What are the different types of India visas?

Travelers wishing to visit India can apply for 5 different types of visas online. Choose the right visa for you, depending on the reason for your visit and your nationality.

To apply for any of these visas, applicants are required to fill out an application form and submit a scan of their passport’s information page. The passport must be in good condition. It also needs to have at least another 6 months of validity left and two blank pages.

India Tourist Visa

This visa is available for foreign visitors who are planning to travel to India for tourism, to visit family or friends or are interested in participating in a yoga or meditation retreat.

Travelers looking to obtain this visa can apply for either a 30-day, one-year or a 5-year visa. The 30-day visa allows for a single entry into the country of up to 30 days, while the 1 and 5 year visa grants multiple entries within the time period. Each visit can last up to 90 days. If coming from the US, UK, Canada, or Japan, stays can be extended up to 180 days. Learn all the details about Indian visa validity and allowed stay in this blog.

India Medical Visa

The Medical Visa grants travelers from selected countries multiple entries into India to complete medical treatment. This visa is valid for 60 days from the date of the first arrival and can be used to enter the country up to three times.

On top of presenting their passport scan, applicants of this visa need to submit a letter from the hospital in India that includes their personal information as stated in their passport.

Medical Attendant Visa

Relatives accompanying a patient holding an India Medical Visa can apply for a Medical Attendant Visa. Up to two travelers per patient can get this visa, and they must submit a copy of the hospital letter with their application.

The visa has a validity of 60 days from the first date of arrival and can be used to enter the country up to three times.

India Business Visa

This visa is intended for travelers who wish to visit India for business purposes. Business visas are valid for a year and grant holders multiple entries that can last up to 180 days each.

This visa can be used to recruit manpower, set up a business venture, or do any other business-related activity. Besides presenting their passport, applicants need to upload an invitation letter from a business based in India or a scan of their business card.

Emergency X-Misc Visa

This special visa was implemented for those travelers who are not covered by the categories explained above but are in urgent need of a visa to leave their countries.

Afghans are the main beneficiaries of this visa. They can apply for this emergency visa and fast-track their exit from their country. This visa grants them a stay of up to 6 months in India, but it doesn’t permit Afghans to work in the country. During those 6 months, their credentials are reviewed and applicants can extend their stay or change their immigration status depending on their situation.