Are you a foreign national planning to visit India for tourism, business, work, or any other purpose? Understanding the different types of Indian Visas is the crucial first step in your travel planning. The Government of India offers a diverse range of visa categories tailored to the specific needs of visitors.
Table of Contents
Choosing the correct Indian visa is essential for a smooth entry and hassle-free stay.
Contents
- Core Indian Visa Categories and Their Uses
- Specialized Visa Categories
- Important Considerations for Your Indian Visa Application
Core Indian Visa Categories and Their Uses
The table below outlines some of the most common and essential visa types for foreign nationals visiting India:
| Visa Type | Abbreviation | Primary Purpose | Key Activities Allowed |
| Tourist Visa | T / e-Tourist | Recreation, Sightseeing, Casual Visit | Tourism, visiting friends/relatives, short-term yoga programs (not exceeding 6 months). |
| Employment Visa | E | Taking up a Job or Assignment in India | Remunerative employment, intra-company transfers (requires a minimum salary threshold, usually USD 25,000 p.a.). |
| Business Visa | B / e-Business | Commercial or Business Interests | Establishing ventures, exploring business possibilities, attending technical meetings, purchasing/selling products, and general business-related activities. |
| Entry Visa | X | Accompanying Family / Special Cases | Granted to Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), family members (spouse/children) accompanying foreign nationals on Employment/Business visas, or for certain unpaid internships/courses. |
| Transit Visa | TR | Passing Through India to Another Destination | Allowing entry for up to 72 hours (3 days) for travelers whose final destination is another country. |
| Project Visa | P | Execution of Specific Projects | For foreign experts executing specific industrial/infrastructure projects, typically in the Power and Steel sectors. |
Specialized Visa Categories
Beyond the core categories, India issues several specialized visas for specific professional and official purposes:
Official & Diplomatic Travel
- Diplomat Visa (D): Issued to accredited diplomats, foreign government officials, or those holding Diplomatic passports on official duty in India.
- Official Visa (O): Granted to foreign government officials, administrative and technical staff, or those holding Official passports on non-diplomatic government business.
- UN Official Visa (U): Issued to officials and staff of the United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies.
Media, Education & Medical
- Student Visa (S): For foreign nationals enrolling in recognized universities or educational institutions for full-time courses.
- Medical Visa (Med): Specifically for foreign nationals whose sole objective is to seek medical treatment in established/recognized hospitals in India for serious ailments.
- Medical Attendant Visa (Med X): Issued to the maximum of two attendants/family members accompanying a patient holding a Medical Visa.
- Conference Visa (C / e-Conference): For individuals attending international conferences, seminars, or workshops organized by government bodies, PSUs, or other approved entities.
- Journalist Visa (J): Mandatory for all professional journalists, photographers, filmmakers, or media representatives intending to work in India, even if the primary purpose is tourism.
- Research Visa (R): For scholars and researchers intending to conduct research at a recognized institution in India.
- Film Visa (F): Issued to foreign crew members for the purpose of shooting feature films, reality TV shows, or commercial TV serials in India.
Important Considerations for Your Indian Visa Application
- e-Visa Facility: Many nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa (electronic visa) for short-term trips for Tourism (e-Tourist), Business (e-Business), Conference (e-Conference), and Medical purposes (e-Medical). This simplifies the process by eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate for the initial application.
- Choosing the Right Visa: Always apply for the visa category that strictly matches the main purpose of your visit. For example, conducting business on a Tourist Visa is a violation of visa rules.
- Validity and Extension: Most Indian Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible within India, with exceptions primarily for long-term Employment, Entry (X), and Student Visas, which can often be extended by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
- Registration: Foreign nationals staying in India on an Employment, Student, or Research Visa for more than 180 days must mandatorily register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival.
The above visas are the different types of Visas available for Foreign visitors to India