World Country Guide

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all.

Visas
Required by all.

Types of visa and cost
The following prices are for UK nationals only; prices for other nationals vary. Tourist: £30. Business: £30 (three/six months); £50 (one year); £90 (two years). Transit: £8. Student: £30 (six months); £50 (one year); £55 (more than one year).

Note
(a) Non-UK nationals applying in the UK need to pay an additional £10 (amounts charged may also vary according to nationality and type of passport held) unless holding proof of at least one-year residence in the UK. (b) A £1 fee may be required for postal applications, depending on consulate.

Validity
Transit: 15 days. Business: three or six months, or up to two years for multiple entry.

Application to
Embassy or High Commission (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section.

Application requirements
(a) Passport valid for up to six months with at least two blank pages. (b) Completed application form. Nationals of Bangladesh and Pakistan must complete special application forms. Personal interviews in some cases may also be necessary. (c) Two passport-size photos. Nationals of Pakistan will require five. (d) Fee (bank draft or postal orders only; company cheques accepted for business visas). (e) Stamped addressed special delivery envelope. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) A letter from their employer stating the reason of the visit and an invitation from the company in India and a letter of introduction from UK company addressed to the Embassy. Transit: (a)-(e) and, (f) Proof of onward travel. Student: (a)-(e) and, (f) Proof of admission to appropriate university/educational institution with duration of course.

Working days required
Personal applications can normally be processed the same day. Postal applications may take up to 15 working days or longer (early September to February). Those requiring an additional fee may need a minimum of seven working days and possibly much longer for their visa application to be processed.

Temporary residence
Prior permission should be sought before entry into India.

Restricted and protected areas
Certain parts of the country have been designated protected or restricted areas that require special permits and in some cases prior government authorisation. Intent to visit a specific restricted region should be indicated when applying for a visa and a permit will be granted to visit that region only. Passengers are advised to check with India Tourism for up-to-date information before departure. The following states are subject to some restrictions: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, borders areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim and the Union Territory of Laccadives Island (Lakshadweep).