Visa requirements

Foreigners wanting to visit India can do so after obtaining visa from the Indian Mission in their country of residence. They should possess a valid National Passport - except in the case of nationals of Bhutan & Nepal, who may carry only suitable means of identification.

Tourist Visas
Usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of 180 days, is granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid from the date of issue.

Collective Visas
The facility also exists for the issue of collective visas to group tours consisting of not less than four members and sponsored by a travel agency recognized by the Government of India. Such groups may split into smaller groups for visiting different places in India after obtaining a collective "license to travel" from the immigration authorities in India. However, they must reassemble and depart as the original group.

Transit Visas
Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum period of 15 days.

Exemption from Registration
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or shorter period are not required to register themselves with any authority in India. They can move about freely in the country, except to restricted/protected areas and prohibited places. Nationals of Bangladesh are exempted from registration upto six months. If their stay exceeds six months, they have to register themselves. Individuals without nationality (stateless persons; IRO refugees, persons receiving legal or political protection, holders of Nansen passport etc.) should have valid passports, identity documents or sworn affidavits along with the visa for which they should apply two months in advance. Family passports issued by other governments are recognized without discrimination.

Landing Permit Facility
Tourists may note the no Landing Permit Facility is available to any foreign tourist landing without a visa. A limited facility exists only for group tours consisting of four or more members and sponsored by a travel agency recognized by the Government of India. Children of foreigners of Indian origin below the age of 12 may be granted a landing permit by the immigration authorities upto a period of 90 days to see their relatives, in case they happen to come without a visa.

Tourist Groups
A tourist group arriving by air, ship or by a chartered or scheduled flight may be granted a collective landing permit for a period of upto 30 days by the immigration authorities on landing, provided the group is sponsored by a recognized travel agency and a predrawn itinerary is presented along with details of passport etc. of the members, and the travel agency gives an undertaking to conduct the group together.
If a foreigner wishes to come to India for a purpose other than tourism, he should come after obtaining one of the following visas

Business Visa
A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian Embassy abroad. A multiple entry visa is valid for 5 years, provided he wishes to come for some business. Foreigners of Indian origin can obtain a 5 year multiple entry visa for business, to meet their relatives etc.

Student Visa
A student visa can be obtained from the Indian Embassy on the production of proof of admission and means of sustenance while in India, etc. The visa is valid for one year but can be extended in India for the duration of the course.

Conference Visa
Delegates coming to attend international conferences in India can be granted Conference Visa to cover the conference as well as for tourism in India. Delegates are advised to apply to Indian Embassies well in advance. ** Employment Visa : Foreigners desirous of coming to India for taking up employment should apply for an Employment Visa, which are issued by Indian Missions abroad. Initially granted for a period of one year, it can be extended in India upto the period of contract. ** Recreation : Foreigners wishing to undertake any international sporting event, trekking, botanical expeditions, yoga, journalists, media men, documentary and feature film makers may obtain visas after due formalities from the Indian Embassy.

Visa & Customs
Tourists visas are available for a maximum period of 180 days. No charge are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180 days.
Identical passport photographs are required. However, in case of an extension beyond 180 days, which is allowed only in exceptional cases, an extension fee is charged.
Tourists from other countries are advised to check current applicable visa fee/visa extension fees with government of India Tourist Offices or Indian Consular Offices located in their respective countries.

Visa Extensions
Tourists visas are available for a maximum period of 180 days. No charge are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180 days.
Identical passport photographs are required. However, in case of an extension beyond 180 days, which is allowed only in exceptional cases, an extension fee is charged.
Tourists from other countries are advised to check current applicable visa fee/visa extension fees with government of India Tourist Offices or Indian Consular Offices located in their respective countries.

Customs Formalities And Regulations
The usual duty free regulations of one bottle of whisky, i.e. 950 ml or less and 200 cigarettes apply for India. If the tourist brings in more than $ 1000 in cash or in traveller's cheques, it must be declared by completion of currency declaration form.
While small items like perfumes, cosmetics etc., are allowed into the country, larger items like video cameras are likely to be entered on a "Tourist Baggage Re-export' form to ensure that the article is taken away on departure. The TBRE form should be re-submitted on departure.
Goods brought in excess of this are chargeable to duty as per prevailing law.

Foreign Travel Tax
For international travel from Indian airports Airport Travel Tax must be paid for travel to all other countries. This tax is also applicable to infants who may not be occupying seats.  

Special permits

Special permits can be obtained if specifically asked for while applying for a visa or they may be obtained after arrival in India.

The FRROs (Foreigners' Regional Registration Offices) in Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and the Chief Immigration Officer in Madras can issue the same as well as group permits. This permit is valid for a maximum period of 15 days only. Permits must be applied for at least two weeks in advance for group tourists.

Permits are required for the following places

North Eastern Frontiers: Permits are available at the FRRos in Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay and with the Chief Immigration Officer in Madras.

Andaman Islands: Permits are obtainable from an Indian Embassy or Consular Offices abroad or from the FRROs in Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and the Chief Immigration Officer in Madras.