Tourist Visa

Best for leisure travel, family visits, short wellness retreats, or non-credit classes. It enables temporary stays with no professional engagement. Typical stays per entry are up to 90 days depending on your nationality and current policy.

• Allowed: Sightseeing, social visits, short unpaid volunteering, non-degree short courses.
• Not allowed: Paid work, media assignments, long-term study, signing contracts.
• Docs: Passport (6+ months), compliant photo, itinerary/accommodation, proof of funds, return plan.

Keep plans simple and consistent across forms, bookings, and statements. Clarity beats volume.

Business Visa

Suits meetings, trade fairs, vendor audits, site visits, pre-sales demos, and JV discussions. It permits commercial engagement without joining Indian payroll. Validity can range from 6 months to 5 years, often multiple-entry.

• Key docs: Invitation from Indian entity, proof of employment/business at home, company credentials, funds proof.
• Restriction: No local employment; for jobs, use the Employment Visa.

Employment Visa

For a paid job in India with a company, NGO, or institution. Typically for professionals with specialized skills meeting salary thresholds. Registration with FRRO/FRO after arrival is commonly required; keep address and job details up to date.

• Docs: Offer/appointment letter, detailed contract, employer registration papers, qualifications.
• Tip: Plan PAN, bank account, and FRRO appointments early to avoid deadlines.

Student Visa

For full-time study at recognized universities, colleges, research centers, or traditional learning institutes. Usually granted for the course duration with buffer. Keep enrollment and address records current to maintain status.

• Docs: Final admission, fee structure/receipts, scholarships if any, funding proof, accommodation details.
• Work: Limited/on-campus or authorized training may be possible—get written permission first.

Medical Visa

Supports specialized treatment at recognized hospitals—cardiac, oncology, orthopedics, transplant, fertility, or advanced diagnostics. Multiple entries are common for follow-ups. Up to two relatives can obtain Medical Attendant visas tied to the patient’s timeline.

• Docs: Medical reports, Indian hospital letter (diagnosis, plan, duration, estimated cost), insurance/funds.

Conference Visa

For government-approved conferences, seminars, or exhibitions. Dates, venue, and references must align. Often short validity aligned to event dates; usually single entry.

• Docs: Organizer invitation, approval references where applicable, registration/badge, agenda.

Research Visa

For academic research, fieldwork, archival study, or collaborations. Depending on topic/locations, extra clearances may be needed. Processing can take longer; apply early with a clear proposal and host acceptance.

• Docs: Host acceptance, proposal, supervisor details, list of field sites; area permits as required.

Entry (X) Visa

Designed for certain non-employment long-stay cases, often dependants of Indian citizens/OCI card holders. Intent is residence for family or personal reasons, not professional work. Extensions/registration may be required.

• Docs: Relationship proofs (marriage/birth), address documents, sponsor/support letters.

Journalist Visa

For reporters, videographers, photographers, or documentary teams. Assignment clarity, equipment lists, and location permissions are crucial—especially for sensitive areas or drones.

• Docs: Employer letter, assignment brief, equipment list, schedule, local liaison details.

Intern / Training Pathways

For academic internships, structured training, and fellowship-style engagements with Indian organizations. Sponsorship and scope of training matter; if duties mirror a job, Employment visa rules may apply.

• Docs: Internship letter (role, duration, stipend), enrollment proof if student, host registration details.

e-Visa vs Regular Visa

e-Visas are fully online authorizations for eligible nationalities (tourism, business, medical, conference) intended for short visits. Regular/sticker visas are processed via Embassies/Missions for long stays or categories like employment, student, research.

• e-Visa: Faster for short trips; upload docs; carry print/digital ETA.
• Regular: Submit application + passport at Mission/VAC; biometrics/interview may apply.