Tourist Visa

Tourist Visa

A Tourist Visa is granted to foreigners who do not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole purpose of visiting India is sight-seeing, recreation, meeting friends or relatives, attending a short-term yoga programme (not exceeding 6 months and not issued with a qualifying diploma or certificate), or short-duration medical treatment, including treatment under Indian systems of medicine.

Validity and Stay

A Tourist Visa may be granted for a validity of up to 5 years. The maximum continuous stay permissible on this visa is 90 days during each visit.
Tourist Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible, except in limited circumstances.

Documents Required

1	Completed and signed visa application form, with the photograph uploaded vertically.
2	Original passport, valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
3	Two photographs (2” x 2”). Photographs larger than this may be cut to the required size. If you do not have two photographs identical to the one uploaded online, provide your latest, closely matching photographs. Detailed photograph specifications are available here.
4	Visa fee as per the fee schedule. Fee can be paid using a debit card at the Consulate.
5	For non-New Zealand nationals and those holding dual nationality: additional form, completed and signed.
6	For minor applicants: see Additional Documents in case of Minor Applicants.

Biometric Requirement

Enrolment of biometric features is required when applying for a Tourist Visa with a validity of more than 1 year and/or for a multiple-entry Tourist Visa. Biometric enrolment, once done, is valid for 5 years. Applicants below 12 years or above 70 years of age are exempt from biometric enrolment.

Important Notes

The earlier requirement of a two-month gap between two visits on a Tourist Visa has been done away with for most countries, including New Zealand.
A foreigner coming to India on any type of visa is allowed to undertake the activities permitted under a Tourist Visa.
Cruise passengers: all persons travelling to India on board a cruise ship are advised to obtain a Tourist Visa in advance. Write “Cruise Trip to India” clearly in bold on top of the application, and request double, triple or multiple entries depending on the number of entries required at Indian ports.
Foreigners of Indian origin, their spouses and children are advised to apply for an Entry Visa instead of a Tourist Visa, in their own interest, as the Entry Visa carries fewer restrictions.
All Persons of Indian Origin may also consider applying for an OCI Card, which, among many other benefits, facilitates easy and visa-free travel to India for life, besides ensuring economy of expenditure in the long run.