Foreign Nationals desirous of coming into India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa.

There is no provision of 'Visa on Arrival' in India and no fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports. Foreign passengers should ensure that they are in possession of valid Indian Visa before they start their journey to India except nationals of Nepal and Bhutan who do not require visa to enter India and nationals of Maldives who do not require visa for entry in India for a period up to 90 days (a separate Visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport holders).

Generally a tourist visa is valid for six months, from the date of issue of the visa, not the date you enter. If you enter India four months after the visa was issued, then it will be valid for two months not the full six months.

Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India and your passport should accompany visa applications.

Some of the Types of Visas:

Tourist Visa: It is generally 6 months valid but it depends on the country of residence. The applicant is required to produce/submit documents in proof of his financial standing. Tourists travelling in groups of not less than four members under the auspices of a recognised travel agency may be considered for the grant of collective tourist visa.

Business Visa: This is valid for one or more year with multiple entries. A letter from a sponsoring organization indicating the nature of business, probable duration of stay, places and organizations to be visited and a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses, etc. should accompany the application.

Transit Visa: It is issued for a maximum period of 15-days with single/double entry facilities to bonafide transit passengers only.

As a rule no extension of stay is granted on a Tourist Visa.

*NOTE: The information supplied here is meant only as a guide and is subject to change. All travellers should check the visa and immigration details with their local Indian Embassy or Consulate before your departure to India.

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