Visa Requirements for Visitors to India

When travelling to India, it is vital that you fully understand the Passport and Visa requirements for people wishing to enter India.

All UK nationals including children must have a visa of the correct category and hold a full British passport valid for at least 190 days and having 2 blank pages. Therefore as part of planning your Dream family holiday, do make sure that all members of your family have the correct passports and visas. Are you travelling to India as part of a group? then be sure to remind your travel partners of the passport and visa requirements.

The visa application process was at one time operated directly by the High Commission of India, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA. From March 2008, this process was outsourced to independent companies. In the UK the operation was solely controlled by VFS Global. All applications via VFS Global are subject to a service charge of £8.86 inclusive of VAT and bank charges. Applications can be made in person at one of the Visa Application Center's, online or by post. Postal applications and online applications where you do not complete the process in person at one of the application centres, will incure additional delivery costs or charges. VFS Global has also introduced a premium rate phone line for visa enquiry's.

Visas can now be obtained by using one of a range of independent visa application services. They may seem easier to use and offer free help and guidance in the application, in addition to obtaining the visa on your behalf.

Important Note: All visa applicants must be present in the UK on the date of filing the application and their passports should be valid for minimum 190 days.

Indian visa types and costs: (Please note that these charges are for UK applicants only)
These are the revised Visa Fees with effect from 1st July 2008

Tourist Visa	Fee £30 valid for up to six months Fee £50 valid for one year (maximum stay of 180 days per visit) More than 1 year tourist Fee £90 valid for a maximum stay of 180 days per visit
Transit visa	Fee £8.00 (Single/Double Entry), valid for halts of up to 72 hours within 15 days from date of issue. This visa is issued only for changing of flights en route to another country. Evidence of onward travel outside India is required.
Student visa	Fee £55.00, valid for upto 5 years. Letter of admission from the recognised educational institution with duration of the course is required in all cases plus a bona fide letter from the school/college, a receipt of the fee paid to the school/college and a document detailing the source of financial support for the tuition fee and stay in India.
Business visa	Fee £55.00, valid up to 6 months Fee £80.00 valid for up to 1 year with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit Fee £135.00 for more than 1 year with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit An original signed letter explaining the nature of business and duration of stay from the UK Company and a signed letter of invitation from an Indian Company should be submitted.
Conference visa	Fee £55.00 valid for 3 months, Single Entry. A letter of invitation from the conference organiser should be submitted.
Entry visa	Fee £55.00 valid up to 6 months Fee £80.00 valid for up to 1 year with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit Fee £135.00 for more than 1 year with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit Entry visas are for Indian nationals You will require proof of Indian origin, parents' Indian passport, or marriage certificate, or an invitation for short-term courses, or an invitation letter for voluntary workers from an organisation based in India.
Journalist visa	Fee £55.00, valid for 3 months, Single Entry. A letter from the employer should be submitted where applicable
Employment visa	Fee £55.00, valid up to 6 months Fee £80.00 valid for up to 1 year An employment contract signed by both the parties should be submitted. The contract should have a specific clause for payment of income tax in India
Please be aware that other charges apply to non-UK nationals

Use this link for applications in Australia
Use this link for applications in France
Use this link for applications in Thailand
Use this link for applications in China
Use this link for applications in Sri Lanka

For applications in the USA visit Travisa Outsourcing

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