Tourist Visa - India Visa Requirements
A Tourist visa is given to those visiting India for tourism or other non-business related purposes.
Persons of Indian Origin, his/her spouse and dependent children will be granted only an Entry visa and should not apply for a Tourist visa. Applicants volunteering, working with charities or working with non-profit organizations must apply for an Employment visa.
5 year and 10 year Tourist visas are available only to US citizens under a bilateral arrangement.
There should be a gap of at least 2 months between two separate visits to India on a Tourist visa. For Tourist visa holders who wish to visit India within 2 months of their last visit, an application for a Permit to Re-enter India is necessary. No Permit is needed if the visa holder is traveling to multiple countries on the same itinerary and the trip follows the itinerary exactly. The visa holder must carry a copy of the itinerary to show the Immigration Officer.
All non-US passport holders are only eligible for up to a Six (6) month Tourist visa.
Irrespective of the duration of validity of visa, on each visit maximum period of stay in India is limited to 6 months (180 days). Please note the visa is valid beginning on the day it is issued. So a 6 Month visa issued on January 1 would be valid until June 30.
- Application: Complete the online India Visa Application.(must be submitted on 2 sheets of paper) After the application has been completed, you must print and sign the application.
- Passport: Passport must have a minimum validity of six months from the date of application with at least two blank visa pages. Last 2 amendment pages are not acceptable. Must be the actual passport not a copy because your visa will be stamped in the actual passport.
- Photographs: 2 latest identical passport size photographs (black/white or color) depicting front pose against light background on photographic paper. No glasses are allowed to be worn in the photo. Follow the instructions on the India Visa Application on how to affix the photos to the application.
- Minor Applicants: Minor applicants must have a copy of the vital page(s) containing the picture and signature page of both parents signed passports.
- Proof of Address: Applicants must submit a photocopy with proof of residence/address that matches the present address on the visa application exactly. Photocopy of state issued ID (Driver License or ID), or major utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Sewage) must be submitted.
The following items are not accepted: cell phone bill, credit card statement, bank statement or lease. The address cannot include a P.O. box. - Copy of Birth Certificate: A photocopy of the birth certificate or any government issued document that shows parents name, date of birth and nationality. Depending on your nationality at birth, these are the documents that are accepted.
- US Born: Only birth certificates are accepted for applicants born in the US.
- Indian Born: Those born in India can use their birth certificate, old Indian passport or school leaving certificate.
- All Others: Those not born in the US or India should submit a birth certificate or any government document from the country of origin that has parents name, date of birth and nationality. Must be translated into English and notarized.
You should not send the originals - we cannot be responsible for original documents. - Tourist Visa Prohibitions: Applicants who meet the following criteria should apply for an Entry visa, NOT a Tourist visa:
- Persons of Indian origin.
- Spouse and dependent children of a person of Indian origin.
- Spouse and dependent family members of a foreign national coming to India on long term visa such as Employment, Business, Research or Student.
- Green Card Holders: Applicants who are not Citizens of USA, but hold long term US visa or a Green Card should submit a copy of the visa or the Green Card. Do not send the original Permanent Residence Card/Green Card. Peninsula Visa cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to original Permanent Residence Card/Green Card (Non US Citizens - Permanent Resident/Green Card Holders Only)
- Short Term Visa Holders: Applicants who are not citizens/residents of the USA and hold a tourist or other short-term visa for the USA should normally apply for Indian visas in the country of their permanent residence. In case of emergency or special circumstance, an application could be made at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC or Consulates General of India in the USA. In addition to the relevant visa fee there is a reference fee of $20.00 for reference to be made to the country of their original residence. Such cases have a minimum processing time of one to two weeks, and some cases may take longer. (Non US Citizens - Short Term Visa Holders Only)
- Special Pakistan Application: In addition to the requirements above, Special Visa application form (https://www.indian-visa.com/pdf/Pakistan.pdf) should be filled in by citizens of Pakistan (4 copies with 4 photos). (Pakistan Citizens Only)
- Special Bangladesh Application: In addition to the requirements above, Special Visa application form (https://www.indian-visa.com/pdf/Bangladesh.pdf) should be filled in by citizens of Bangladesh (2 copies with 2 photos). (Bangladesh Citizens Only)
- Sri Lanka Additional Form: One copy of the Sri Lanka Addition Form which is available here: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/pdf/Sri_Lanka_Form.pdf (Sri Lanka Citizens Only)
- Persons of Sri Lankan Origin: One copy of the Sri Lanka Additional Form which is available here: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/pdf/Sri_Lanka_Form.pdf
- Dual Citizenship: Applicants who have dual citizenship with the US and another country must apply on their US passport if living in the US. The exception is for Pakistani nationals who must apply for a visa on their Pakistani passport and complete the extra Pakistan application and requirements. (Non US Citizens Only)
Pakistan nationals and persons of Pakistani origin
Processing of visa requests by Pakistani nationals as well as persons of Pakistani origin takes a minimum of 6 weeks. It can take longer as the matter is examined by the concerned authorities in India. The Embassy/Consulate will promptly convey the decision on their application to the applicant as soon as it is received from New Delhi. You are requested to be patient and not make enquiries in this regard by phone, email, personal visit, fax or letters, which, due to constraints, we will not be able to respond to. You may rest assured that we will, on our own, pursue your case.
Sri Lanka nationals and persons of Sri Lankan origin
For Sri Lankan nationals and those of Sri Lankan origin, the visa process takes time. The Embassy/Consulate will promptly convey the decision on their application to the applicant as soon as it receives required approvals. You are requested to be patient and not make enquiries in this regard by phone, email, personal visit, fax or letters, which, due to constraints, we will not be able to respond to. You may rest assured that we will, on our own, pursue your case.
Non-US citizens and Naturalized US citizens
US citizens who require a reference and all Non-US citizens have a minimum processing time of one to two weeks, and some cases may take longer.
Non-refundable tickets or reservations should not be purchased until all visas and passports are secured and in your possession.