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🌍
✈️
🇮🇳 India for 🌍 GB-NATIONAL_OVERSEAS citizens
Embassy visa
Embassy visa – apply in person at an embassy or consulate with an interview.
Processing time5-15 business days
Government fee100 USD
AppointmentRequired
Documents
Always required
Two identical recent colour photographs meeting Indian regular visa photo specifications (2x2 inch, white background).
Regular sticker visas processed via missions follow the standard Indian visa photo rules published on the official portal. Photo specifications are based on the official Indian visa online instructions for digital uploads and widely used 2x2 inch print standard for consular applications.
Original passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in India, with at least two blank visa pages.
Indian missions and general entry guidance state a 6‑month minimum passport validity; some missions may accept slightly shorter validity but 6 months is a safe baseline.
Completed and signed Indian visa application form (online printout) with required photograph affixed.
All regular (sticker) visas require completion of the online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, followed by submission of the printed, signed form with photo to the mission or its outsourcing partner.
Confirmed return or onward travel booking from India consistent with the requested visa duration and type.
Indian visa provision tables explicitly require a return/onward ticket for transit visas and it is commonly requested for tourist visas; many missions also ask for it for business and other short‑stay categories.
Evidence of accommodation in India (hotel bookings, tour bookings, or invitation letter with address if staying with friends/relatives).
Most Indian missions require at least initial hotel bookings or an invitation letter with address details for tourist and family‑visit visas.
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover stay in India (recent bank statements, salary slips, tax returns, or sponsorship letter).
Entry requirements note that proof of funds may be requested; consular checklists for regular visas typically require recent bank statements or equivalent.
For business visas: invitation letter from Indian company and/or letter from applicant’s employer stating purpose and duration of visit.
Indian visa provision tables specify that business visas require documents to prove bona fide purpose, such as company letters. Self‑employed applicants may provide business registration and self‑declaration instead.
For student visas: admission or offer letter from a recognised Indian educational institution, indicating course details and duration.
Indian visa provision tables list proof of admission as a required document for student visas; additional documents such as fee receipts and academic records may also be requested.
For employment visas: appointment letter or employment contract with Indian employer, including terms and conditions of employment.
Indian visa provision tables specify proof of employment and terms/conditions as required for employment visas; additional corporate registration documents may also be needed.
Travel tips
Quick local advice for smoother arrivals and day-to-day travel.
1
Train travel pro move: use IRCTC's Foreign Tourist Quota booking for popular routes when regular quotas are sold out. You book online under the 'Foreign Tourist Ticket Booking' option and enter each passenger's passport number-seats are limited, so it's best for high-demand trains.
2
Read the fine print: Foreign Tourist Quota tickets can cost around 1.5x normal fare and IRCTC adds a per-ticket fee, so it's a 'pay a bit more to actually get a seat' tool-worth it for tight itineraries.
Last verified: 2025-12-05