FAQ’s on Visa Consular Services

FAQ’s on Visa

FAQ on Visa

Q.My old passport with ‘valid Indian visa’ is lost. How can I  get fresh visa on new passport?

A.Same category visa can not be re-issued, even on different passport, to an applicant during the validity of existing visaFresh visa will be issued only when first visa has either expired or is lost (Police report of lost passport is required).

 Q. What is eligible criteria to get Indian Tourist Visa ?

A. Indian Tourist visa is granted to a foreigner whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight seeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, attending a short term yoga programme, short duration medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine etc. and no other purpose/ activity (Short term yoga programme means a yoga programme not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/ diploma etc.)

Processing Time : If everything are in order (i.e documentation etc.) it will take 4-5 working days for US Passport holder (excluding VFS mailing time). 

Q. My Passport will be expiring soon/running out of pages which has valid Indian visa in it (and I already applied for my new Passport), Can I travel on valid visa on my old Passport ?

A: Yes, your Visa is valid till it expiry date, but while traveling you have to carry this old Passport with valid visa along with your new Passport.

Q. I am holding dual nationality (i.e. Pakistan & USA) & also holding two Passports (i.e Pakistan & USA), on which Passport I need to apply for Visa ?

A. Pakistani nationals holding dual nationality must apply only on their Pakistani Passports.

 Q. I am holding dual nationality (i.e. Pakistan & USA), but holding only one Passport (i.e. USA), which documents are required to apply Visa ?

A. USA passport holders of Pakistani origin must submit their visa application form along with:

a. Certificate of Renunciation of Pakistani Citizenship

b. US passport with valid Pakistani visa OR Copy of the Pakistan Overseas Card

Q. I am Pakistani Passport holder, Can I choose my entry port in India & book the flight tickets accordingly ?

A. No, you can not choose your entry Ports in India & book tickets until a visa decision has been made.

Q. I have applied for Indian visa for my minor Son/Daughter, Should my son/daughter needs to be present at VFS center for interview ?

A. No need for child to be present. Please submit notarized parental authorization signed by both parents along with other documents to process the visa.

 Q. What is authentic website of E-Visa ?

A. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

Q. Can I book my Air Ticket before getting the visa?

A. No bookings or travel arrangements should be confirmed until a visa decision has been made. Consulate will not be responsible for any loss of bookings made in anticipation of obtaining a Visa.

Q. If my visa is issued, from when does the validity begin?

A. The validity of the visa begins from the date it is issued and not from the date of your departure mentioned on the application form.

Q. What are the Emergency Visas?

A. Please visit our website and follow these steps :

HomeConsular ServicesVisa ServicesEmergency Visa

Q. Can I send my visa application directly to Consulate ?

A. No

Q. I have only one blank page left in my passport, can I apply for visa ?

A. No, for Visa minimum two blank pages in passport is required.

Q. I want to visit Sikkim/Arunachal Prades in India, how to get Restricted/Protected Area Permission ?

OR

Q. How to get Restricted/Protected Area Permission ?

A. Foreign nationals intending to visit a place falling in the Protected/ Restricted Area in India, may submit an application for the grant of Protected/Restricted Area Permit to Concerned offices in particular Indian states OR nearest Indian Mission/Post. This requirement is in addition to getting an Indian visa. It will take shorter time, if the traveler apply for RAP from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) /Resident Commissioners of the Concerned State Govt. through nearest metropolitan City OR through travel/tour operators in India. If traveler apply in Indian Mission/Post abroad, it will take around 5-6 weeks to process. For more details please visit: https://mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/AnnexVII_01022018.pdf

Q. Is there any restrictions on Indian Tourist Visa holder to re-entry in India within 2 months ?

A. With effect from January 24, 2013, the gap of two months required between visits to India of a foreign national on a Tourist Visa would be applicable only in the case of nationals of Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, foreigners of Pakistan origin and Stateless persons.

Q. I am traveling to Nepal via Delhi, do I need Indian transit Visa ?

A. Transit visa is not required by a foreigner passing through, in direct transit by air, and traveling onward through India, provided he/she does not leave the specified precincts of the airport. A transit visa is not required by a foreigner who does not leave the ship while it halts at an Indian port.

Q. I am an Artist visiting India to Participate in Painting Exhibition or Music show on Charitable basis (not Paid performance), which visa should I apply ?

Entry Visa : Those going to India for Charitable performances e.g an artist going for painting exhibition, musician for musical shows etc on charitable basis have to apply for Entry Visa.

Business Visa : Those going to India for short term paid performances e.g an artist going for painting exhibition, musician for musical shows etc have to apply for Business Visa.

Employment Visa : Those going to India for long term paid performances e.g an artist going for painting exhibition, musician for musical shows etc have to apply for Employment Visa.

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