No foreign National can enter India without a valid passport and a visa which is issued to him by India's mission aboard. Indian consular offices are located in some 160 countries in the world. Only nationals of two countries - Nepal and Bhutan are exempt from producing a visa. They can enter India without a passport or a visa. They have only to produce their identification papers.Visa are of various kinds and are valid for a specified period. All visas specify the number of time a visitor may enter India. For those who wish to enter Nepal or Sri lanka or Bhtan and re-enter india there is multi-entry visa. On reaching India, one has to fill up a disembarkation card.
Tourist Visa : If foreigner wishes to spend his holidays in India, He should ask for a tourist visa. And if he wants one of the neighboring countries he should ask for multi entry visa. This visa is valid for 6 months. Foreigners coming under this category for 6 months or lesser period need not register themselves with any authority. They are free to move anywhere except the protected areas and prohibited places. Citizens of Bangladesh are exempted for six months for registration.
Student Visa: Students form abroad who have got admission in Indian universities or any other government recognized institution can apply for a visa for five years or for the duration of course, whichever is earlier. But they have to reveal the confirmation of admission and means of their sustenance during the stay.Transit Visa: It is granted for maximum period of 15 days.
Tourist Group: A tourist group may be granted a collective landing permit for 30 days by immigration authorities on landing i sponsored by recognised travel agency and pre-drawn itinerary presented.
Collective Visa: It is issued by immigration authorities to group tours having not less than four members sponsored by travel agency recognized by the Center. The group may split into smaller groups to visit places but reassemble before depart.
Employment Visa: Foreigners coming to India for employment should apply for this to be issued for one year initially and to be extended up to the period of contract.
Visa for Business : It can be got for a period of Five years; even a multi-entry visa can be obtained.Visa for technicians: Experts coming in persuance of agreements between the Indian Government and a foreign govt. or collaboration pacts between foreign and Indian firms can apply for a multiple entry visas for five years or for the duration of the agreement, which is less.
Visa for conferences: Delegates coming to india to attend international conference can get visas from Indian mission for a specified period.
Visa for mountaineering expedition: Foreigners desiring to undertake trekking, mountaineering expeditions, canoeing, rafting and botanical expedition in a team can be granted vises for the purpose if they submit full details of the members, area to be visited and purpose of the visit and supply information sought for by the Indian missions.Visa for sports team or Individual person: Sport team or individual sport person desirous of visiting India for importand (international) sport events may apply for a via for the required period.
Visa for journalist/media persons: Foreign journalists,media men, documentary and feature film makers can obtain short-term visas for the required period.
