What is the Visa Policy for India? Types of Visas Explained

Visitors to India must obtain a visa in accordance with the India Visa Policy unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country. Nationals of certain countries may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa online. While others must obtain a regular visa from an Indian diplomatic mission. 

Tourists from the US and the UK can apply for an India e visa (previously known as eTV) for 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years. Citizens of more than 170 countries can now apply for an e-Visa to India. Read on to learn more about the visa policy of India and the types of visas available for visitors. 

What is the Visa Policy for India

The visa policy of India is a set of rules and regulations governing the entry of foreign travelers into India. The Government of India has designed the visa policy to protect national security and ensure that visitors to India have a valid purpose and sufficient funds to support their stay. 

India Visa Types

The types of Indian visas available to travelers depend on the purpose and duration of their stay. India offers regular paper visas and Tourist e Visa to international visitors like any other country. 

India Visa categories are mentioned below: 

Regular Visa for India

Applicants may note if they are not eligible for a visa on arrival or an Indian e-Visa, they must apply for a regular visa from an Indian diplomatic mission.  

To apply for a regular visa, travelers must submit a completed visa application form, passport, and other supporting documents. Applicants must note that the embassy can provide them with the list of the documents required, such as an invitation letter and 2 blank pages on the passport. They may also pay the visa fee to the embassy of India. 

India e Visa

The India e visa is for tourists visiting the country for: 

• Recreation 
• Sightseeing 
• Casual visits to friends or relatives 
• Short-term yoga programs 
• Medical treatments, including traditional Indian medicine (new Ayush (AY) visa) 
• Business 

Remember, a short-term yoga program must not last longer than six months. Additionally, it must not accompanied by a diploma or certificate of completion. 

This visa type is reserved for eligible citizens.

India 10 Year Visa

US citizens can secure a 10-year visa for India if they have a US passport. This visa is a traditional paper tourist visa.

If someone from the US plans to visit India multiple times in a year, the 10-year visa might be a better choice than a traditional shorter term visa.

Visa Exempt Countries

Citizens of the following countries are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter India:

• Nepal
• Bhutan
• Maldives

Please note that the citizens of the above countries can enter from any other country in the world except China.

Visa on Arrival

At specific airports, citizens of the following nations with regular passports may apply for a visa on arrival (VOA):

• Japan
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates

Are There Any Exceptions?

Holders of Diplomatic/Official or UN passports cannot use India visa on arrival facility. If individuals or their parents or grandparents were born in or have lived permanently in Pakistan, they cannot use the visa-on-arrival facility in India.

Instead, they must fill out an application form for a visa at an Indian diplomatic post.  Moreover, a person can use the visa-on-arrival facility up to two times a year. If entering from an airport or seaport not under the visa-on-arrival scheme, those eligible for it can opt for an e-Visa.

Ayush Visa

India has a new visa called Ayush visa (AY) for foreigners seeking Indian medicine treatments like therapy, wellness, and Yoga. 

Other Types of Indian Visas

Apart from a regular paper visa granted by the Indian embassy or consulate, the different types of Indian visas are as follows:

• Tourist Visa (T): For recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, and attending a short-term yoga program.
• Business Visa (B): For business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and trade fairs in India.
• Employment Visa (E): To work in India for a period of more than 180 days.
• Student Visa (S): To study at a recognized educational institution in India.
• Medical Visa (M): To seek medical treatment in India.
• Research Visa (R): To conduct research in India.
• Transit Visa: To pass through India on the way to another country.
• Conference Visa (C): To attend a conference, seminar, or workshop in India.
• Journalist Visa (J): To work as a journalist in India.
• Film Visa (F): To shoot a film or documentary in India.
• India eVisa: Online Tourist Visa for (30 days, 1 year, and 5years), Business eVisa, Medical eVisa and eVisa to attend Conferences
• X visa- It is also known as Entry visa (X) in India. It is given to individuals traveling to India for reasons other than tourism, social visits, or business.

For more detailed information on the requirements and application process for each type of visa, please reach out to the nearest Indian embassy.

Conclusion

To be fair, India’s visa policy is complex. It is designed to promote tourism and business investment while protecting national security. The most common Indian visa types are the tourist visa, the business visa, the medical visa, and the student visa.  

International travelers should carefully follow the requirements on the visa portal to avoid any problems. Travelers can reach out to the Indian embassy to obtain regular paper visas if they are unable to obtain Indian e-visa.