India Travel Tips Overview

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all.

Visas
Required by all.

Types of visa and cost
The following prices are for UK nationals only; prices for other nationals vary. Tourist: £30. Business: £30 (three/six months, single- and multiple-entry [which permits up to two years' validity]); £50 (one year); £90 (up to two years). Transit:£8 (up to 72 hours, single- or double-entry; stay in India can not exceed 15 days from date of arrival). Student: £30 (up to six months); £50 (up to one year); £55 (more than five years). Journalist, Employment and Conference visas are also available (contact the Embassy or High Commission for details). Visas for restricted/protected areas entail an additional fee of £20, and the need for a special permit.
Some nationals are exempt from visa fees.

Note
(a) The High Commission in London reserves the right to decide on the duration of the visa notwithstanding the minimum fee. (b) Non-UK nationals applying in the UK need to pay an additional £10 (amounts charged may also vary according to nationality and type of passport held) unless holding proof of at least one-year residence in the UK. (c) A £1 fee may be required for postal applications, depending on consulate. (d) When visas are issued for a duration exceeding six months, registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) must be made within 14 days of arrival.

Validity
From date of issue. Validity of transit visas is three months from date of issue for a single entry.

Application to
Embassy or High Commission (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see General Info section.

Application requirements
(a) Passport valid for up to six months with at least two blank pages. (b) Completed application form. Nationals of Bangladesh and Pakistan must complete special application forms. Personal interviews in some cases may also be necessary. (c) Two passport-size photos. Nationals of Pakistan will require five. (d) Fee (bank draft or postal orders only; company cheques accepted for business visas). (e) Stamped addressed special delivery envelope. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) A letter from their employer stating the reason of the visit and an invitation from the company in India and a letter of introduction from UK company addressed to the Embassy. Transit: (a)-(e) and, (f) Proof of onward travel. Student: (a)-(e) and, (f) Proof of admission to appropriate university/educational institution with duration of course.

Working days required
Personal applications can normally be processed the same day. Postal applications may take up to 15 working days or longer (early September to February). Those requiring an additional fee may need a minimum of seven working days for their visa application to be processed.
For British nationals with dual nationality and other special cases, authorization from India is required and the time taken to process the visa will vary according to individual cases: an estimation is two weeks to six months.
Nationals of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka may find their visa's processing time requires even longer than a working week.
Care should be taken not to apply too late (to avoid unforeseen delays) or too early, since visas are issued on receipt of passport and are valid from date of issue and not date of travel.

Temporary residence
Prior permission should be sought before entry into India.

Restricted and protected areas
Restricted and protected areas: Certain parts of the country have been designated protected or restricted areas that require special permits and in some cases prior government authorization which is easily obtained. Intent to visit a specific restricted region should be indicated when applying for a visa and a permit will be granted to visit that region only. Passengers are advised to check with India Tourism for up-to-date information before departure.
The following states are subject to some restrictions: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim and West Bengal