India Visa Requirements
The foreign tourists who visit India have to apply formally for the Indian tourist visa. Without a legitimate visa, it is illegal to enter the border of republic of India. Therefore, if you have the plans to visit this great country for tourism or other purposes, you should approach through the Indian consulate office located in your country.
Here are few facts that you should know about India travel visa:
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What to do? |
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A Tourist Visa is granted to the foreigner who intends to visit India for either recreation, or sightseeing, or for that matter, taking casual visits. It is significant to point here that while a traveler is on tourist visa, s/he does not have the permission to indulge in any commercial/professional activities other than tourism. Should you avail legitimate tourist visa, you need to show to the authorities that you do not have any permanent/temporary residence or hold any regular occupation in India. |
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Eligibility |
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Following individuals are not eligible to apply for tourist visa to India:
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Persons of Indian Origin |
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Spouse and children of Persons of Indian Origin |
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Spouse and dependent family members of a foreign national visiting India on Long Term Visa |
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Foreigners who were involved in criminal activities and are on the Interpol List |
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If any foreign national visiting India wishes to volunteer the work with charities or any other non-profit organizations, s/he must first make a formal application for Employment Visa. Furthermore, if the purpose of foreign tourist is to seek medical treatment, s/he should apply for the Medical Visa. |
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The family members of diplomats who have not been able to qualify for diplomatic visas (such as older children or domestic partners) would need to apply for Entry Visa. |
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What is the validity of Tourist Visa? |
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US citizens will get a 6-month, 5-year or 10-year Indian Tourist Visa through a bilateral agreement. However, non-U.S. citizens are only eligible for maximum of six-month Tourist Visa. The duration of Tourist Visa starts on the first day of issuance. |
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What is the duration of stay guaranteed in Tourist Visa? |
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Irrespective of the duration of the valid Travel Visa, the maximum duration of stay in India is 6 months (180 days). |
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What are the Restrictions? |
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If any foreign national has applied for Tourist Visa frequently; within the period of one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa, the Indian Consulate/Embassy would examine the visa application in detail and make reference of such types of cases to MHA (Foreigners Division) for consent and subsequent clearance. Once the foreign clearance is sought, a fresh tourist visa will be granted.
Make sure that you apply for the Indian tourist visa through proper channel. Keep your papers updated. Furnish correct details and keep your documentation ready. Do not forge your documentation or else your prospects to visit India will get scrambled.
Note: There is no extension granted on the Tourist Visa. The visa will not be converted into any other type of visa under any circumstance.
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