. Should you wish/need to work in India, you should apply for an Employment Visa.
In accordance with the new regulations from the Government of India, you need to be an Australian Passport holder or be legally residing in Australia for 2 years prior to your date of making a Business Visa Application to be eligible to apply for a Business Visa in Australia.
I would be changing flights/airports in India in order to travel to my final destination (say Nepal, Thailand etc.) Do I need a visa to change flights/airport terminals?
You need to apply for a Transit Visa if you are going to change from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal of any Indian Airport or if you are going to stay in an airport hotel even for a few hours.
In case you remain within limits of the waiting area reserved for International Transit Passengers of the Indian Airport and are not going to cross Immigration Controls at any time, you do not need a transit visa. Please note: the maximum period of stay in India permitted for a Transit Visa is 72 hours for each entry and is issue only when Transit/Travel is by Air. The Transit Visa is valid for 15 days only.
I have to participate in a Conference/Seminar/Workshop in India. Which visa should I apply for?
You should apply for a Conference Visa to enable you to participate in the Conference/Seminar/ Workshop along with invitation letter, details of the Conference, etc as documents of support.
I have to go for Internship/Training in a University/institute/Company in India for a short period. Which visa should I apply for?
You may apply for an Entry Visa or Student Visa, depending on the nature of your Letter of Invitation from the Indian Organisation/Company. You may also be required to submit a copy of Inter-University Student Exchange Agreement if the proposed internship is a component of such agreement. You would be required to submit Proof of Financial standing to support your stay in India.
I will be going to India for Work/Employment. My family will also accompany me during my stay in India. Which visa should I apply for? Would my children be able to study in India?
You must apply for an Employment Visa along with requisite documentation as per the relevant Employment Visa checklist. Once your Employment Visa application is approved, your wife and children may apply for Entry Visas in case they are accompanying you during your stay in India. Employment Visas are issued for a maximum of 6 months only from Australia.
Your children would be able to secure admission in schools/college in India once they have been granted Entry Visas. Please note: it is mandatory to undergo Registration formalities at the nearest Office of the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of your arrival in India if you are going to stay in India for a period longer than 180 days.
In accordance with the newer regulations from the Government of India, you need to be an Australian Passport holder or Foreign National with an Australian Permanent Residency issued to you 2 years prior to your date of making an Employment Visa Application to be eligible to apply for a Employment Visa in Australia.
What is a Gratis Visa?
Gratis visa is a Visa issued without any Consular Fees. Applicants qualifying for a Gratis Visa need to be submitted at the High Commission or the Consulate Generals of India directly. VFS is not authorised to accept these applications, except unless advised by the High Commission or Consulate Generals.
Are there any special requirements for Czech Republic Nationals?
The validity of a Czech Republic National Passport must be of a minimum of 1 year at the time of applying for the visa. The Applicant should be a PR Holders in Australia and should also need to have a Medical Cover for the duration of his/her visit in India.
I hold a Hong Kong/Taiwan Passport; are there any special requirements for me?
Nationals from Hong Kong and Taiwan are considered as a part of the People’s Republic of China. Nationals would need to complete Form D and pay A$ 15.00 as Referral charges in additional to their applicable fees. Processing Timelines will be in accordance with those applicable to Chinese Nationals.
I will be going for studying in India for one semester/trimester in an IIT/IIM/IISc./Indian University. Which visa should I apply for?
You should apply for a Student Visa along with a copy of the Letter from the Institute/University confirming your acceptance as a Student. You would also be required to submit Proof of Financial Standing to support your stay in India. Student Visas are issued for a maximum of 1 year only from Australia.
I wish to visit certain areas in India like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland etc. Can I obtain a visa to visit these areas?
A Tourist visa is not sufficient to visit these areas because these regions in India are Restricted/Protected Areas for which it is necessary to obtain a Restricted/ Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP). This permit can be obtained in India either from the Ministry of Home Affairs or FRRO concerned after entering India with a Tourist Visa. The website to visit them is click here. You can visit certain open areas in Sikkim for a maximum period of 15 days in case you request a ‘special endorsement for Sikkim’ at the time of applying for your Tourist Visa.
There is an additional Form that needs to be completed for the same. This Permit is issued without any additional fees. However, you need to be a part of a group of 4 people with confirmed travel plans with a recognised Tour Operator when applying for this Permission from outside India. Please confirm the application procedure practiced at the High Commission/Consulate General that you plan to apply at before submitting your application.
I have to travel to India immediate as my family member is unwell. How can my application be processed fast?
Emergency or Urgent applications for Indian Tourist Visa Online Form are viewed by the High Commission /Consulate Generals of India on a case to case basis. These are normally issued on the same day in cases of death of an immediate family member or for urgent medical reasons. Applicants must submit their applications with complete supporting documentation and fees (see fee list specific to visa type) to justify the urgency for the visa to be granted on the same day. You will need to request for the same at the Centre before 01: 00 pm or 02:00pm depending on where you are located in Australia.
Please view the Emergency/Urgent Section of our website for more information.
Do I need a visa for my pet who is accompanying me on my visit to India?
Visa is not required for taking a pet to India but certain customs and vaccination-related regulations have to be complied with. Please consult your Airline/Travel Agent for details of these regulations and necessary documentation to facilitate the visit.
Will I be allowed to carry liquor to India?
Please check with your Airline/Travel Agency/Ministry of Home Affairs website for restrictions on the amount of alcohol you are eligible to carry as this does not come under the purview of the Visa Issuance Authority.
A Liquor Permit may be obtained to permit Foreign Nationals to buy, posses, carry and consume liquor while touring parts of India where prohibition is in force provided the rules of the State/Union Territory allow the use of this permit. There is an additional form that needs to be completed for the same and this permit is issued without any additional fees.
Can I study in India?
Yes. With a valid Student Visa. Documents need to be provided to support the same at the time of submitting your application and a Student Visa valid for 1 year is initially issued.
Can I work in India?
Yes. With a valid Employment Visa. Documents need to be provided to support the same at the time of submitting your application and an Employment Visa valid for 6 month only is initially issued.
Please note: it is mandatory to undergo Registration formalities at the nearest Office of the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of your arrival in India if you are going to stay in India for a period longer than 180 days.
In accordance with the newer regulations from the Government of India, you need to be an Australian Passport holder or Foreign National with an Australian Permanent Residency issued to you 2 years prior to your date of making an Employment Visa Application to be eligible to apply for a Employment Visa in Australia.
Do I have to submit my passport and visa application with the India Passport & Visa Services Centre only?
Yes, However Diplomats and Officials of Foreign Diplomatic Mission, UN and other International Governmental Organisation personnel must submit their visa application directly to the High Commission or Consulate Generals of India.Indian Visa FAQ