1. What types of Visas can be obtained to visit India and what are their requirements?
Ans:

Tourist visa:

Tourists wishing to visit India will normally be granted tourist visa, for a maximum period of six months multiple entry visa. Visa validity is effective from the date of issue.  Tourist visa will be issued with the conditions that “each stay should not exceed 30 days”.The Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.

Business Visa:

Business Visa are normally granted for a period one year.  However, multiple-entry Business Visa for up to 5 years validity may be granted to technicians/experts going to India in pursuance of bilateral agreements or joint venture projects having Government approval.

Student Visa:

Student Visa can be obtained on furnishing proof of admission to recognized Universities/institutions in India. Student visas are granted for duration of the course or upto 5 years whichever is less.

Employment  Visa:

 Employment Visa can also be obtained on furnishing of proof of employment with companies in India. It may however be noted that applications for employment visas are considered only for managerial/highly skilled jobs.

Transit Visa:

Transit Visa are valid for halts of up to 72 hours in India within 15 days from the date of issue of the visa and must be obtained before departure.  Transit “Visa cannot be obtained from immigration counters at ports of entry in India.  Evidence of onward travel to a destination outside India is required.

Requirement for Visa:

Original passport valid for at least 6 months 
Correct visa fee 
Two passport size photographs (5 photographs in case of Pakistani nationals) 
Supporting documents, where necessary 
Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladesh nationals need to apply on special application form) 

Please Note:

(i) Persons holding long term Visa (having validity exceeding 6 months) are normally not expected to stay in India more than 6 months during each visit.  For visits for a period longer than 6 months, the visa holder is required to register with the Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO)/Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO)

(ii) Visa Exemption Letters previously granted to children of Indian origin (for a maximum validity of 90 days from the date of issue) have been discontinued since 1 July 1999.  Visa Exemption Letters issued in the past are hence no longer valid.  All children holding separate passports are now required to obtain regular visa.

2. Can I apply visa for a family member who is not in Malaysia?

Ans :No, the applicant has to be in Malaysia while applying for visa.

3.  How many photographs are required for visa?

Ans : 2 latest colour photo size (2”X2”) with white background. 

4. What is the procedure to apply for visa for Malaysian Passport holders?  

Ans : Malaysian  passport holders have to submit printouts of the online visa application forms duly filled and signed at India Visa Centre with 2 latest colour photographs, necessary documents, passport and requisite fee. Processing time – 3 working days. The passport must be valid for more than 6 months and should have at least two blank pages.

5.  What is the procedure to apply for visa for holder of non-Malaysian foreign Passport? 

Ans : Applicant holding any passport other than Malaysia can apply for visa if resident in Malaysia . They can submit the application forms along with 2 colour photographs size (2”X2”) with white background, necessary documents and verification fee. They should show the original passport at the counter. It may be noted that at least 5 working days are required for processing of the application. After 5 working days the applicant may enquire status of their application. Once the application is approved, the applicant need to submit the requisite fee along with passport at the India Visa Centre between 9.00 AM – 02.00 PM and can collect the visa between 4.00 PM and 6.00 PM on the third working day after submission of passport for visa stamping. The passport must be valid for more than 6 months and should have at least two blank pages.

The processing time period of 5 working days is not applicable for certain country applicants and applicants wishing to visit restricted/ special permit areas in India. For such applicants the maximum processing period is not prescribed.

6.  What if I hold a Valid visa in an expired Passport?

Ans : The Visa is to be transferred from old passport to new passport by depositing the requisite fee.

7.  Can the visa be transferred from old passport to new passport?

Ans : Yes, if the existing Visa is still valid. If the visa is issued in Malaysia  it will take 3 working days with but if visa is issued by other Indian Mission, then it will take minimum 5 working days. Please submit the application form, old passport, new passport and requisite fee.However tourist visas are not transferred to new passport.

8.  If I have to register myself in India, where do I go and register?

Ans :  The registration is to be done at any Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or at Foreigners cell at district police headquarters. 

9.  Can my visa be extended in India if I have to stay longer than required?

Ans : If the visa is ‘X’ category, employment visa or student’s visa, it could be extended by the FRRO subject to local checks. However tourist Visa cannot be extended under any circumstances.

List of FRRO’s office in India

1)    Delhi: Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,


2)    Mumbai: Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,


3)    Kolkata: Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,


4)    : Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,


5)    Chennai : Chief Immigration Officer,


10. What is the procedure to apply for Students visa and procedures for extension of student visa?

Ans : This visa is issued to students who are enrolled for regular academic courses in India. The documents required are as follows; proof of admission to an educational institution recognized by the Government of India, application forms duly filled and signed, two photos and requisite fee.

11. What is the procedure to apply for journalist Visa? 

Ans: This visa is issued to applicants going to India for journalism purposes. Applicants may contact Counselor (PIC) at , Email:  with the letter from their company giving details of their visit.

12. Can I bring Indian currency with me to India or do I have to get them converted only when I land in India?

Ans. Bringing Indian currency by any foreign national is prohibited.  Only Indians who travel overseas frequently can bring small amount of Indian Rupees.  Hence please bring any hard currency and get it exchanged into Rupees in India.

13. How much foreign exchange can I carry to India?

Ans. Any person can bring in to India from a place outside India foreign exchange without any limit.  However, declaration of foreign exchange/currency is required to be made in the prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases:
Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$ 5,000.00 or equivalent, and where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveler’s cheques etc) exceeds US$ 10,000.00 or its equivalent.

14. Where can I get information on procedure/ eligibility for Conference Visa?

Ans. You may please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Conference Visa under the link ‘Foreigners Division’  in the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of India website http://mha.nic.in .

15. What is the fee for various types of India Visa?

Ans. You may please click here for details on visa fees