Types of Visa

Specific Visas are granted for a variety of purposes. Listed below are the types of visa; categorised on the basis of purpose of staying in India:

• Tourist Visa
  A Tourist Visa is given to those visiting India for tourism or other non-business related purposes and is generally valid up to 6 months.
• Business Visa
  A Business Visa is given those who are doing business in India such as making sales or establishing contacts on behalf of a company outside of India. This type of Visa may be valid for one year or more with multiple entries. However, the period of stay in India (for each visit) under this category is limited to six months only.
• Journalist Visa
  A Journalist Visa is given to professional journalists and photographers for up to three months' stay in India. For applicants who to make a documentary in India, kindly contact the Press and Information wing in the Embassy/Consulate.
• Conference Visa
  This type of Visa is for international conferences, or on certain subjects, as decided by the Government of India from time to time. Such a Visa can be issued only after clearance for the said conference is received from the Government of India.
• Transit Visa
  A transit visa is granted for the sole purpose of enabling the holder to travel through India to reach his/her ultimate destination. Change of purpose is not allowed. The Transit visa is valid for direct transit only for a maximum period of 3 days. For a stay in India beyond 3 days, an appropriate visa should be obtained.
• Entry Visa
  An Entry Visa is issued to those of India origin visiting India for tourism or other non-business related purposes. Members of the family of a person employed in India are also eligible for Entry visa. In the latter case, documents establishing the employment of the spouse along with a copy of his/her Employment visa must be attached.
• Employment Visa
  An Employment Visa is granted to those who are an employee of an Indian company. The Embassy/Consulate may grant Employment visa valid for a year irrespective of the duration of the contract. Further extension up to 5 years could be obtained from MHA/FRRO in the concerned state in India.
• Student Visa
  Student visas are given to bona fide students to pursue regular studies at recognised institutions in India. The Visa has multiple entry options and is valid for the period of study as approved by the educational institution in India.
• Missionaries Visa
  Missionary Visas are granted for those going to India for religious purposes and a single entry visa is issued.
• Research Visa
  Research Visas are given to Research Professors or Scholars and to participants attending research Conferences/Seminars/Workshops. Applicants should apply for this Visa at least six weeks before their date of departure to India.
• Sports Visa
  This visa is for professional and amateur sportspeople, judges and adjudicators who want to come to India to participate in their field of sport. In fact, it's an invitation letter from India to the persons involved in sports.