Kara Sears
India's visa regulations are considered strict by some, particularly when it comes to the entry of skilled foreign workers. The Indian government has set a minimum salary threshold of $25,000 per annum for employment visas, which has been a barrier for foreign nationals seeking employment in India. In addition, India does not have an internship visa concept for foreign nationals. Nationals of certain countries may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa online, while others must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission. India has also implemented specific visa requirements for Pakistani citizens and those with Pakistani heritage, demonstrating a nuanced approach to visa regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa-free entry | Nationals of two countries do not need visas or passports to enter India and may live and work without any limit on stay. |
| Visa-on-arrival | Nationals of 180 countries can get a visa on arrival. |
| E-visa | Nationals of Afghanistan can apply for six categories of electronic visas. From 1 April 2017, e-visas were granted under three categories: tourist, business, and medical. The application window was increased to 120 days, and the duration of stay to 60 days. |
| Visa requirements | Visitors must obtain a visa unless they come from a visa-exempt country. Nationals of certain countries may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa online, while others must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission. |
| Visa exemption | Indian citizens holding valid US visas can enter Mexico without a Mexican visa. |
| Visa reciprocity | India has achieved full reciprocity in visa-free or e-visa privileges with some countries or regions. |
| Employment visas | The Indian government has set a minimum salary threshold of $25,000 per annum for granting employment visas to skilled overseas workers. |
| Internship visas | India does not have a concept of internship visas for foreign nationals. |
| Visa violations | India may imprison, fine, or deny entry to travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa-on-arrival for 180 countries
India does have strict visa laws, with visitors required to obtain a visa unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. Nationals of certain countries may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa online, while others must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission. In 2014, Indian intelligence agencies approved visa-on-arrival for up to 180 countries, utilising the Immigration, Visa and Foreigners' Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) system. This system is based on a prior online application, modelled after the Australian Electronic Travel Authority system.
The visa-on-arrival process is designed to be smooth and quick, with applications approved within three days. Prospective visitors must pay a fee and submit the required documents, which vary depending on the country. Typically, a visa on arrival is issued for short-term purposes, such as tourism, and is valid for 14 to 30 days. However, it cannot be used for extended stays, work, or accessing government benefits in the host country.
India's e-Visa scheme has undergone liberalisation, simplification, and rationalisation, with an expanded list of eligible nationalities and arrival ports. The e-Visa is valid for 60 days and can be applied for up to four months in advance. It is available under three categories: tourist, business, and medical.
It is important to note that India takes violations of its immigration laws very seriously. Travellers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may face imprisonment, fines, or denial of entry. Additionally, there are specific travel advisories and restrictions for certain areas within India, such as the Naxalite-affected regions and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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E-visa categories and requirements
India's visa laws are considered strict, with visitors required to obtain a visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country. Nationals of certain countries may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa online, while others must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission.
The e-Visa facility is an entirely online application with no need for facilitation by an intermediary or agent. Applicants requiring assistance may call the 24/7 helpline number (+91-11-24300666) or send an email to indiatvoa [at] gov [dot] in for any queries. The e-visa is non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for visiting protected, restricted, or cantonment areas. The application process may take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and applicants must provide correct information and take responsibility for its correctness. The passport used by the applicant should have at least six months of validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer. The applicant must travel on the same passport on which the e-Visa has been applied. Biometric details of the applicant will be mandatorily captured at immigration on arrival in India. Nationals of Yellow Fever-affected countries or travellers arriving from these countries must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card upon arrival.
The e-Visa is granted under three categories: tourist, business, and medical. The e-visa categories have the following requirements and sub-categories:
- E-Tourist Visa: This visa is for international travellers whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, a casual visit to meet friends and relatives, attending a short-term yoga programme, short-term courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, or voluntary work. It is offered for 30 days, one year, or five years.
- E-Business Visa: This visa is for international travellers whose sole purpose for visiting India is business.
- E-Medical Visa: This visa is for international travellers seeking medical treatment in India, including treatments under Indian systems of medicine.
- E-Medical Attendant Visa: This visa is for those who will be accompanying an e-Medical visa holder during their visit to India.
- E-Conference Visa: This visa is for international travellers attending a conference, seminar, or workshop organized by a ministry or department of the Government of India, State Governments, or UT Administrations. The required documents for this visa include an invitation from the organizer, political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, and event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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Visa exemptions
India has signed visa exemption agreements with several countries, although they are not yet in force. Nationals of these countries holding ordinary passports may apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) at certain airports. The visa on arrival is issued to visitors for business, tourism, medical, or conference purposes, for a stay of up to 60 days, at a cost of ₹2,000.
However, visitors are not eligible for this facility if they or any of their parents or grandparents were born in or have permanently resided in Pakistan. In such cases, they must apply for a visa at an Indian diplomatic post. The VOA facility can be used up to two times in a calendar year. Alternatively, foreign nationals eligible for a VOA can apply for an e-Visa if they plan to enter the country through an airport or seaport not covered by the VOA scheme.
In 2014, India approved visa-on-arrival access for up to 180 countries, modelled after the Australian Electronic Travel Authority system. The program was expected to apply to all international airports, with a fee to be paid by prospective visitors, and the electronic visa granted within three days. Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan were excluded from this program.
In 2016, the Indian government further simplified its visa regime, increasing the number of eligible nationalities by 11 and the list of arrival ports from 16 to 24 airports and 3 seaports. The e-visa window was increased from 30 to 120 days, and the duration of stay was extended from 30 to 60 days, with double entry on e-tourist and e-business visas and triple entry on e-medical visas.
Additionally, Pakistani citizens over 65 who wish to meet friends or family can obtain a 45-day visa upon arrival at the Attari-Wagah Checkpoint with a sponsorship certificate from their contacts in India. This scheme does not apply to those wishing to visit Punjab, Kerala, and Restricted Areas or who have been previously denied an Indian visa.
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Employment visas for skilled overseas workers
India has strict visa laws, and visitors must obtain a visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country. Nationals of certain countries may obtain a visa on arrival or an e-Visa online, while others must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission. Nationals of two countries are exempt from visas and passports and may live and work in India without any limit on their stay. However, they must not have travelled to or from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Pakistan before entering India.
Foreign nationals with a valid Overseas Citizen of India card or a Person of Indian Origin card are also exempt from visa requirements and may live and work in India indefinitely. Additionally, foreign nationals with an expired Person of Indian Origin card that expired after 9 January 2015 may enter India without a visa.
In February 2014, Indian intelligence agencies approved visa-on-arrival for up to 180 countries due to the new possibilities provided by the Immigration, Visa, and Foreigners' Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) system. The system is based on a prior online application modelled after the Australian Electronic Travel Authority system.
The Indian government offers employment visas to skilled overseas workers who meet specific requirements. Here are the key details about the employment visa process for skilled foreign nationals seeking to work in India:
- Foreign nationals seeking to work in India must obtain an employment visa, which can be issued from their country of origin or domicile (excluding India) if they have resided there for more than two years.
- The employment visa is specifically for individuals taking up employment in India as coaches of national/state-level teams or reputed sports clubs.
- Family members or dependents of a foreigner who is granted an employment visa are eligible for an Employment Dependent Visa.
- Individuals wishing to engage in honorary work (without a salary) with registered NGOs in India are also eligible for an Employment Visa. In such cases, they may receive an honorarium of up to Rs. 10,000 per month.
- Applicants must submit proof of their employment with the registered NGO in India.
- The employment visa application process typically involves submitting the necessary documentation, including proof of employment and meeting the eligibility criteria.
- The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an employment visa may vary, and it is recommended to refer to the official Indian government sources or diplomatic missions for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Visa requirements for Pakistani citizens
India has strict visa laws for Pakistani citizens. Visa processing for Pakistani citizens can take anywhere between 15 and 90 days. The visa fee for Pakistani passport holders for all types of visas is PKR 100/-. The visa is also city-specific and usually allows travel to only five places during each visit. The visa is valid from the date of its issue and not from the date of entry into India.
Pakistani citizens over the age of 65 who wish to meet friends or family can obtain a 45-day visa upon arrival at the Attari-Wagah Checkpoint. However, they must provide a sponsorship certificate from their contacts in India, attesting that they will be responsible for the visit. This scheme does not apply to those who wish to visit Punjab, Kerala, and Restricted Areas or those who have been denied an Indian visa before.
For other visa types, Pakistani citizens must submit a 2x2 inch photograph with a white background and a full-frontal view on the Visa Application form before submission. Hand-filled visa application forms are not accepted. The application process also varies depending on the applicant's employment status. For example, employees of the Pakistani government must obtain permission from the Head of their Department or a copy of clearance from the competent authority. On the other hand, employees in the private sector must provide a letter from their organization detailing their designation, duration of service, and address.
It is important to note that visitors with passports from or who have resided in Pakistan are not eligible for e-Visas and must apply at an Indian diplomatic post.
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Frequently asked questions
India has a visa-on-arrival policy for nationals of certain countries, while others must obtain a visa from an Indian diplomatic mission. Nationals of two countries do not need visas or passports to enter India. India also offers e-visas, which can be used for arrival at specific airports and seaports.
India has strict visa regulations that act as a barrier for skilled foreign workers seeking employment in the country. The Indian government has set a minimum salary threshold of $25,000 per annum for granting employment visas to skilled overseas workers. This limit also applies to women from different countries who work in modelling, advertising, or films.
US government employees working in India are required to obtain permission before travelling to most areas in certain states, such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. They are advised not to cross the India-Nepal border due to the risk of immigration-related detentions and fines. Violations of Indian immigration laws can result in imprisonment, fines, or denial of entry.
Pakistani citizens over 65 years of age can obtain a 45-day visa upon arrival at the Attari-Wagah Checkpoint if they have a sponsorship certificate from their contacts in India. However, this scheme does not apply to those who wish to visit certain restricted areas or those who have been previously denied an Indian visa. Pakistani citizens are also ineligible for e-visas.
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