Embassy of India, Berlin

Consular Services

Tourist Visa

Persons wishing to visit India as tourists, or for meeting friends and relatives, will be given six months tourist visas. Tourist visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. Travel agents who have to visit India frequently are, however, eligible for tourist visas of a longer duration.

Fees: 50 EUR (6 months, multiple entries) / 80 EUR (1 year, multiple entries) / 160 EUR (5 years, multiple entries)

Journalist Visa (J-Visa)

Journalists can obtain single entry visas valid for three months. They should submit documentary proof to visit India, i.e. an employment card or original letter from a reputed news / media agency where they are working or by the office which has given them the assignment in India.

The initial three-month-period can be extended by applying to: Publicity Officer, XP Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001 (e-mail usxps@meadev.gov.in, phone +91 11 23383462, fax +91 11 23387075).

Journalists travelling to India to work in any branch office of foreign media / TV can obtain an entry J-Visas directly on application to the Embassy, on production of the letter of appointment by the foreign media / TV office. This is applicable also to journalists replacing correspondents in India.

Fees: 50 EUR (3 months, single entry) / 50 EUR (6 months, multiple entries)

Business Visa

Visitors travelling to India on business can obtain business visas valid for up to 6 months. Longer term business visas, valid for up to 5 years with multiple entries, can also be granted to frequent travellers and technicians / experts going to India, in pursuance of bilateral agreements or joint-venture projects having the approval of the Government of India.

Business visa applicants should enclose copies of documents from their head office giving details about the purpose of their visit to India. A specific letter of invitation by the firm or organization in India will help speeding up the processing of the application .

Fees: 50 EUR (6 months, single entry) / 80 EUR (1 year, multiple entries) / 160 EUR (5 years, multiple entries)

Entry Visa

For all other purposes, entry visas can be obtained. These will be granted depending on the purpose of visit and eligibility, on a case by case basis.

Fees: 50 EUR (6 months, single entry) / 80 EUR (1 year, multiple entries) / 160 EUR (5 years, multiple entries)

Employment Visa

Employment visas can be obtained on furnishing proof of employment with companies in India.

Fees: 50 EUR (6 months, single entry) / 80 EUR (1 year, multiple entries) / 160 EUR (5 years, multiple entries)

Student Visa

Student visas can be obtained on furnishing proof of admission to recognized universities / institutions in India. Student visas are valid for 5 years or the duration of the course of study (whichever is less).

Fee: 93 EUR (multiple entries)

Transit Visa

Transit visas can be obtained for halts in India en route to other destinations. Normal Duration of stay in India: maximum 72 hours. Transit visas should be obtained from the embassy or a consulate before departure since they are not available at airports in India.

Fee: 12 EUR

OVERSEAS CITIZENS OF INDIA SCHEME
In pursuance of the Prime Minister of India’s statement, Citizenship Act 1955 has been amended to extend the scope of OCI to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) of all nationalities other than Pakistan and Bangladesh that allow dual citizenship under their local laws in some form or the other. Citizenship Rules, 1956 have been amended to simplify the procedure and application form for grant of OCI registration. Necessary amendments have also been carried out in the Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920 and Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 to spell out the following benefits to registered OCIs

• Multi-purpose, multi entry, lifelong visas for visiting India.
• Exemption from registration with Foreigners Regional Registration officer / Foreigners Registration Officer for any length of stay in India.
• Parity with NRIs in respect of all facilities to the latter in economic, financial and educational fields except in matters relating to the acquisition of agricultural/plantation properties.

Such registered OCIs shall not be entitled to the rights conferred on a citizen of India under article 16 of Constitution with regard to equality of opportunity in matters of public employment, election to Constitutional offices like President/Vice president/Judges of Supreme Court or High Courts/Members of Parliament or Legislative Assembly/Council or right to vote under Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Every registered OCI will be issued a registration certificate which is printed like an Indian passport in different colour and an OCI visa sticker will be pasted in the person’s foreign passport. These two documents will have the photograph of the individual and all necessary security features.
The method for applying for the OCI is given in detail in the MHA web site. German nationals of Indian origin who are eligible for the OCI would be required to pay Euro 240/- (Two hundred and forty only). In case the application is rejected Euro 22/- (twenty two only) will be deducted as processing charges. PlO card holders, who are otherwise eligible - refer eligibility in web site of MHA) will be required to pay Euro 22/- (Euro twenty two only) and submit a copy of his/her PlO card along with other documents and the application for the OCI registration.