0208 843 4444
Visa requirement is undeniably one of the most important information to browse through before booking flights to India. Factors and aspects such as visa application process, types of visas, visa validity, and penalty for violation of norms must be paid close attention.
Every year, thousands of travellers visit India to experience the country’s eclectic appeal. Be it beach destinations like Goa and Kerala, or metropolises like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai, there is just no end to the number of refreshingly diversified places one can visit by booking flights to India. However, before striving to spend one’s money on tickets for cheap flights to India, travellers must get thoroughly acquainted with the visa policies of the country.
Useful Facts for Visa Requirements to India
- A visa is mandatory for visiting India and travellers without a visa are not allowed to enter the country. India does not provide ‘Visa on Arrival’ for visitors from the UK and many other countries. However, travellers arriving in India can use airport immigration facilities without paying an additional fee.
- Foreign nationals coming to India on long term multiple entry visas are required to register with the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Officer. This registration must be completed within 14 days of arrival in the country.
- Overstaying one’s visa results in fines. Legal proceedings can also be initiated against defaulters who may be detained and deported later on. Furthermore, travellers may well be required to make a personal appearance at the Ministry of Home Affairs. In such matters, even the High Commission/Deputy High Commission may be powerless to intervene. All these hassles can amount to much more than what one pays on airfares to India.
- Visitors leaving India will have to get their passports stamped. This means they are not permitted to re enter the country before two months, irrespective of the length of time they have already stayed in the country. However, travellers visiting certain neighbouring countries are exempted from the requirement of getting the stamp on their passports.
- Travellers, who have had their passports stamped but plan to return to India before the expiry of the two month period will have to seek permission from the Indian Consulate or High Commission of the country they are residing in or have travelled to.
- However, the authorities in the different Indian Immigration Check Posts have the authorisation to permit tourists to enter twice or thrice, provided tourists can produce an itinerary and flight ticket bookings or the concerned travel documents that prove the necessity of tourism related travel to some of the neighbouring countries. More information is available at http://www.mha.nic.in/pdfs/FAQ-TVisa170510.pdf
- One also needs a transit visa for transiting through India. The validity of a transit visa lasts for a period of 15 days for a single or double journey. Transit visas are specifically meant for a direct transit not exceeding a three day time period. Travellers planning to stay for more than three days will have to get the proper visa for this purpose.
Visas are of different types and travellers should make sure that they are carrying the correct visa before they book their flights to India. For instance, in September 2009, it was discovered by authorities that numerous foreigners in India were employed on business visas, while the law requires an employment visa for this purpose. Further information can be obtained by approaching the Indian High Commission’s Visa Department. The different types of visa include
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Employment Visa
- Student Visa
- Entry Visa
- Long Term Entry Visa
- Conference Visa
- Journalist Visa
- Research Visa
- Transit Visa
- Medical Visa
- Medical Escort Visa
- Transfer of Visa
To apply for a visa, one has to visit the VFS website at http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ and fill up the mandatory online visa application form. It is the website of the India Visa Application Centre (IVAC) and the High Commission of India, London has officially authorised it to accept different visa applications and return the passports to applicants when the passport processing stage is completed. However, the India Visa Application Centre does not have authorisation for processing applications for Diplomatic/Official visas and Emergency cases.
The India Visa Application Centre just carries out administrative functions and cannot influence matters like processing time and permission or lack of permission for visa. The Consulate General of India and High Commission of India are responsible for such issues. Even getting a visa does not ensure automatic entry into the country as the final decision lies with the Immigration Authorities.
Other Considerations
- Before making payments applicants should make note of the fact that since 14th March, 2011, an additional Consular Charge of £2 has been added to visa application fee.
- Travellers booking their cheap flights to India from yellow fever afflicted regions need to carry a valid vaccination certificate.
- Once visa fee has been deposited, it can not be refunded. This clause is valid even if one’s visa request is rejected or changed. Visa fee is also subject to change without prior notice.
Disclaimer: The information in this article relating to visa/entry requirements is correct at the time of publishing. You must consult the relevant Embassy or Consulate for updated info on visa policies as requirements may change. You should check the up-to-date position in good time before booking/departure.