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.

Documents required

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form. 

A minimum gap of 2 months is mandatory between visits as tourists to India

( Please see Frequently asked questions on Tourist visa)

 Business Visa

Business Visa is granted to a foreign national who wants to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture, or wants to purchase/sell industrial products in India.  Registration is required within 14 days of arrival if stay exceeds beyond 180 days.

Documents required

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form (all the columns of the form are mandatory and must be filled)

v     An original signed letter from the company in Germany explaining the nature of business and duration of visit.

v     A signed Letter of invitation from an Indian company on their official company letter head clearly stating the purpose and duration for which visa is requested.

 ( Please see Frequently asked questions on Business visa)

Journalist Visa (J-Visa)

Given to professional journalists and photographers. Visa is granted for a period up to three months. Those interested in making documentaries in India, may contact Indian Embassy Berlin or respective Consulates as per jurisdiction. 

Journalists and photographers are granted only Journalist visa irrespective of the purpose of visit.

Documents required

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form

v     Letter from the employer stating the purpose of travel.

v     An undertaking stating that the applicant will not do any media or media-related work during his/ her stay in India.

v     Clearance from Information and Press Section of Embassy of India, Berlin or concerned Consulates.

Student Visa

Student visas are given to bona fide students to pursue regular studies at recognized institutions in India. Valid for the period of study as approved by the educational institutions in India or to a maximum period of five years. Registration is required within 14 days of arrival in India, if period of stay is more than 180 days.

Documents required

v     Valid Passport to cover duration of course with at least two blank pages.

v      Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Letter of admission from a recognised Indian educational institution with duration of the course.

v     Document showing financial support for the tuition fee and stay in India.

v     Permission from Parents to study abroad for applicants below18  years

Conference visa (C)

Visas for conferences can be issued only after clearance from competent authority.

Documents required

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages

v     Two Recent identical Passport size photographs.

v     Filled Visa Application Form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled)

v     A copy of the signed Letter of Invitation for the Conference from organisers in India.

v     A copy of the letter from the Institution represented in Germany.

v     A copy of event clearance from competent authorities in India.

Medical visa (M)

A Medical visa is given for a medical treatment. The visa is granted up to one year with triple entries and registration is required within 14 days of arrival.

Documents required

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v      Relevant letters signed and stamped from the hospital concerned in India.

Medical escort visa (MX)

A Medical Escort visa is given to those who are accompanying a patient. Maximum of two escorts are permitted with a patient. Visa is granted up to one year with triple entries. Registration is required within 14 days of arrival in India. 

 Documents required

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v      Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form (all columns of the form are mandatory and must be filled).

Research visa ( R)

Research Visas are given to Research Professors or Scholars. Visa is for three years or for the duration of the research project, whichever is earlier.

Documents required

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Submission of subject of research along with the application

v     Original admission letter of recognized university. (emails or photocopies of admission letters will not be accepted)

v     Evidence of financial resources.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

Transfer of long-term visa

For transferring a long term visa from an old passport to a new passport, applicants are required to submit the old passport which holds the valid Indian Visa and the current valid passport.

v     Filled in application.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Existing Indian visa should be valid for more than 30 days on the day you apply for Transfer of visa.

Entry Visa

An Entry Visa is given for a specific purpose (volunteer work, unpaid internships, yoga, Vedic courses, Mountaineering etc). Registration is required within 14 days of arrival in India if the stay is more than 180 days.

Documents required

v      Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v      Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v      Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v      Admission letter from recognized institutions for courses like yoga, Vedic culture, Indian dance & Music.

v      For Mountaineering clearance from competent authorities in India.

v      Invitation letter from the organization/agency based in India and a letter from the concerned institute in Germany for persons going for voluntary work. For students letter from their institutions and letter of financial guarantee either from parents or Bank.

Employment Visa

Employment visa is granted to a foreigner who wants to take up an employment in India. Visa is granted for a duration of the employment or to a maximum period of two years whichever is less by the Embassy of India Berlin or respective Consulates. Registration is required within 14 days of arrival if employment visa is more than 6 months.

Employment visa will not be extended by the Embassy or the Consulates in Germany. Extension of Employment visa needs to be done in India by the FRROs/MHA.

Documents required

v      Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v      Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v      Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v      Proof of employment or contract or engagement by the company/organization etc. in India

v      Letter issued by the company in Germany. Details of the assignment, terms and conditions, contract signed with Indian companies etc.

v      Documentary proof of educational qualifications or professional expertise. 

( Please see Frequently asked questions on Employment visa)

Transit Visa

Transit visa  (TR)

A transit visa is granted to travel through India to reach ultimate destination. The visa will be valid for entry within 15 days of date of issue for a maximum stay of 3 days. For a stay in India beyond 3 days, an appropriate visa should be obtained.

Documents required

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs

v     Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Evidence of onward travel outside India - confirmed air ticket for onward journey.

Visa for Pakistani passport holders

v     Five sets of specific application forms for Pakistani nationals with one identical photo on each form.

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     A notarised invitation from relative(s) in India with a photo ID.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

Visa for German/Foreign passport holders of Pakistani origin

v    Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v    Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v    Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v    Relevant documents as per visa category.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

Visa for Bangladeshi passport holders

v     Specific application form for Bangladeshi nationals in triplicate (3 copies), One photograph on EACH form as per specification (please specify the route, port of entry)

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Relevant documents to be submitted with application.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

German/Foreign Passport Holders of Bangladeshi Origin

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Relevant documents as indicated under Visa categories.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

 Visas for Afghanistan passport holders

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Relevant documents as indicated under Visa categories

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

German / Foreign passport holder of Afghanistan Origin

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.

v     Two recent identical passport-size photographs.

v     Filled application form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Relevant document as indicated under visa categories.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

Visa for Sri Lankan passport holders

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages

v     Two Recent identical Passport size photographs.

v     Filled Visa Application Form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Additional information form.

v     Relevant document as indicated under visa categories.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa is granted only after clearance from the competent authority.

Visa for German/Foreign nationals of Sri Lankan origin

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages

v     Two Recent identical Passport size photographs.

v     Filled Visa Application Form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Additional information form.

v     Relevant document as indicated under visa categories.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

Visa for  Chinese passport holders

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages

v     Two Recent identical Passport size photographs.

v     Filled Visa Application Form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Additional information form.

v     Relevant document as indicated under visa categories.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.

Visa for German/Foreign nationals of Chinese origin

v     Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages

v     Two Recent identical Passport size photographs.

v     Filled Visa Application Form (all columns in the form are mandatory and must be filled).

v     Relevant document as indicated under visa categories.

There is an additional referral fee of Euro 27 per application.

Visa will be issued only after clearance is received from the competent authority.