The following documents are required when applying for a visa:
1) filled-in visa form
2) valid passport (minimum validity six months at the time of applying)
3) visa fee (see Visa Fees)
4) other required documents.
- We accept visa applications on weekdays between 9:00 and 12:00 hrs. Processed visas can be picked up from the counter between 14:00 and 16:30 hrs. Applications can also be submitted via mail (please include registered return envelope, post charges are 4.65€).
- Processing time is 3-4 working days for Finnish and Estonian passport holders. For all other nationalities the processing time is 10 working days. The emergency processing option is only available to Finnish and Estonian passport holders.
- When transfering a valid visa into a fresh passport from an old passport, please submit a filled-in visa application form, one photo, both passports and required supporting documents. The transfer fee is 6€.
VISA TYPES
1. Tourist visa (TV):
Persons wishing to visit India as tourists, or for meeting friends and relatives or for non-business related purposes, will be given tourist visas. Finnish Passport holders can be granted Multiple Entry Tourist Visa for upto 5 years, Estonians and other nationalities can be granted visas up to six months. Please note that the Tourist Visa is non-extendable and cannot be converted into any other type of Visa.
Please note: After leaving India, re-entry with a tourist visa is possible only after a two month gap.
Documents Required:
a) Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least two blank pages,
b) visa fee,
c) one passport sized photo,
d) filled-in visa application form.
Tourists visiting restricted areas (e.g. Sikkim, Andaman Islands) are required to apply for a restircted area permit (36 euros).
Restricted area permit form
2. Business visa (BV):
Please note that business visas are granted to persons other than Finnish or Estonian only after the applicant has been residing permanently in Finland or Estonia for a minimum of two (2) years. Applicants are required to submit written proof of permanent residence along with their visa application.
Business visas are granted to applicants who wish to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture, or wants to purchase/sell industrial products in India. Business visas are valid for up to 1 year. Long-term business visas valid for up to 5 years with multiple entries can also be granted to Finnish and Estonian nationals. Each application will be examined on merit.
Applicants who are, or have been citizens of Bangladesh, China, Pakistan or Sri Lanka,are not eligible to apply for a business visa.
Business visa applicants should enclose a guarantee letter from their employer and a specific letter of invitation from the firm or organization in India.
Documents Required:
a) Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least two blank pages,
b) visa fee,
c) one passport sized photo,
d) filled-in visa application form,
e) guarantee letter from employer,
f) invitation letter from India.
Business visa Fees from nationals of the following countries:
Country | Up to one year Euro | Up to five years Euro |
Australia | 268.00 | 362.00 |
Czech Republic | 239.00 | 332.00 |
Ecuador | 297.00 | 391.00 |
France | 209.00 | 303.00 |
Iran | 338.00 | 432.00 |
Ireland | 250.00 | 344.00 |
New Zealand | 168.00 | 262.00 |
Nigeria | 356.00 | 450.00 |
Philippines | 274.00 | 368.00 |
Poland | 186.00 | 280.00 |
Saudi Arabia | 268.00 | 362.00 |
Thailand | 250.00 | 344.00 |
Ukraine | 250.00 | 344.00 |
UAE | 503.00 | 597.00 |
United Kingdom | 197.00 | 291.00 |
USA | 204.00 | 298.00 |
3. Employment visa (EV):
The Embassy may grant Employment visa valid for upto a year depending upon the duration of the contract. Further extension up to 5 years can be obtained from Ministry of Home Affairs/Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs) in the concerned state in India.
Employment Visa is granted to foreigners desiring to come to India for purpose of employment, subject to following conditions:
(i) The applicant is a skilled and qualified professional or person who is being engaged or appointed by a company, organization, industry, or undertaking, etc. in India on contract or employment basis at a senior level, skilled position such as technical expert, senior executive, or in a managerial position, etc.
(ii) Employment Visa is not granted for jobs for which large numbers of qualified Indians are available.
(iii) Employment Visa is not granted for routine, ordinary or secretarial/clerical jobs.
(iv) The Employment Visa must be issued from the country of origin, or from the country of domicile of the foreigner provided the period of permanent residence of that applicant in that particular country is for more than 2 years.
(v) The Indian company/organization engaging foreign nationals for executing projects/contracts would be responsible for the conduct of the foreign national during their stay in India and also for the departure of such foreign national upon expiry of Visa.
(vi) A foreign national will have to comply with all other requirements like payment of tax liabilities, etc.
Documents Required:
a) Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least two blank pages,
b) visa fee,
c) one passport sized photo,
d) filled-in visa application form,
e) copy of employment contract,
f) guarantee letter from employer.
Employment visa fee from the nationals of the following countries:
Country | Upto 6 months Euro | 6 months to 1 year Euro | 1 to 5 years Euro |
Austria | 115.00 | 162.00 | 256.00 |
Australia | 227.00 | 274.00 | 368.00 |
Canada | 192.00 | 239.00 | 332.00 |
Denmark | 162.00 | 209.00 | 303.00 |
France | 159.00 | 206.00 | 300.00 |
Iran | 276.00 | 323.00 | 417.00 |
Ireland | 188.00 | 235.00 | 329.00 |
Israel | 1174.00 | 1221.00 | 1315.00 |
Italy | 124.00 | 171.00 | 265.00 |
New Zealand | 171.00 | 218.00 | 312.00 |
Norway | 106.00 | 153.00 | 247.00 |
Portugal | 106.00 | 153.00 | 247.00 |
Thailand | 188.00 | 235.00 | 329.00 |
Turkey | 118.00 | 165.00 | 259.00 |
U.A.E. | 441.00 | 488.00 | 582.00 |
U.K. | 499.00 | 546.00 | 640.00 |
USA | 118.00 | 165.00 | 259.00 |
More information on business and employment visas at:http://mha.nic.in/pdfs/work_visa_faq.pdf
4. Student visa (SV):
Student visas are granted to students pursuing regular studies at recognized educational institutions in India. The visa is valid for the period of study as approved by the educational institution in India.
Documents Required:
a) Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least two blank pages,
b) visa fee,
c) one passport sized photo,
d) duly filled-in visa application form,
e) guarantee letter from school,
f) invitation letter from Indian school.
5. Conference/seminar visa (CV):
Applicants attending conferences or seminars will be granted a conference visa.
Documents Required:
a) Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least two blank pages,
b) visa fee,
c) one passport sized photo,
d) filled-in visa application form,
e) invitation letter to conference/seminar,
f) copy of conference/seminar programme.
6. Transit visa (TRV):
Transit visas are valid for a single/double entry and are valid 15 days of date of issue. The transit visa allows for a continuous stay for up to 72 hours in India.
Documents Required:
a) Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least two blank pages,
b) visa fee,
c) one passport sized photo,
d) filled-in visa application form,
e) copies of flight tickets.
7. Entry visa (XV):
Entry visas will be granted depending on the purpose of visit and eligibility on a case by case basis. Spouses of Indian nationals and family members of a person employed in India are also eligible for entry visas.
Documents Required:
a) Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months with at least two blank pages,
b) visa fee,
c) one passport sized photo,
d) filled-in visa application form,
e) documentation clarifying the purpose of visit.
8. Journalist visa (JV ):
Journalists can obtain single entry visas valid for three months and should submit supporting documentation, i.e., an employment card or original letter from a reputed news/media agency which has given them the assignment in India.
Journalist visa application form
9. Medical visa:
A medical visa is given to those who are travelling to India for a medical treatment. The visa can be single/multiple entry. Please note that relevant documents explaining details of the treatmentand confirming the need for an escort are also required.
10. Medical escort visa (MX):
A medical escort visa is given to those who are accompanying a patient travelling to India for a medical treatment on a medical visa. This visa can be given to a close relative/family member or a friend of the patient. Please note that relevant letters/documents explaining details of the treatment are also required.
11. Missionary visa (M):
Applicants planning to visit India for religious purposes shall be issued single entry missionary visa valid for the duration approved by the Government of India. A letter from the sponsoring organization in Estonia or Finland and India indicating intended destination in India, expected length of stay, and nature of work to be discharged should be attached with the application form along with a guarantee for the applicant's maintenance while in India.
Missionary visa application form
12. Research visa (RV):
Research Visas are given to Professors or Scholars, who wish to conduct research work in India. Applicants are required to obtain prior permission to conduct research project in India from the concerned authorities. Applicants are requested to apply at least six weeks before their date of departure to India and visas will be valid for entry into India four weeks after issue. Validity of the visa would coincide with the research period.
Research visa application form
Please note: Grant of visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
