India Visa Information
All foreigners except for nationals of Nepal and Bhutan need a visa to enter India. Indian passport holders do not need a Visa for entering India.
Obtaining a travel visa
Foreigners who wish to visit India for travel purposes can do so by obtaining visa from the Indian Mission in their country of residence. They should possess a valid National Passport - except in the case of nationals of Bhutan & Nepal, who may carry only suitable means of identification.
Tourist Visa
Usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of 180 days, is granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid from the date of issue.
Collective Visas
Collective visas to group tours consisting of not less than four members and sponsored by a travel agency recognized by the Government of India, can also be obtained. Such groups may split into smaller groups for visiting different places in India after obtaining a collective "license to travel" from the immigration authorities in India. However, they must reassemble and depart as the original group.
Exemption from Registration
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or shorter period are not required to register themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places. Nationals of Bangladesh are exempted from registration upto six months. If their stay exceeds six months, they have to register themselves. Individuals without nationality (stateless persons; IRO refugees, persons receiving legal or political protection, holders of Nansen passport etc.) should have valid passports, identity documents or sworn affidavits along with the visa for which they should apply two months in advance. Family passports issued by other governments are recognized without discrimination.
