MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

MANUAL FOR
VISA PROCESS
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Contents

MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS.................................................................................................1

WHAT IS A VISA?...................................................................................................................3
TYPES OF VISA.......................................................................................................................5
.............................................................................................................................................................17
E-VISA APPLICATION PROCESS.......................................................................................18
APPLY ONLINE..............................................................................................................18
PAY EVISA FEE ONLINE..............................................................................................18
RECEIVE ETA ONLINE.................................................................................................18
FLY TO INDIA................................................................................................................18
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA.................................................................................19
THREE STEP REGULAR VISA APPLICATION PROCESS...............................................19
VISA PROVISION..................................................................................................................22
REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR A VISA...........................................................................24
VISA PROCESSING TIME....................................................................................................27
VISA FEES..............................................................................................................................27
AUTHORITIES FOR GRANTING THE VISA- THE SELECTION OF AUTHORITIES ,
TERMINATION ETC.............................................................................................................27
RULES AND REGULATIONS: - FOR APPLICANTS AND PASSPORT OFFICERS.......44
EXTENSION OF VISA...........................................................................................................49
GUIDELINES FOR PHYSICAL REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN NATIONALS AT THE
FRRO’S....................................................................................................................................58
RULES GOVERNING MOVEMENT & STAY OF FOREIGN NATIONALS IN INDIA...62
REASONS WHY YOUR VISA GET REJECTED.................................................................63
APPLICATION FORM...................................................................................................................70
APPEAL:SECTION OF REFUSAL ACC TO PASSPORT ACT..........................................71
SEC-11. APPEAL FOR PASSPORT REFUSAL-..................................................................74
APPELLATE AUTHORITIES,-..............................................................................................75
FEE PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF APPEAL.-.......................................................................76
PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY APPELLATE AUTHORITY.-..............................77
PENALTIES REGARDING VISA..........................................................................................77
WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERSTAY MY INDIAN VISA?.......................................................78
CAN I STAY IN INDIA AFTER MY VISA EXPIRES?............................................................80
FAQS ON E-VISAS................................................................................................................82
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

FAQS ON GENERAL VISA MATTERS (APPLICABLE FOR ALL TYPES OF VISA)....86

FAQS ON TOURIST VISA.....................................................................................................87
FAQS ON BUSINESS VISA...................................................................................................88
FAQS ON VISA EXTENSION...............................................................................................89
FAQ RELATING TO WORK RELATED VISAS ISSUED BY INDIA................................91
ANNUXURE 1-.......................................................................................................................94
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

WHAT IS A VISA?

A visa (from the Latin charta visa, meaning "paper that has been seen") is a conditional
authorization granted by a territory to a foreigner, allowing them to enter, remain within, or to
leave that territory. Visas typically may include limits on the duration of the foreigner's stay,
areas within the country they may enter, the dates they may enter, the number of permitted
visits or an individual's right to work in the country in question. Visas are associated with the
request for permission to enter a territory and thus are, in most countries, distinct from actual
formal permission for an alien to enter and remain in the country. In each instance, a visa is
subject to entry permission by an immigration official at the time of actual entry, and can be
revoked at any time. A visa most commonly takes the form of a sticker endorsed in the
applicant's passport or other travel document.

Historically, immigration officials were empowered to permit or reject entry of visitors on

arrival at the frontiers. If permitted entry, the official would issue a visa, when required,
which would be a stamp in a passport. Today, travellers wishing to enter another country
must often apply in advance for what is also called a visa, sometimes in person at a consular
office, by post, or over the internet. The modern visa may be a sticker or a stamp in the
passport, or may take the form of a separate document or an electronic record of the
authorization, which the applicant can print before leaving home and produce on entry to the
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

visited territory. Some countries do not require visitors to apply for a visa in advance for
short visits.

Visa applications in advance of arrival give countries a chance to consider the applicant's
circumstances, such as financial security, reason for travel, and details of previous visits to
the country. Visitors may also be required to undergo and pass security or health checks upon
arrival at the port of entry. Some countries require that their citizens, as well as foreign
travellers, obtain an "exit visa" to be allowed to leave the country.

Uniquely, the Norwegian special territory of Svalbard is an entirely visa-free zone under the
terms of the Svalbard Treaty. Some countries—such as those in the Schengen Area—have
agreements with other countries allowing each other's citizens to travel between them without
visas. The World Tourism Organization announced that the number of tourists requiring a
visa before travelling was at its lowest level ever in 2015.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

TYPES OF VISA
Each country typically has a multitude of categories of visas with various names. The most
common types and names of visas include:

VISA
VISA
METHOD
METHOD
PURPOSE
PURPOSE OF
OFISSUE
ISSUE
Transit
Transit On
OnArrival
Arrival
Visa
Visa

Short
ShortStay
Stay Electronic
Electronic

Long
LongStay
Stay

Immigrant
Immigrant

Official
Official

1. BY PURPOSE:-

A. Transit visas

For passing through the country of issue to a destination outside that country. Validity of
transit visas are usually limited by short terms such as several hours to ten days depending on
the size of the country or the circumstances of a particular transit itinerary.

 Airside transit visa, required by some countries for passing through their airports even
without going through passport control.

 Crew member, steward, or driver visa, issued to persons employed or trained on

aircraft, vessels, trains, trucks, buses, and any other means of international
transportation, or ships fishing in international waters.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Transit Visa for Republic of Kenya

B. Short-stay or visitor visas

Private
Tourist Visa
Visa
Private
Visa
Visa
forVisa
Working Medica
for
Holiday Visa l
Medica
Reasonl
s
Reason
s
Athleti
c/Artis
Athleti
tic c/Artis
Visa
tic Visa

Digital
Noma
Digital
d Visa
Noma
d Visa

Refuge Pilgrimage
e Visa
Refuge Visa
e Visa

For short visits to the visited country. Many countries differentiate between different reasons
for these visits, such as:

 Private visa, for private visits by invitation from residents of the visited country.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 Tourist visa, for a limited period of leisure travel, no business activities allowed.

Tourist entry visa to the People's Republic of China

 Visa for medical reasons, for undertaking diagnostics or a course of treatment in the
visited country's hospitals or other medical facilities.

 Business visa, for engaging in commerce in the country. These visas generally
preclude permanent employment, for which a work visa would be required.

 Working holiday visa, for individuals travelling between nations offering a working
holiday program, allowing young people to undertake temporary work while
travelling.

 Athletic or artistic visa, issued to athletes and performing artists (and their supporting
staff) performing at competitions, concerts, shows, and other events.

o Cultural exchange visa, usually issued to athletes and performing artists

participating in a cultural exchange program.

 Refugee visa, issued to persons fleeing the dangers of persecution, a war or a natural
disaster.

 Pilgrimage visa: this type of visa is mainly issued to those intending to visit religious
destinations, as for example in Saudi Arabia or Iran, and to take part in particular
religious ceremonies. Such visas can usually be obtained relatively quickly and at low
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

cost; those using them are usually permitted to travel only as a group, however. The
best example is Hajj visas for Saudi Arabia.

 Digital nomad visa, for digital nomads who want to temporarily reside in a country
while performing remote work. Thailand launched its SMART Visa, targeted at high
expertise foreigners and entrepreneurs to stay a longer time in Thailand, with online
applications for the visa being planned for late 2018. Estonia has also announced plans
for a digital nomad visa, after the launch of its e-Residency program.

C. Long-stay visas

Student Temporaray
Visa
Student Work Visa
Visa

Residen
Asylum Visa
ce Residen
Visa
ce Visa

Journali
Research Visa
st Journali
Visa
st Visa

Visas valid for long term stays of a specific duration include:

 Student visa (F-1 in the United States), which allows its holder to study at an
institution of higher learning in the issuing country. The F-2 visa allows the student's
dependents to accompany them in the United States.

o Research visa, for students doing fieldwork in the host country.

 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 Temporary worker visa, for approved employment in the host country. These are
generally more difficult to obtain but valid for longer periods of time than a business
visa. Examples of these are the United States' H-1B and L-1 visas. Depending on a
particular country, the status of temporary worker may or may not evolve into the
status of permanent resident or to naturalization.

o Journalist visa, which some countries require of people in that occupation

when travelling for their respective news organizations. Countries that insist
on this include Cuba, China, Iran, Japan, North Korea, Saudi Arabia,
the United States (I-visa), and Zimbabwe.

 Residence visa, granted to people obtaining long-term residence in the host country.
In some countries, such as New Zealand, long-term residence is a necessary step to
obtain the status of a permanent resident.

 Asylum visa, issued to people who have suffered or reasonably fear persecution in
their own country due to their political activities or opinion, or features, or association
with a social group; or were exiled from their own country.

D. Immigrant visas

Spouse Family Member

Visa
Spouse Visa
Visa

Marriage
Pensioner Visa
Visa
Marriage
Visa

Granted for those intending to settle permanently in the issuing country (obtain the status of a
permanent resident with a prospect of possible naturalization in the future):
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 Spouse visa or partner visa, granted to the spouse, civil partner or de facto partner of a

resident or citizen of a given country to enable the couple to settle in that country.

 Family member visa, for other members of the family of a resident or citizen of a

given country. Usually, only the closest ones are covered:

o Parents, often restricted to helpless ones, i. e. those who, due to their elderly
age or state of health, need supervision and care;

o Children (including adopted ones), often restricted to those who haven't

reached the age of maturity or helpless ones;

o Often also extended to grandchildren or grandparents, where their immediate

parents or children, respectively, are for whichever reason unable to take care
of them;

o Often also extended to helpless siblings.

 Marriage visa, granted for a limited period before intended marriage or conclusion of
a civil partnership based on a proven relationship with a citizen of the destination
country. For example, a German woman wishing to marry an American man would
obtain a Fiancée Visa (also known as a K-1 visa) to allow her to enter the United
States. A K1 Fiancée Visa is valid for four months from the date of its approval.

 Pensioner visa (also known as retiree visa or retirement visa), issued by a limited

number of countries (Australia, Argentina, Thailand, Panama, etc.), to those who can
demonstrate a foreign source of income and who do not intend to work in the issuing
country. Age limits apply in some cases.

E. Official visas

These are granted to officials doing jobs for their governments, or otherwise representing
their countries in the host country, such as the personnel of diplomatic missions.

 Diplomatic visas are normally only available to bearers of diplomatic passports.

 Courtesy visas are issued to representatives of foreign governments or international

organizations who do not qualify for diplomatic status but do merit expedited,
courteous treatment – an example of this is Australia's special purpose visa.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

2. BY METHOD OF ISSUE:-

Normally visa applications are made at and collected from a consulate, embassy, or other
diplomatic mission.

A. On-arrival visas

Also known as visas on arrival (VOA), they are granted at a port of entry. This is distinct
from visa-free entry, where no visa is required, as the visitor must still obtain the visa on
arrival before proceeding to immigration control.

 Almost all countries will consider issuing a visa (or another document to the same
effect) on arrival to a visitor arriving in unforeseen exceptional circumstances, for
example:

o Under provisions of article 35 of the Schengen Visa Code, [13] a visa may be
issued at a border in situations such as the diversion of a flight causing air
passengers in transit to pass through two or more airports instead of one. In
2010, Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted, causing significant disruption
of air travel throughout Europe, and the EU responded by announcing that it
would issue visas at land borders to stranded travellers.

o Under section 212(d)(4) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, [14] visa

waivers can be issued to travellers arriving at American ports of entry in
emergency situations or under other conditions.

o Certain international airports in Russia have consuls on-duty, who have the
power to issue visas on the spot.

 Some countries issue visas on arrival to special categories of travellers, such as

seafarers or air crew.

 Some countries issue them to regular visitors; there often are restrictions, for example:

o  Belarus issues visas on arrival in Minsk international airport only to

nationals of countries where there is no consular representation of Belarus.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

o  Thailand only issues visas on arrival at certain border checkpoints. The

most notable crossing where visas on arrival are not issued is the Padang
Besar checkpoint for passenger trains between Malaysia and Thailand.

   Countries that issue visas or permits on arrival as a general rule for all arriving visitors

   Countries that issue visas or permits on arrival to a selected group of nationalities

 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

B. Electronic visas

An electronic visa (e-Visa or eVisa) is stored in a computer and is linked to the passport
number so no label, sticker, or stamp is placed in the passport before travel. The application
is done over the internet, and the receipt acts as a visa, which can be printed or stored on a
mobile device.

   Countries granting electronic visas universally

   Countries granting electronic visas to select nationalities

   Countries requiring electronic registration from most visa exempt visitors (excluding Australian
eVisitor)

Russia maintains an eVisa program for visitors from certain countries arriving to Russian Far
East, Saint Petersburg, Leningrad Region and Kaliningrad Region. Which is temporarily
suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Authorities of Belarus, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Japan, Kazakhstan, Liberia, South
Africa, and Tunisia have announced plans to introduce electronic visas in the future.
These lists are not exhaustive. Some countries may have more detailed classifications of
some of these categories reflecting the nuances of their respective geographies, social
conditions, economies, international treaties, etc.
In some countries that exempt visitors of certain nationalities from visa requirements, it is
still necessary to receive prior authorization before arriving by air. These travel
authorizations typically last for several years, and can be used multiple times. Airlines are
required to verify that all passengers without a visa have obtained authorization before
departure, or risk fines and the cost of a returning a passenger to their country of origin.
 Australia requires visitors from certain countries to obtain an eVisitor or Electronic
Travel Authority (ETA) before travel, and offers electronic visas to all others.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 Canada requires all international visitors arriving by air who do not require a visa,
except for United States nationals, to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (or
eTA) before arrival.

 New Zealand requires all international visitors from Visa waiver countries to apply
for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and International Visitor Conservation and
Tourism Levy (IVL) before arrival.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 The United States has an internet system called Electronic System for Travel

Authorization (or ESTA), but this is a security pre-screening only and does not
technically qualify as a visa under US immigration law.

 The European Union is planning to adopt a system known as the European Travel

Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for all non-EU citizens who are
currently visa-exempt prior to their travel, to be implemented in 2020.
MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

E-VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

1
Apply online
Upload Photo and Passport Page

2
Pay eVisa fee online
Using Credit / Debit card / Payment Wallet

3
Receive ETA Online
Electronic Travel Authorization/ETA Will be sent to your e-mail

4
Fly To India
Print ETA and present at Immigration Check Post where eVisa will be stamped on passport.

Advisory
Government of India makes no provision of charging of any emergency fees or additional
fees for grant of any emergency / express e-visa.
Those travelling to India are also advised to go through instructions available on the website
of Bureau of Immigration at https://boi.gov.in.

eVisa is admissable only under the following categories:

1. e-Tourist Visa

2. e-Business Visa

3. e-Conference Visa
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

4. e-Medical Visa

5. e-Medical Attendent Visa

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA

 Passport, in original, with a minimum validity of six months as on the date of
submission of application for visa. The passport should have at least two blank pages.
Copy of the passport (first four pages and endorsement of extension of validity if any)
should be attached

 One recent passport-size colour photograph depicting full face.

 Proof of Residence: Either a copy of National ID Card or Utility Bill such as

electricity, telephone or water bill

 Proof of Profession: Certificate from the employer. In case of students, copy of

Identity card from the educational institution is to be attached.
 Proof of Financial soundness: Endorsement of foreign currency equivalent to US
$150/- per applicant or copy of international credit card or updated bank statement
showing sufficient balance to finance travel to India.

THREE STEP REGULAR VISA APPLICATION

PROCESS
1
Apply Online
Fill and Submit Visa Application Form Securely.
2
Submit Documents
Submit your application with required
documents at Indian Visa Application Center or at Indian Mission.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

3
Receive Passport, visa
Collect your passport/visa from
Indian Mission/Visa Application Center
or by post.
Applicants may fill the online application form by going to the tab placed below. Once the
form is filled and submitted, applicant must print the completed application form and sign
and submit the physical copy along with the supporting documents and the Passport to the
concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly at the Indian Mission on the
scheduled appointed date. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the
appointment can be seen at Instructions for Regular Visa Application.

Type of Visa Entry – Documents required Extendable i

Period for which Single (S), with application India
granted Multiple (M),
Double
Tourist 5 years M - No
Transit 15 days S/ Double Return/ onward No
journey ticket
Business 5 years M Documents to Yes
prove bonafide
purpose (
Company’s letter etc.)
Employment 1 year/ period of M Proof of employment Yes
contract (appointment document),
terms and conditions
Student Period of course/ 5 M Proof of admission in Indian Yes
years Institution
Foreigners of 5 years M Proof of being Yes
Indian Origin of Indian Origin
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Intern Duration of the Single/Doubl -Letter from the Non-extendable

Internship or One year, e/Multiple Indian company/ (Registration
whichever is less educational institution required withi
/NGO concerned 14 days o
sponsoring the arrival wit
foreign national for concerned FRO
internship programm
e clearly indicating
the period of internship.
Film Duration of the Single/Doubl -Copy of detailed Yes
shooting of the film as e/Multiple shooting script in
per schedule submitted case of feature film
or One year, whichever and detailed concept in case
is less of TV show/serial - Details
of visiting film crew and
locationof film shooting.
- Letter of intentregarding
the
shooting of thefilm in India
mentioning the production
schedule particularsof the
cast and crew
coming to India for the
purpose of shoot
,Chosen locationn, list of
film
equipment and other
relevant details.
The status of Visa Application can be seen on the link for  Visa Enquiry.
The applicants are also requested to visit website of the Indian Mission concerned for
detailed information about Indian visa.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

VISA PROVISION
If visa is for more than 180 days, registration is compulsory within 14 days’ of arrival in India.

REQUIREMENT OF IDENTIFICATION PAPERS TO ESTABLISH THEIR IDENTITY AS

NEPALESE OR INDIAN FOR PERSONS ENTERING INDIA OR NEPAL FROM EITHER
COUNTRY BY AIR

Instructions have been issued whereby Nepalese and Indian citizens, while travelling by air, between
the two countries must be in possession of any of the following documents to prove their nationality:

1. Valid national passport

2. Valid photo identity card issued by the Government of India / State Government or UT
Administration / Election Commission of India

3. Emergency certificate issued by the Embassy of India, Kathmandu to Indians and by the
Embassy of Nepal in Delhi in respect of Nepalese citizens
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR A VISA

 The first and the most basic step for the application of visa is to fill an online
application form for a visa. This is usually available in a separate government
website for the country that one is applying for.

 The form requires the person to fill out all personal details and background
information in order to gather the most basic demographic details about the
person such as the address, age, gender, family history etc.

 For example, if a person was applying for a visa to India, then they must first
visit the website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in in order to fill the required
online application form for the visa.

 After that has been done, all the required documents must also be scanned and
attached along with the form. This also includes a photo of the candidate
applying in the required file format to also be furnished. This would also be
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

checked in the airport by the concerned authorities when the person does in
fact go to the country in question.

 After the online form has been filled the applicant will receive and application
number with the form and will also be asked if he/she wants to schedule an
appointment with the authorities now. If the person does choose to do so, the
next step is a thorough interview and background check which takes place
when the appointment has been scheduled and the payment for the
appointment has also been completed. If we are to use the example of India,
the appointment is to be booked with the Indian Missions Abroad, where an
appointment will be scheduled for the candidate and some questions will be
asked from the candidate regarding his general background.

 In cases of some countries, the background check might be more thorough and
might also be done twice through two appointments. Furthermore, a few also
has to be submitted for the whole process and for the booking of an
appointment separately. Also, in some cases, the person might also have to
give the name of a nominee, which has to be a person already residing in the
country in question. This is not usually applicable in the case of travel or
tourist visas but it is asked in case of visas with longer stay such as work visas
or student visas.

 After the appointment has been completed and there is no need for any
additional background checks, as stated by the concerned authorities, then the
application is considered as approved with regards to your application number.

 Following the approval of the application, the visa process is completed and
the person is issued a proper visa which can be shown at during the bearer
arrival to the concerned country and the person is free to travel to that country
for which he/she obtained the visa for the fixed amount of time, as stated in
the visa itself.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 The process as it has been outlined does take a long time as there are several
points in between where the concerned country is simply processing the
required documents before giving the approval and the permission for the next
step. However, if the concerned documents have been submitted properly and
all the steps are followed, then it should not be too difficult to at least obtain a
travel visa, as the other visas are more thorough with their background checks
and the process takes even more time.

 In the case of work visas, for example, the registration process has to go
through the company that the person has been employed with. Therefore, at
the first stage, the person has to submit the concerned documents to their
employers so that they may file an application for a work visa. Following this,
the person has to separately file an online application under work visa and has
to coordinate with his/her employers in order to get access to the work visa.
This is because the concerned authorities simply wish to verify that the
application is legitimate and not fraudulent, therefore, they first schedule an
appointment with a nominee from the company and thereafter schedule the
appointment with the one seeking the visa.

 In the case of student visas as well, the process is similar to what has been
stated under the process for a work visa. For a student visa, the person has to
first submit the concerned documents to the university that he/she has been
enrolled into and thereafter the university will further confirm his/her
documents and then act as a nominee for the student that is applying.
Following this, the student must file a separate online application, as it has
been stated above and submit the concerned documents as well. The rest of the
process is similar to the aforementioned.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

VISA PROCESSING TIME

1. Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the
Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa
depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases.

VISA FEES
1. The fee depends upon the type of applied for and it's duration of visa. Visa fee is divided into
various types depending upon the case viz; basic fee, special fee, processing fee by out-sourcing
agency. During the online registration process, at the end of the process the basic fee shall be
displayed. However, this fee shall be indicative only and final fee shall be charged while submitting
the application at the respective counters Fee once received are non refundable even if the visa
application is withdrawn, the visa is not granted, or if visa issued is of shorter duration of period than
applied for or otherwise issued or returned at a time or on terms and conditions that may vary from
those sought by the applicant. For further information on this, please check with local embassy office
or Indian Visa Application center office or websites for information on applicable fee and payment
methods.

AUTHORITIES FOR GRANTING THE VISA-

THE SELECTION OF AUTHORITIES ,
TERMINATION ETC.
Definition of Passport authorities:
In passport act 1967:
Sec 2(c) "passport authority" means an officer or authority empowered under rules made
under this Act to issue passports or travel documents and includes the Central Government;
In passport rules 1980:
Sec 3. Passport authorities. - (1) In addition to the Central Government, the officers specified
in column (2) of Schedule I shall, subject in the provisions of sub-rule (2), be the passport
authorities for all purposes of the Act and these rules.
(2) [An officer referred to in column (2) of Schedule 1 shall, for the purpose of issue of a
passport or travel document, exercise jurisdiction in respect of applications for such issue
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

made by persons residing anywhere in India including the territories specified in the
corresponding entries in column 3 of the said Schedule.]

[SCHEDULE I]
Sl. No. Passport authorities Jurisdiction
(1) (2) (3)
1. Passport Office, Ahmedabad The districts of Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad Rural,
(a) Passport Officer Amreli, Anand, Aravalli, Banaskantha, Bharuch,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Bhavnagar, Botad, Chhota Udaipur, Dahod,
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gandhinagar, Gir Somnath,
(d) Senior Superintendent Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kheda, Kutch, Mehsana,
(e) Superintendent Mahisagar, Morbi, Panchmahal, Patan,
Porbandar, Rajkot, Rajkot Rural, Sabarkantha,
Surendranagar, Vadodara, Vadodara Rural in the
State of Gujarat and the Diu in the Union
territory of Daman and Diu.
2. Passport Office, Amritsar The districts of Firozpur, Faridkot, Muktsar,
(a) Passport Officer Taran, FazilkaAmritsar, Tarn
in the State of Punjab
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
3. Passport Office, Bengaluru All districts in the State of Karnataka
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(c) Assistant Passport Officer

(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
4. Passport Office, Bareilly The districts of Bareilly, Budaun, Etah, Bijnor,
(a) Passport Officer Moradabad, Rampur, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Mainpuri, Firozabad, Sambhal (Bheem Nagar),
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Kashganj and Jyotiba Phule Nagar in the State of
(d) Senior Superintendent Uttar Pradesh.
(e) Superintendent
5. Passport Office, Bhopal All districts in the State of Madhya Pradesh
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
6. Passport Office, Bhubaneswar All districts in the State of Odisha
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
7. Passport Office, Chandigarh The districts of Barnala, Bhatinda, Ludhiana,
(a) Passport Officer Fategarh Sahib, Patiala, Mansa, Sangrur,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Rupnagar and
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Ropar in the State of Punjab, the districts of
(d) Senior Superintendent Ambala, Bhiwani, Hissar, Jind, Karnal, Sirsa,
(e) Superintendent Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panipat, Yamuna Nagar,
Panchkula and Fatehabad in the State of Haryana
and the Union territory of Chandigarh.
8. Passport Office, Chennai The districts of Chennai, Chingelput (E),
(a) Passport Officer Kanchipuram, Krishnagiri, Cuddalore,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Villupuram, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai,
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Tiruvallur, Vellore in the State of Tamilnadu and
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(d) Senior Superintendent

(e) Superintendent Karaikkal in the Union territory of Puducherry
9. Passport Office, Cochin The districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki,
(a) Passport Officer Thrissur, Ernakulam, Palakkad in the State of
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
10. Passport Office, Coimbatore The districts of Coimbatore, Salem, Erode,
(a) Passport Officer Nammakkal, Nilgiris, Tirupur in the State of
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Tamil Nadu
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
11. Passport Office, Dehradun All districts in the State of Uttrakhand
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
12. Passport Office, Delhi All districts in the Union territory of Delhi and
(a) Passport Officer the districts of Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonepat,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Jhajjar, Rohtak, Mahendergarh, Mewat Nuh,
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Palwal and Rewari in the State of Haryana.
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
13. Passport Office, Ghaziabad The districts of Agra, Mathura, Aligarh,
(a) Passport Officer Bulandshahr, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bagpat,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Hathras and Gautam
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Budh Nagar, Shamli and Hapur in the State of
(d) Senior Superintendent Uttar Pradesh.
(e) Superintendent
14. Passport Office, Guwahati All districts in the State of Arunachal Pradesh,
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(a) Passport Officer Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya and

(b) Deputy Passport Officer Nagaland.

(c) Assistant Passport Officer

(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
15. Passport Office, Hyderabad All districts in the State of Telangana
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
16. Passport Office, Jaipur All districts in the State of Rajasthan.
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
17. Passport Office, Jalandhar The districts of Jalandhar, Kapurthala,
(a) Passport Officer Nawanshahar, Hoshiarpur, SBS Nagar,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Moga in the State of
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Punjab.
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
18. Passport Office, Jammu The districts of Jammu, Poonch, Kathua, Doda,
(a) Passport Officer Rajouri, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi
(b) Deputy Passport Officer ofand Samba in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir.
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
19. Passport Office, Kolkata All districts in State of West Bengal, Tripura and
(a) Passport Officer Sikkim
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(c) Assistant Passport Officer

(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
20. Passport Office, Kozhikode The districts of Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur
(a) Passport Officer and Kasargod in the State of Kerala.
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
21. Passport Office, Lucknow The districts of Allahabad, Ambedkar Nagar,
(a) Passport Officer Amethi (Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Nagar),
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Auraiya, Azamgarh, Bahraich, Ballia,
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Balrampur, Banda, Barabanki, Basti, Chandoli,
(d) Senior Superintendent Chitrakoot, Deoria, Etawah, Faizabad,
(e) Superintendent Farrukhabad, Fatehpur, Gazipur, Gonda,
Gorakhpur, Hamirpur, Hardoi, Jalaun, Jaunpur
district, Jhansi, Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat
(Ramabai Nagar), Kanpur nagar, Kanshi Ram
Nagar, Kaushambi, Kushinagar, Lakhimpur
Kheri, Lalitpur, Lucknow, Maharajganj,
Mahoba, Mau, Mirzapur, Pratapgarh, Raebareli,
Sant Kabir Nagar, Sant Ravidas Nagar,
Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, Sitapur, Sonbhadra,
Sultanpur, Unnao, Varanasi in the State of Uttar
Pradesh
22. Passport Office, Madurai The districts of Madurai, Theni, Sivaganga,
(a) Passport Officer Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Ramanthapuram,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Thoothukudi, Tiruneveli and Kanyakumari in the
(c) Assistant Passport Officer State of Tamil Nadu
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
23. Passport Office, Malappuram Malappuram district in the State of Kerala
(a) Passport Officer
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(b) Deputy Passport Officer

(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
24. Passport Office, Mumbai The Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
(a) Passport Officer and Daman in the Union territory of Daman and
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Diu and the districts of Mumbai, Ratnagiri,
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Sindhudurg, Aurangabad, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nasik,
(d) Senior Superintendent Mumbai suburban, Raigad, Thane, Palghar
(e) Superintendent Nandurbar in the State of Maharashtra
25. Passport Office, Nagpur The districts of Amravati, Akola, Bhandara,
(a) Passport Officer Buldhana, Chandrapur, Hingoli, Gadchiroli,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Gondia, Nagpur, Washim, Wardha, Yavatmal in
(c) Assistant Passport Officer the State of Maharashtra.
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
26. Passport Office, Panaji All districts in the State of Goa
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
27. Passport Office, Patna All districts in the State of Bihar.
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
28. Passport Officer, Pune The districts of Ahmednagar, Beed, Jalna,
(a) Passport Officer Kolhapur, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Parbhani,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Pune, Sangli, Satara and Solapur in the State of
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Maharashtra.
(d) Senior Superintendent
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(e) Superintendent
29. Passport Office, Raipur All districts in the State of Chhattisgarh
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
30. Passport Office, Ranchi All districts in the State of Jharkhand
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
31. Passport Office, Shimla All districts of the State of Himachal Pradesh
(a) Passport Officer
(b) Deputy Passport Officer
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
32. Passport Office, Srinagar The districts of Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla,
(a) Passport Officer Badgam, Kargil, Bandipora, Sopore, Kulgam,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Ganderbal, Shopian, Kupwara, Leh Laddakh and
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Pulwama in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
33. Passport Office, Surat The districts of Dang, Narmada, Navsari, Surat
(a) Passport Officer City, Surat Rural, Tapi (Vyara), Valsad in the
(b) Deputy Passport Officer State of Gujarat.
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
34. Passport Office,The districts of Kollam City, Kollam Rural,
Thiruvananthapuram Pathanamthitta, Thiruvananthapuram City,
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(a) Passport Officer Thiruvananthapuram Rural in the State of

(b) Deputy Passport Officer Kerala.

(c) Assistant Passport Officer

(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
35. Passport Office, Tiruchirappalli The districts of Tiruchirappalli, Karur,
(a) Passport Officer Perambalur, Ariyalur, Nagappattinam,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Pudukkottai in the
(c) Assistant Passport Officer State of Kerala
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
36. Passport Office, Vijayawada The districts of Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam,
(a) Passport Officer Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur and
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Kurnool in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
(c) Assistant Passport Officer
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
37. Passport Office, Visakhapatnam The districts of Godawari (West), Godawari
(a) Passport Officer (East), Srikakulam, Rajhbnudry, Yanam,
(b) Deputy Passport Officer Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam in the State of
(c) Assistant Passport Officer Andhra Pradesh.
(d) Senior Superintendent
(e) Superintendent
38. Indian Taipei Association,Taiwan
Taiwan
(a) Director General
(b) Deputy Director General
(c) Assistant Director
39. Andaman NicobarThe Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar
Administration, Port Blair Islands.
(a) Chief Secretary
(b) Secretary (Passport)
(c) Deputy Commissioner
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(d) Assistant Secretary (Passport)

40. Consular Officer or ConsularThe area within the consular jurisdiction of the
Agents in the Indian Missions orIndian Mission or Post concerned.
Posts outside India
41. Consular, Passport and VisaWhole of India in respect of diplomatic, official
Division (CPV Division), Ministryand ordinary passport.
of External Affairs, New Delhi
I. O/o Joint Secretary (Passport
Seva Project) and Chief Passport
Officer
(a) Joint Secretary (PSP) & CPO
(b) Director
(c) Deputy Secretary
(d) Under Secretary
(e) Section Officer
II. O/o Joint Secretary (Consular,Whole of India in respect of diplomatic and
Passport, Visa) official passports
(a) Joint Secretary (CPV)
(b) Director
(c) Deputy Secretary
(d) Under Secretary
(e) Section Officer
42. Any other Officer as may beArea to be specified by the Central Government
designated by the Centralfrom time to time.
Government from time to time.

Duties and Powers of Passport Authority:

 The Central Government shall, prescribe the classes of persons to whom the classes of
passports and travel documents may be issued under the passport Act,1967.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 Issue the passport or travel documents with endorsement, or, as the case may be,
make on the passport or travel document the endorsement, in respect of the foreign
country or countries specified in the application.

 Issue the passport or travel document with endorsement, or, as the case may be, make
on the passport or travel document the endorsement, in respect of one or more of the
foreign countries specified in the application and refuse to make an endorsement in
respect of the other country or countries.

 Refuse to issue the passport or travel document or, as the case may be, refuse to make
on the passport or travel document any endorsement.

 Where the passport authority makes an order for issue of passport on the application
of any person, it shall record in writing a brief statement of its reasons for making
such order and furnish to that person on demand a copy of the same unless in any case
the passport authority is of the opinion that it will not be in the interests of the
sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India
with any foreign country or in the interests of the general public to furnish such copy.

 The passport authority shall refuse to make an endorsement for visiting any foreign
country on any one or more of the following grounds, and no other ground, namely: -
a) that the applicant may, or is likely to, engage in such country in activities prejudicial
to the sovereignty and integrity of India:
b) that the presence of the applicant in such country may, or is likely to, be detrimental
to the security of India;
c) that the presence of the applicant in such country may, or is likely to, prejudice the
friendly relations of India with that or any other country,
d) that in the opinion of the Central Government the presence of the applicant in such
country is not in the public interest.
 The passport authority shall refuse to issue a passport or travel document for visiting
any foreign country on any one or more of the following grounds, and on no other
ground, namely: -
a) that the applicant is not a citizen of India.,
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

b) that the applicant may, or is likely to, engage outside India in activities
prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.,
c) that the departure of the applicant from India may, or is likely to, be
detrimental to the security of India;
d) that the presence of the applicant outside India may, or is likely to, prejudice
the friendly relations of India with any foreign country;
e) that the applicant has, at any time during the period of five years immediately
preceding the date of his application, been convicted by a court in India for
any offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced in respect thereof to
imprisonment for not less than two years;
f) that proceedings in respect of an offence alleged to have been committed by
the applicant are pending before a criminal court in India;
g) that a warrant or summons for the appearance, or a warrant for the arrest, of
the applicant has been issued by a court under any law for the time being in
force or that an order prohibiting the departure from India of the applicant has
been made by any such court;
h) that the applicant has been repatriated and has not reimbursed the expenditure
incurred in connection with such repatriation;
i) that in the opinion of the Central Government the issue of a passport or travel
document to the applicant will not be in the public interest.
 Passport authority for reasons to be recorded in writing can extend the period of
passport.

 The passport authority may vary or cancel the endorsements on a passport or travel
document or may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, vary or
cancel the conditions (other than the prescribed conditions) subject to which a
passport or travel document has been issued.

 The passport authority may, on the application of the holder of a passport or a travel
document, and with the previous approval of the Central Government also vary or
cancel the conditions (other than the prescribed conditions) of the passport or travel
document.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 The passport authority may impound or cause to be impounded or revoke a passport

or travel document,-
a. if the passport authority is satisfied that the holder of the passport or
travel document is in wrongful possession thereof;
b. if the passport or travel document was obtained by the suppression of
material information or on the basis of wrong information provided by
the holder of the passport or travel document or any other person on
his behalf;
[Provided that if the holder of such passport obtains another passport the passport authority
shall also impound or cause to be impounded or revoke such other passport]
c. if the passport authority deems it necessary so to do in the interests of
the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly
relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the
general public;
d. if the holder of the passport or travel document has, at any time after
the issue of the passport or travel document, been convicted by a court
in India for any offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced in
respect thereof to imprisonment for not less than two years;
e. if proceedings in respect of an offence alleged to have been committed
by the holder of the passport or travel document are pending before a
criminal court in India.
f. if any of the conditions of the passport or travel document has been
contravened;
g. if the holder of the passport or travel document has failed to comply
with a notice under sub-section (1) requiring him to deliver up the
same;
h. if it is brought to the notice of the passport authority that a warrant or
summons for the appearance, or a warrant for the arrest, of the holder
of the passport or travel document has been issued by a court under
any law for the time being in force or if an order prohibiting the
departure from India of the holder of the passport or other travel
document has been made by any such court and the passport authority
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

is satisfied that a warrant or summons has been so issued or an order

has been so made.
 The passport authority may also revoke a passport or travel document on the
application of the holder thereof.

 No suit, prosecution or other, legal proceeding shall lie against the Government or any
officer or authority for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done
under the passport Act 1967.

 The Central Government may issue, or cause to be issued, a passport or travel

document to a person who is not a citizen of India if that Government is of the
opinion that it is necessary so to do in the public interest.

 The Central Government has the power to delegate its functions.

 Power to exempt:
Where the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient in the public
interest so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette and subject to such conditions,
if any, as it may specify in the notification,-
a. exempt any person or class of persons from the operation of all or any of the
provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder; and
b. as often as may be, cancel any such notification and again subject, by a like
notification, the person or class of persons to the operation of such provisions.

 Collection of fees.

 Refund of fees.

 Inspection of passport or travel document.

 The Central Government has the power to make new rules by a notification in official
gazette.
Recruitment of passport officers:
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Passport officsrs are recruited by the ministry of external affairs , government of India
through posting different vacancies for different areas and different posts.
Skills:
 Use communication techniques
Apply techniques of communication which allow interlocutors to better understand each
other and communicate accurately in the transmission of messages.
 Check official documents
Check an individuals' official documentation, such as driver's licenses and identification, to
ensure compliance with legal regulations, and to identify and assess individuals.
 Process applications
Deal with requests for passports and other travel documents such as certificates of identity
and refugee travel documents in accordance with policy and legislation.
 Keep records of passports
Keep track of the passports and other travel documents such as certificates of identity and
refugee travel documents which have been already issued.
 Monitor customer service
Ensure all employees are providing excellent customer service in accordance to company
policy.
 Comply with legal regulations
Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and
adhere to its rules, policies and laws.

Optional knowledge and skills:

 use different communication channels liaise with colleagues.
 tolerate stress.
 keep task records. 
 listen actively.
 think analytically. 
 create solutions to problems.
 respond to enquiries. 
 use microsoft office.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

 show empathy.
 ensure proper document management.

RULES AND REGULATIONS: - FOR

APPLICANTS AND PASSPORT OFFICERS

Indian Visa: - Rules and Regulations

 All foreign nationals intending to visit India require obtaining Indian Visa from Indian
Missions abroad. It is recommended to contact the Embassies of India, High
Commissions of India and the Consulate Generals of India near you for up-to-date
information on acquiring a visa to visit India.
 When the purpose of visiting India is limited to sightseeing, recreation and/ or paying
a casual visit to a friend/ relative in India, Government of India grants tourist visa to
non-Indian nationals having neither residence nor occupation in India. Undertaking
any other activity on a tourist visa is cognizable.
 Besides tourist visa, one can acquire a business visa, employment visa, student visa,
entry visa, and transit visa from one of the Indian missions abroad.
 In the normal course, Government of India grants tourist visa for not more than 6
months, that too on non-extendable and non-convertible basis. Any application for
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

extension in period of visa validity is considered taking into account the citizenship of
the applicant and his/ her financial status.
 A group of travellers not lesser than four in number travelling using the services of a
recognized travel agency can get a collective tourist visa.
 An interval of at least 2-months is mandatory between any two visits to India on a
tourist visa unless the travel is part of the same itinerary, which the traveller must
carry along and show to the Immigration Officer on demand. In case, an international
traveller requires visiting India within 2 months of his/ her last visit, a permit to re-
enter India must be applied for with the concerned Indian Mission.
 Visa on Arrival Scheme in India - In addition to the regular visa, Indian
Government offers "Visa to India on arrival" to citizens of select 180 countries. The
citizens of these countries can avail the facility of electronic Tourist Visa (eTV) as
late as just 04 days in advance from the anticipated date of arrival in India.
 The eTV application process is super easy. The process is all of four steps. Apply
for Indian visa online; pay the visa fee online using credit/debit card; get an electronic
tourist visa on email in next 03 consecutive working days, and carry a print of the
eTV while travelling to India.
 eTV enjoys a 30-days window from the date of arrival in India-  In other words,
eTV should be applied only when the intention is to visit India purely for recreation,
sightseeing, meeting friends/ relatives, short-term medical treatment or a casual
business-related visit that is not to last for more than 30 days.
 eTV is electronic travel authorization-  that allows an international traveller to get
an entry in India through either of its 16 designated international airports, including
Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Amritsar,
Cochin, Goa, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trivandrum, Tiruchirapalli and Varanasi. Upon
arrival in India, the traveller needs to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA).
 eTV facility is NOT available to the international travellers holding an official/
diplomatic passport, international travel documents or those travelling on the passport
of parent or spouse. eTV cannot be availed more than twice in a calendar year. It
authorizes single entry only and does not include permission to visit restricted/
protected/ cantonment areas.
 The pre-requisites to carry for obtaining Visa on Arrival (VoA) include a passport
with at least two blank pages for stamping and validity of at least 6 months from the
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

date of arrival in India; 2 passport size photographs against white background without
shadows or blur; proof of enough funds to afford stay in India after arrival; and a
return ticket or ticket for onward journey.
Note: - The 180 countries that can avail this e-TV facility do not include Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, and Sudan. Check for more details indianvisaonline.gov.in

New visa rules Indian passport holders need to know:-

If you are an Indian passport holder and travel often, chances are that you have had to face
visa issues once or more.
As of 2018, 59 countries offer visa on arrival or visa-free travel to Indian passport holders.
But that is hardly any consolation, given that most countries in Europe and the Americas still
require you to get that visa stamped on your passport.
However, in what comes as slight relief to Indian passport holders, visa rules have been
relaxed a little.
There is a new set of visa rules in place and if you hold an Indian passport, this might ease
your travel a bit.
Take a look at the new rules:
1. If you're transiting through the international zone of any airport in France, you don't need
an airport transit visa any longer.
2. If you are travelling to Oman, you can now get a month-long tourist visa on arrival in the
country for an amount of 20 Omani Riyal (Rs 3,700). But this rule holds only if you reside or
hold an entry visa to the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan or Schengen states. Your spouse
and children accompanying you can also get a visa on arrival.
3. Travelling to Myanmar is now a cakewalk if you are planning to drive into the country.
You need to display your e-visa at the check post. The e-visa can be obtained in two days.
4. UAE is now granting a 10-year long-term visa to highly-skilled professionals and investors
who are willing to visit the country. These visas are granted to specialists in science,
medicine and research. Visas are also being granted to "exceptional students."
5. Israel has now cut down its visa fee for Indian passport holders from Rs 1,700 to Rs 1,100.
You need to apply for a visa in the B2 visa (business, tourism or meeting or conference)
category in order to avail the new price.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

6. Travelling to Uzbekistan from India is also easier now. Submit your e-visa application
three days before your trip. You can get a single-entry e-visa for a 30-day period.
7. UAE has announced new visa rules to promote tourism in the Emirates. Between July 15
and September 15 every year, UAE is offering visa-free travel to dependents below 18 years
who are accompanying you. This means if you are travelling to Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a
family holiday and have kids below 18 years, your kids travel visa-free.
8. In a bid to increase tourism in the country, Saudi Arabia is now issuing tourist visas to
women aged 25 and above even if they are visiting the country without being accompanied
by a man. This is the first time Saudi Arabia has relaxed visa rules on this front. The new visa
rules come after Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman promised a "moderate, open Islam" in
the country.
9. Japan is one of those Asian countries whose visa rules for Indian passport holders used to
be at par with probably the US or European countries. But Japan has now relatively eased
travel to the country for holders of Indian passport. If you are applying for a short-term stay
in Japan or a multiple-entry visa, you don't need to show an employment certificate or
explanation letter stating the reason for your visit. You need your visa application form along
with a valid and recent photograph and proof of your financial stability if you are travelling
for tourism purposes. If your trip to Japan is business-related, you need documents to prove
your affiliation to the enterprise.
10. Indian passport holders can now get visa on arrival in Zimbabwe. India is among the 28
countries that Zimbabwe has relaxed visa rules for.

YET TO BE IMPLEMENTED:-
If you are transiting through Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you can now obtain a free transit visa for
two days. The transit visa can be extended to four days from two at an additional cost of 50
Dirham (Rs 970).
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

EXTENSION OF VISA
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

WHAT IS VISA EXTENSION (India)?

If you are staying in India on a work or tourist visa and you acquire the need to stay longer,
you have to go through the necessary process in order to extend your stay. You need to get
the permission of the Foreigner’s Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs to grant you a
visa extension.
How to Apply for a Visa Extension in India
In normal circumstances, the extension of one’s visa is not allowed. But it can be done in
extraordinary cases. Note that extensions are usually applied for 15 days prior to the expiry
date. An Indian visa can be extended for up to 5 years, pending the approval of the agency.
To facilitate the extension, one need presents all his original travel and residential documents
such as a copy of the passport, resident permit, extended employment contract, income tax
return, marriage certificate, Pan Card, and proof of address. Four passport-sized pictures
should also be attacked along with the registration form.
However, please note that while visa extensions are applicable, foreigners are not allowed to
change their employer. If this is the case, the employee would have to go back to his home
country and reapply for a fresh Indian visa from there. The agency can only permit change of
employer in very limited cases.
The 5-year visa extension can be awarded to foreigners with Indian origins, including their
spouses and children. Foreigners that have lived continuously in the country for over 20 years
are also qualified for the 5-year visa extension. The elite group of technicians and experts
coming to India on a bilateral agreement is also given maximum visa extension, including
their children and spouses.
To extend your Indian visa, make a cover letter stating the reason why you have to stay or
visit longer, while indicating with your current status. An undertaking by the company and a
certificate of incorporation are also required. All the documents should be ready at least10
days before the expiration of visa to facilitate processing. Once approved, your stay in the
country becomes valid and you simply have to renew again when the expiry date nears.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

REQUIRMENTS FOR EXTENSION OF VISA

Extension requirements for foreign national:
Foreigners must submit application for extension of residential permit / visa at least 60 days
before the date of expiry of respective residential permit/visa.

Over stay:
In the event of overstay foreigner is liable for prosecution under Foreigners Act 1946 and
imprisonment up to 5 years with fine & expulsion from India.

Late Renewal of Residential Permit:

A foreigner who has delayed for renewal of RP, on application, if delay is condoned will be
charged a penalty in Indian currency equivalent to US $30/- for late renewal.

Report of absence from Registered Address

If at any time a foreigner proposes to be absent from his / her registered address for a
continuous period of eight weeks or more or change his / her registered address, then the
foreigner is required to inform in person or through an authorized representative or by
registered post to his / her Registration Officer of his / her intention to change his registered
address or to leave either temporarily or permanently the jurisdiction of the Registration
Officer. In case of return, the foreigner should inform the Registration Officer of the date of
return and in case the foreigner is moving away inform the change of address. Any changes
made subsequently should also be intimated to the Registration Officer. Every foreigner, who
stays for a period of more than eight weeks at any place in any district other than the district
in which his / her registered address is situated, shall inform the Registration Officer of that
district of his / her presence. This can be made in writing and the requirements deemed to
have been fulfilled if, prior to arrival the foreigner furnishes to the Registration Officer of the
said district intimating the dates of his proposed arrival and departure from the district

Change in Registered address:

A foreigner shall be deemed to have changed his registered address, if he changes his
residence from one place to another place in India and if having no residence, he leaves his
registered address knowing that he is not likely to return within six months of leaving it.
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Reports of other changes except address

Every foreigner is required to furnish to the Registration Officer of the district in which his
registered address is situated, particulars of any circumstances affecting in any manner the
accuracy of the particulars recorded in his certificate of registration within fourteen days after
the circumstance has occurred, and generally shall provide to the Registration Officer all
information as may be necessary for maintaining the accuracy of the certificate.

Surrender of certificates of registration on departure:

Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India shall surrender his certificate of
registration either to the Registration Officer of the place where he is registered or of the
place from where he intends to depart or to the Immigration Officer at the Port/Check post of
exit at the time of final departure from India. If the certificate is surrendered other than to the
Immigration Officer of the port or check post of exit, a receipt indicating such surrender of
the document may be obtained and shown to the Immigration Officer at the time of final
departure

Duplicate certificate of registration:

If any certificate of registration, issued under existing Acts / Rules is lost or destroyed, the
foreigner to whom it was issued, shall make or send to the Registration Officer of the district
of his registered address a report of circumstances in which it was so lost or destroyed along
with an application in writing and a copy of police report in order to issue a duplicate copy
of the certificate of registration.
DOCUMENTS TO BE PRODUCED FOR EXTENSION OF VISA
1. Medical Visa
2. Medical Attendant Visa
3. Student Visa
4. Employment Visa
5. Business Visa
6. (i) Entry (X) Visa for dependents of Employment Visa, Business Visa, Student & Research
Visa
(ii) Entry (X) Visa (Spouse or dependent of Indian citizen/Person of Indian Origin)
(iii) Entry (X) Visa (Others)
7. Journalist Visa
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8. Research Visa
9. Conference Visa
10. Project Visa
11. Missionary Visa
CERTIFICATES TO BE PRODUCED FOR REGISTRATION OF VISA
1. Bona fide Certificate .
2. Annual Salary Certificate. 3. Monthly Salary Certificate.

ACTS GOVERNING STAY OF FOREIGNERS IN

INDIA

All foreigners arriving and wishing to stay to in India have to fulfil certain regulatory
requirements. Following are the primary Acts and regulations which govern the stay and exit
of foreign nationals in India.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Acts dealing with stay and exit of

foreign nationals in the country

The Registration of
The Foreigners Act, 1946
Foreigners Act, 1939

The Registration of
The Foreigners Order, 1948
Foreigners Rules, 1992

The Foreigners Act regulates the entry of foreigners into India, their presence therein and
their departure therefrom whereas the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 and The
Registration of Foreigners Rule, 1992 mandates that certain categories of foreigners whose
intended stay in India is more than the specified period, or as provided in their visa
authorization, are required to get themselves registered with the Foreign Regional
Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreign Registration Officer (FRO).

Foreign nationals arriving in India must adhere to the registration rules and rules governing
their stay in the country.

a) Registration of Foreigners arriving in India

 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

All foreigner nationals visiting India on a long term visa (more than 180 days) have to
get themselves registered through to the Foreign Regional Registration Officer. For
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru the foreign nationals can register online at e-
FRRO online portal, https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp.

 Online FRRO Service is a delivery mechanism without requirement of visiting

FRRO/FRO office. No requirement of taking appointment and visiting
FRRO/FRO office unless specifically called upon by the FRRO/FRO.
 It is a Web based application aimed to build centralized online platform for
foreigners for visa related services. Its key objective is to provide Faceless,
Cashless and Paperless services to the foreigners with user friendly
experience.
 Using this application, foreigners are required to create their own USER-ID by
registering themselves. Afterwards, they would apply online through
registered user-id for various Visa and Immigration related services in India
viz. Registration, Visa Extension, Visa Conversion, Exit Permit etc., without
any hassle and obtain the service(s) without coming to FRRO office.
 The necessary immigration/Visa document e.g. Registration Permit/Certificate
(RP/RC), Visa Extension Certificate etc. will be sent by post on the address
mentioned. It would also be electronically sent to the foreigner to his
registered email ID.
 Foreigners would not be required to mandatorily visit FRRO/FRO office for
grant of service. However, in certain exceptional cases, the foreigner will be
intimated to visit the FRRO/FRO on scheduled date and time for interview.
 In case of exigency, the foreigner can visit the FRRO/FRO office directly for
grant of service.

For foreign nationals visiting other areas, physical registration needs to be done at the
Foreign Regional Registration Officers within 14 days of arrival in India.

b) Procedure for online Registration of Foreigners arriving in India

STEP 1: Visit the e-FRRO Online Portal at
https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices/home.jsp.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

STEP 2: User Creation

Create User-id/Password by registering online into the portal.

STEP 3: Login with Valid credentials

Once user-id/password is successfully created, the foreign national can submit online
application by selecting the appropriate service and uploading the requisite documents
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

STEP 4: Online Application Submission and Document Upload

The application form should be carefully filled and any errors should be avoided.
Further, necessary documents and photograph should be uploaded online in the
designated format. The application would not be successfully submitted unless the
documents and photographs are uploaded online successfully. The documents
required would depend on the type of visa of the foreign national.

STEP 5: Successful submission of the Application

The application would be scrutinized by Visa Officers only if the application has been
successfully submitted. Upon scrutiny, necessary instructions with regard to
application i.e. Fee Payment, Correction of Selected/desired Service, re-uploading of
documents etc would be conveyed to the Foreigner through email/SMS alerts.

STEP 6: Online Fee Payment

The foreigner would be intimated to deposit the requisite fee, if any, for the service.
The fee has to be deposited online through Bank Payment gateway available on the
portal. Amount of fee would be intimated through email/sms alerts.

STEP 7: Status Updates/Alerts

The foreigner can track the status of the application through the portal. For any
clarification, our Support Centre can be contacted.

STEP 8: Service Granted/Rejected

Upon Grant/Rejection of service, the same would be intimated to the foreigner.
His/Her RC/RP etc would be sent through email or it can also be downloaded from
the portal by signing in.

STEP 9: Exigency/Emergency Scenarios

The foreigner can approach the concerned Civil Authority i.e. FRRO/FRO office
directly in case of exigency/emergency. Upon satisfaction of the case, the services can
also be granted directly at the FRRO/FRO level. Make sure that services granted are
electronic and not manual. You may face hurdles at the Immigration Check Posts in
case of manual services.
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GUIDELINES FOR PHYSICAL REGISTRATION OF

FOREIGN NATIONALS AT THE FRRO’S

All foreigners visiting India on long term (more than 180 days) on
Student Visa, Medical Visa, Research Visa and Employment Visa are
required to get themselves registered with the Foreigners Regional
Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO)
concerned having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner
intends to stay, within 14 days of arrival.

Pakistan nationals are required to register within 24 hours of their

arrival. All Business Visa holders are required to register themselves
with the FRRO/FRO concerned in case the aggregate stay in India on
Business visa exceeds 180 days during a calendar year.

Foreigners with other forms of long term visa will not be required to
get themselves registered visa provided their continuous stay in
India does not exceed 180 days. If the intention of the foreigner is to
stay in India for more than 180 days, he/she should get himself/
herself registered well before the expiry of 180 days from the date of
arrival with the FRRO/FRO concerned.

Foreigners (including minors above 16 years of age) have to report in

person or through an authorized representative to the appropriate
Registration Officer for registration. No registration is required in
respect of children below the age of 16 years.

Registration is also required in the case of visa less than 180 days and
if there is special endorsement “for registration required”. However
foreigners entering on Entry(X) and Business visas valid for more than
180 days are required to register with the FRRO, FRO if they
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS
All foreigners visiting India on long term (more than 180 days) on
Student Visa, Medical Visa, Research Visa and Employment Visa are
required to get themselves registered with the Foreigners Regional
Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO)
concerned having jurisdiction over the place where the foreigner
intends to stay, within 14 days of arrival.

Pakistan nationals are required to register within 24 hours of their

arrival. All Business Visa holders are required to register themselves
with the FRRO/FRO concerned in case the aggregate stay in India on
Business visa exceeds 180 days during a calendar year.

Foreigners with other forms of long term visa will not be required to
get themselves registered visa provided their continuous stay in
India does not exceed 180 days. If the intention of the foreigner is to
stay in India for more than 180 days, he/she should get himself/
herself registered well before the expiry of 180 days from the date of
arrival with the FRRO/FRO concerned.

Foreigners (including minors above 16 years of age) have to report in

person or through an authorized representative to the appropriate
Registration Officer for registration. No registration is required in
respect of children below the age of 16 years.

Registration is also required in the case of visa less than 180 days and
if there is special endorsement “for registration required”. However
foreigners entering on Entry(X) and Business visas valid for more than
180 days are required to register with the FRRO, FRO if they
continuously intend to stay for more than 6 months i.e. more than
180 days on each visit.

Foreigners entering on Journalist and any other category of visa which

is valid for more than 180 days and do not have a special
endorsement are required to register with the concerned F.R.R.O.'s
within 180 days of their arrival.

The Registration process is usually complete on the same day.

d) What documents are required to be submitted at the time of registration?

 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

e) Residential Permit

Residential permit is issued at the time of online registration, its validity being the
period of stay specified in the visa. Application for extension of the Residential
Permit should be made at least TWO months before its expiry to the nearest
Registration Officer in the prescribed form.

f) Report of absence from Address

If at any time a foreigner who is required to register proposes to be absent from his/
her registered address for a continuous period of eight weeks or more; or is changing
the registered address; or is finally departing from India, he shall, before leaving,
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

inform in person, or through an authorized representative, or by registered post to the

jurisdictional Registration Officer of his/ her intention to leave, either temporarily or
permanently. In case he/ she is moving to another address in India, the new address
should also be intimated to the Registration Officer.

g) Stay at Hotels

All foreigners who stay at hotels, guesthouses or places of such nature should furnish
on arrival particulars for filling in the hotel register, sign therein, and also furnish the
required particulars at the time of departure.
The Details requried to be filled in the Hotel Register are as follows:
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

RULES GOVERNING
MOVEMENT & STAY OF
FOREIGN NATIONALS IN INDIA

PROHIBITED PLACES RESPONSIBILITY OF INDIAN HOSTS

It is the responsibility of the Indian

host/sponsor giving undertaking on behalf of
No foreigner can visit or reside in any the foreigner:
prohibited place, declared as such under the To ensure good conduct of the foreigner
provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 during his/her stay in India and to inform the
without the permission of the jurisdictional FRRO/FRO office in case of termination of /
authority. For a visit to a Protected / Business contract to confirm the foreigner’s
Restricted Area/ Cantonment Area, prior departure from the country along with flight
permission of the competent authority must details and date of departure.
be obtained by the foreigner. To produce the foreigner in person at
FRRO/FRO office within 24 hours in case of
withdrawal of undertaking for the good
conduct of the Foreigner. The Indian Host/
sponsor shall also inform the flight details
and date of departure in the event the
foreigner decides to leave the country for
good.

h) How can foreign nationals extend their Visas?

 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Extensions are granted on different categories of visas as per requirements on case-to-case

basis. The foreigner seeking extension must ensure that he/she submits application and the
required supporting documents for extension well before date of expiry of visa. For Mumbai,
Delhi, Chennai & Bengaluru the foreign nationals can directly log on to the e-FRRO portal
and seek visa extension. For other cities, the foreign nationals must visit the concerned area
FRRO with the required documents. The conditions and supporting documents required for
extension of visa under each category are different.

REASONS WHY YOUR VISA GET REJECTED

A visa rejection could be one of your worst nightmares. Spending countless hours and effort
trying to get a visa, and then seeing it get rejected is an agonising sight. Whatever the visa
rejection reasons may be, it not only crashes your hopes of travelling to your destination but
also affects your future travel to quite an extent. Well, what can be done to avoid this? you
might ask. This is precisely why we have compiled a list of some of the most common reasons
for rejection of visa so that you can be careful while applying for your visa.

Why does Visa Get Rejected?

 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

While rejecting a visa application, in most of the cases, the embassy/consulate or high
commission provides a reason for the rejection. This helps you to rectify your application and
apply again. The major visa refusal reasons are as follows –

o Not Following the Visa Rules

When it comes to the visa application, rules are NOT meant to be broken. Immigration is a
serious aspect of a country’s safety. As a result, the immigration departments of different
nations have drafted the rules and guidelines keeping this in mind.  Overall, most visa
applications are rejected because people fail to follow the guidelines. In fact, most of the
other visa rejection reasons are a result of not following the rules.
o Incomplete/Insufficient Travel Itinerary
A travel itinerary is important to show your exact plan for the visit. Quite often, applicants
don’t provide a detailed itinerary. A good travel itinerary should state all the countries/states
you plan on visiting. It should also be accompanied by flight tickets and hotel bookings for
the same

o An Insufficient Explanation for the Purpose

Visas are issued for a particular purpose of visit. For example, a business visa is issued for
attending business meetings, conferences, etc. As a result, failing to provide documents or
information that explain your purpose of the visit will lead to visa rejection. In the case
above, for the business visa, you will have to ensure that the invitation letter from the
company in the destination country explains your purpose of the visit clearly.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

o Travel Document Discrepancies

Sometimes, it is the thing right in front of you that is the biggest problem. The passport goes
unnoticed a number of times when people are arranging their documents. Submitting an
expired/damaged passport, or a passport with no blank pages are grounds for visa rejection.
Apart from this, different countries have different requirements for the applicant’s passport. If
it fails to meet this, it will be rejected. 
Eg: For Schengen visa applications, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6
months from the date of entry into the destination country. It will also need to have 2 blank
pages.
o Delayed Application
Missions of different companies have different processing times that vary according to a
number of factors. As a result, the embassies require that you submit the application with
sufficient time left for them to process the application in time for your expected date of
travel. Submitting a late application, with less than the embassy recommended processing
time left until the travel date will often lead to your visa getting rejected. In a lot of cases, the
embassy will also have strict rules on the number of days before your travel date, after which
you cannot apply. 
Eg: If the embassy recommended processing time for a visa is 15 days, and you apply for the
visa with only 7 days left until your intended travel date, your application will be rejected.

o Insufficient Funds
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

This is one of the most common visa rejection reasons. While travelling to a country, you will
be required to show that you have enough funds to support your stay throughout the stay
duration. This is to ensure that you do not have a tough time in the country and that you do
not become a liability for the country. So, if you do not possess enough funds, your
application will instantly be rejected. It can also be rejected if the funds are not easily
accessible. 
Eg: If a nation expects you to have at least 50 Euros for each day you stay, and if you are
planning a stay of 30 days, your application will get rejected if you do not have at least 1500
Euros. It can also be rejected if you submit a credit card or other forms instead of an account
statement.
o Incomplete Application Form
An application form with blank columns will make your application get rejected Every
column in the application form is an important question. Even if a question is not applicable
to you, you will be advised by the form to write ‘N/A’ or something appropriate. Providing
wrong information on the application form are also grounds for visa rejection. As a result,
check your application form before submitting them.
o Information Mismatch
If any information mentioned on the application form does not match with your travel
documents, your application will be rejected. This is a very common occurrence when people
fill the form hastily. Ensure that your details mentioned on the application form is the same as
that in the passport. 
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Eg: Even if your name is ‘Mugdha’, and it is mentioned as ‘Mughda’ in your passport and
other documents, you must use ‘Mughda’ in your application form.
o Criminal Record
If you have been/are convicted of a criminal offence, you are considered as a threat to the
destination country. As a result, your application will almost always be rejected. If you have a
clear criminal record,  you will not face any issues regarding this.
o Poor Visa Interview

The visa interview plays a significant role in determining the outcome of your visa
application. Providing a poor visa interview will almost always lead to visa rejection. This
can include being nervous during the interview, provide unnecessary details, not being able to
communicate effectively with the interviewer, etc. As a result, ensure that you are well
prepared for the interview to be able to answer any of the questions without any hesitation.
Eg: Answering the questions hesitatingly or being nervous will make the interviewer
conclude that you have hidden intentions behind your visit.
o Insufficient ties with the Home Country
For most short term visas, you will have to prove that you have ties in your home country that
will ensure your need to return to your home country once you have completed your
permitted stay in the country. Failure to provide this or providing insufficient proof of this
will lead to visa rejection.

o Fake Documents
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Providing fake and forged documents will lead to an automatic visa rejection. Once you have
made an application, the visa authorities will perform a thorough check to ensure your
document’s validity. If it is found that the document is fake, they will reject the application
and possibly ban you from applying again for a specific time.

o Documents in Regional Language

Quite a lot of your personal documents will be issued in the local language. However,
submitting such documents directly is useless as the authorities will not be able to verify it.
This will then lead to the visa getting rejected. As a result, ensure that you get your regional
documents translated into the language as per the embassy requirements.

o Ineligible Sponsor
In cases where you are being sponsored for the visa, the chances of your application being
successful will depend on your sponsor as well. The authorities will check the status of your
sponsor for aspects such as their legal status, tax obligations, income, etc. If any of this does
not meet the standards, you will face rejection.

o Invalid Travel Insurance

 
Though a lot of countries do not mandate travel insurance, most nations including the
Schengen nations require you to possess travel insurance. They will also have requirements
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

related to the coverage. If your travel insurance does not meet these conditions, your
application will be rejected.
Eg: A Schengen travel insurance will require coverage of at least 30000 Euros, be valid in all
the Schengen nations, as well as cover the entire stay duration. If your Schengen travel
insurance does not meet this, you will not be issued with the visa.
o Unfavourable Previous Travel History
Finally, another reason for rejection of visa is a poor travelling history. Your application may
be rejected if you have been denied a visa into the country (or other countries) previously, or
if you have a history of having overstayed in a country, or if you have performed activities
that are not allowed under a particular visa category in the past, etc.
As the old saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. The same applies to a visa
application as well. Granted, a visa application is a really hectic and stressful process. To
avoid facing a visa rejection, the least you can do is to make sure that you do not make the
above-mentioned errors and follow all the rules. Although, the best option would be to use
the services of a reputed visa agency for your application.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

APPLICATION
FORM

FOERM
MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

APPEAL:SECTION OF REFUSAL ACC TO

PASSPORT ACT
SEC.6.
Refusal of passports, travel documents. etc.
(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the passport authority shall refuse
to make an endorsement for visiting any foreign country under clause (b) or clause
(c) of sub-section (2) of section 5 on any one or more of the following grounds, and
no other ground, namely: -
(a) that the applicant may, or is likely to, engage in such country in activities
prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India:
(b) that the presence of the applicant in such country may, or is likely to, be
detrimental to the security of India;
(c) that the presence of the applicant in such country may, or is likely to,
prejudice the friendly relations of India with that or any other country,
(d) that in the opinion of the Central Government the presence of the applicant
in such country is not in the public interest.
(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the passport authority shall refuse
to issue a passport or travel document for visiting any foreign country under clause
(c) of sub-section (2) of section 5 on any one or more of the following grounds, and
on no other ground, namely: -
(a) that the applicant is not a citizen of India.,
(b) that the applicant may, or is likely to, engage outside India in activities
prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.,
(c) that the departure of the applicant from India may, or is likely to, be
detrimental to the security of India;
(d) that the presence of the applicant outside India may, or is likely to,
prejudice the friendly relations of India with any foreign country;
(e) that the applicant has, at any time during the period of five years
immediately preceding the date of his application, been convicted by a court in India
for any offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced in respect thereof to
imprisonment for not less than two years;
(f) that proceedings in respect of an offence alleged to have been committed by
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

the applicant are pending before a criminal court in India;

(g) that a warrant or summons for the appearance, or a warrant for the arrest,
of the applicant has been issued by a court under any law for the time being in force
or that an order prohibiting the departure from India of the applicant has been made
by any such court;
(h) that the applicant has been repatriated and has not reimbursed the
expenditure incurred in connection with such repatriation;
(i) that in the opinion of the Central Government the issue of a passport or
travel document to the applicant will not be in the public interest.
0. Variation, impounding and revocation of passports and
travel documents
(1) The passport authority may, having regard to the provisions of sub-section (1)
of section 6 or any notification under section 19, vary or cancel the endorsements on
a passport or travel document or may, with the previous approval of the Central
Government, vary or cancel the conditions (other than the prescribed conditions)
subject to which a passport or travel document has been issued and may, for that
purpose, require the holder of a passport or a travel document, by notice in writing,
to deliver up the passport or travel document to it within such time as may be
specified in the notice and the holder shall comply with such notice.
(2) The passport authority may, on the application of the holder of a passport or a
travel document, and with the previous approval of the Central Government also
vary or cancel the conditions (other than the prescribed conditions) of the passport
or travel document.
(3) The passport authority may impound or cause to be impounded or revoke a
passport or travel document,-
(a) if the passport authority is satisfied that the holder of the passport or travel
document is in wrongful possession thereof;
(b) if the passport or travel document was obtained by the suppression of
material information or on the basis of wrong information provided by the holder of
the passport or travel document or any other person on his behalf;
5
[Provided that if the holder of such passport obtains another passport the
passport authority shall also impound or cause to be impounded or revoke such
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

other passport]
(c) if the passport authority deems it necessary so to do in the interests of the
sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, friendly relations of India
with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public;
(d) if the holder of the passport or travel document has, at any time after the
issue of the passport or travel document, been convicted by a court in India for any
offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced in respect thereof to imprisonment
for not less than two years;
(e) if proceedings in respect of an offence alleged to have been committed by
the holder of the passport or travel document are pending before a criminal court in
India.
(f) if any of the conditions of the passport or travel document has been
contravened;
(g) if the holder of the passport or travel document has failed to comply with a
notice under sub-section (1) requiring him to deliver up the same;
(h) if it is brought to the notice of the passport authority that a warrant or
summons for the appearance, or a warrant for the arrest, of the holder of the
passport or travel document has been issued by a court under any law for the time
being in force or if an order prohibiting the departure from India of the holder of the
passport or other travel document has been made by any such court and the
passport authority is satisfied that a warrant or summons has been so issued or an
order has been so made.
(4) The passport authority may also revoke a passport or travel document on the
application of the holder thereof.
(5) Where the passport authority makes an order varying or cancelling the
endorsements on, or varying the conditions of, a passport or travel document under
sub-section (1) or an order impounding or revoking a passport or travel document
under sub-section (3), it shall record in writing a brief statement of the reasons for
making such order and furnish to the holder of the passport or travel document on
demand a copy of the same unless in any case, the passport authority is of the
opinion that it will not be in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India,
the security of India. friendly relations of India with any foreign country or in the
interests of the general public to furnish such a copy.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(6) The authority to whom the passport authority is subordinate may, by order in
writing, impound or cause to be impounded or revoke a passport or travel document
on any ground on which it may be impounded or revoked by the passport authority
and the foregoing provisions of this section shall, as far as may be, apply in relation
to the impounding or revocation of a passport or travel document by such authority.
(7) A court convicting the holder of a passport or travel document of any offence
under this Act or the rules made thereunder may also revoke the passport or travel
document:
Provided that if the conviction is set aside on appeal or otherwise the revocation
shall become void.
(8) An order of revocation under sub-section (7) may also be made by an
appellate court or by the High Court when exercising its powers of revision.
(9) On the revocation of a passport or travel document under this section the
holder thereof shall, without delay, surrender the passport or travel document, if the
same has not already been impounded, to the authority by whom it has been
revoked or to such other authority as may be specified in this behalf in the order of
revocation.

SEC-11. APPEAL FOR PASSPORT REFUSAL-

(1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the passport authority under clause (b) or clause (c)
of sub-section (2) of section 5 or clause (b) of the proviso to section 7 or sub-section (1), or
sub-section (3) of section 10 or by an order under sub-section (6) of section 10 of the
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

authority to whom the passport authority is subordinate, may prefer an appeal against that
order to such authority (hereinafter referred to as the appellate authority) and within such
period as may be prescribed: Provided that no appeal shall lie against any order made by the
Central Government. (2) No appeal shall be admitted if it is preferred after the expiry of the
period prescribed therefor: Provided that an appeal may be admitted after the expiry of the
period prescribed therefor if the appellant satisfies the appellate authority that he had
sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within that period. (3) The period prescribed for
an appeal shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of the Limitation Act, 1963,
(36 of 1963) with respect to the computation of the periods of limitation thereunder.

(4) Every appeal under this section shall be made by a petition in writing and shall be
accompanied by a copy of the statement of the reasons for the order appealed against where
such copy has been furnished to the appellant and 6 [by such fee as may be prescribed for
meeting the expenses that may be incurred in calling for relevant records and for connected
services]

(5) In disposing of an appeal, the

appellate authority shall follow such procedure as may be prescribed: Provided that no appeal
shall be disposed of unless the appellant has been given a reasonable opportunity of
representing his case. (6) Every order of the appellate authority confirming, modifying or
reversing the order appealed against shall be final.

APPELLATE AUTHORITIES,-
1. For the purpose of the Act and these Rules, th appellate authority to whom an appeal
shall lie from an order specified column (1) of the Table below shall be that specified
in the corresponding entf of column (2) thereof and every such appeal shall be filed
within thirty day from the date on which the order sought to be appealed against is
communicate. to the appellant. y F

TABLE
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Orders appealed against Appellate authority

. An order of the passport The Chief Passport Officer,
authority, other than the Central Ministry of External Affairs,
Goverrunent,. Under New Delhi
(i) clause (b) or clause (c) of
sub
section (2) of section 5; or
(ii) clause (b) of the proviso to
section 7; or
(iii) sub-section (1) or sub-
section (3)
of section 10. Additional Secretary or
. 2. An order under sub-section Secretary
(6) of, section 10 of the authority Ministry of External Affairs,
to whom passport Delhi, New Delhi
authority is subordinate..

FEE PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF APPEAL.-

Every petition for appeal shall b accompanied by a fee of twenty-five rupees which shall be
paid in cash at til treasury and a copy of the receipted challan shall be enclosed with such
petition
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY
APPELLATE AUTHORITY.-
On receipt of an appeal, the appellate authority may call for the records of the case from the
authority which passed the order appealed against and after giving the appellant a reasonable
opportunity of representing his case, pass final order.!

PENALTIES REGARDING VISA

According to the Dictionary of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality “visa is authorization by the
government, normally entered in the passport, to allow an alien to enter the country (entry
visa) or a resident (exit visa), or in some cases a resident travelling abroad on an alien
passport to re-enter (resident return visa)”.

Visa is granted by a country to a foreigner visiting the country for a specific period of time.

Entering a country on any visa requires you to leave at some point. Stretching your visit over
a period of time can result in a legal fiasco. There are different reasons for one’s visit or stay
in India such as education, tourism, employment, internship, business, conference,
medication, and transit. Whatever the reason be, just like any other country, India too does
not tolerate one’s stay in their country, after their visa has expired.

What Happens if I Overstay My Indian Visa?

It is illegal for visa holders to overstay an Indian visa. The requirements of travel

authorizations for foreign citizens specify the length of time that they are allowed to remain
in the country. The time permitted to stay in India depends on the particular visa that has been
issued.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

If any of these visas are overstayed then you will immediately be considered an illegal
immigrant from day 1 of your document’s expiry. From that point onwards you are then
liable to receive one of a number of financial or legal penalties.

Fines for Overstaying a Visa

One of the consequences of being caught overstaying a visa in India is receiving a fine. These
are levied at different and increasing amounts depending on the length of time that the visa
has been breached.

Until recently, these fines consisted of a $30 flat fee combined with the cost of a new visa.
However, as of late 2018, India’s immigration policy has tightened and these fines have
increased exponentially in value.

Overstay duration Fine amount

90 days $300

91 days – 2 years $400

2 years + $500

Legal Penalties for Overstaying an Indian Visa

Every country has their own set of rules for dealing with the ones living illegally in their
territory, and so does India. In addition to fines, the Indian government can take legal
action against visitors that overstay a visa. In India there are two main laws which deal with
visa and passports. These laws lay the guidelines for requirements, criterias, procedures and
punishments. The Foreigners Act, 1946 & The Passport (entry into India) rules, 1950.

Section 14 of The Foreigners Act, 1946 defines Penalty for overstaying an India Visa.

14. Penalty for contravention of provisions of the Act, etc. — Whoever

 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(a) remains in any area in India for a period exceeding the period for which the visa was
issued to him;

(b) does any act in violation of the conditions of the valid visa issued to him for his entry and
stay in India or any part there under;

(c) contravenes the provisions of this Act or of any order made there under or any direction
given in pursuance of this Act or such order for which no specific punishment is provided
under this Act, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five
years and shall also be liable to fine; and if he has entered into a bond in pursuance of clause
(f) of sub-section (2) of section 3, his bond shall be forfeited, and any person bound thereby
shall pay the penalty thereof or show cause to the satisfaction of the convicting Court why
such penalty should not be paid by him.

Section 6 of The Passport (entry into India) Rules, 1950 defines punishment.

6. Any person who-

(a) contravenes or abets the contravention of the provisions of Rule 3, or

(b) does, or attempts to do, any act in contravention of any condition prescribed under sub-
rule (2) of rule 4, or

(c) enters or attempts to enter, India on a forged passport or visa, shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years, or with fine which may extend to
fifty thousand rupees, or with both.

For shorter-term transgressions, full legal action isn’t normally applied, although if you have
committed additional crimes whilst in India you may be barred from entering the country
again for a period of time or even indefinitely. However, in the worst-case scenarios, Indian
law allows prison sentences of up to 5 years and a relevant fine for those who overstay for a
duration that is the same or longer than the validity of the original visa. In this instance, it is
very likely that you will also be barred from re-entering the country again in the future.

Deportation of a Foreigner for overstaying

Deportation means sending a foreigner back to his country for not abiding by the immigration
rules of a particular country. Such a person who faces deportation is not easily allowed to
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

enter the country again. Under the Foreigner’s Act, 1946, the Central Government is
empowered to deport a foreigner who has overstayed in India, by virtue of Section 3(2)(c) of
the Act. The Central Government has delegated this power to all the state governments and
UT administrations too.

In fact, the police also have the power to arrest a foreign national living illegally in India, by
virtue of Section 4 of the Passport Act, 1920. According to norms, the police authorities must
inform the embassy concerned with the arrested foreigner about his arrest and even offer a
visit from an official of the embassy to the arrested foreigner. The Ministry of External
Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs too must be intimated about the arrest.

Can I Stay in India after my Visa Expires?

It is possible to extend your visa beyond its original expiry date. However, this must be done
in advance of its expiration. Foreigners must submit application for extension of   residential
permit / visa at least 60 days before the date of expiry of respective residential permit/visa. If
your stay is necessary in India beyond the period specified in the visa, approach the FRRO
and ask for a visa extension. Although it is not an easy task either. One can apply for exit visa
too. An exit visa is a government-issued document granting an individual permission to leave
a country. 

Apart from visa, people also get punished for using forged passport.

Section 14B of Foreigners Act, 1946 states penalty for using forged passport.

14B. Penalty for using forged passport —

Whoever knowingly uses a forged passport for entering into India or remains therein without
the authority of law for the time being in force shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which shall not be less than two years, but may extend to eight years and shall also be
liable to fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but may extend to fifty
thousand rupees.

The Passport Act, 1967 also state the penalties for certain offences.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

12. Offences and penalties

(1) Whoever-

(a) contravenes the provisions of section 3; or

(b) knowingly furnishes any false information or suppresses any material information with a.
view to obtaining a passport or travel document under this Act or without lawful authority
alters or attempts to alter or causes to alter the entries made in a passport or travel document;
or

(c) fails to produce for inspection his passport or travel document (whether issued under this
Act or not) when called upon to do so by the prescribed authority; or

(d) knowingly uses a passport or travel document issued to another person; or

(e) knowingly allows another person to use a passport or travel document issued to him, shall
be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine
which may extend to five thousand rupees] or with both.

(1A) Whoever, not being a citizen of India,-

(a) Makes an application for a passport or obtains a passport by suppressing information

about in nationality, or

(b) holds a forged passport or any travel document, shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which shall not be less than one year but may extend to five years and with fine
which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees but which may extend to fifty thousand
rupees or with both.

(2) Whoever abets any offence punishable under sub-section (1) or sub-section (1A) shall, if
the act abetted is committed in consequence of the abetment, be punishable with the
punishment provided in that sub-section for that offence.

(3) Whoever contravenes any condition of a passport or travel document or any provision of
this Act or any rule made there under for which no punishment is provided elsewhere in this
Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or
with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or with both.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

(4) Whoever, having been convicted of an offence under this Act, is again convicted of an
offence under this Act shall be punishable with double the penalty provided for the latter
offence.

FAQS ON E-VISAS
Q1. I want to travel to India. Can I apply online for e-visa?
A1. If you are travelling to India for tourism, casual business or medical reasons, you can
apply online for e-visa. The categories of e-Visas are : e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-
Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa and e-Conference visa.

Q2. How can I apply online for e-visa?

A2. You can apply online through Government of India website link:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

Q3. What are the purposes/activities allowed on e-Visa?

A3. International travellers whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation, sight seeing,
casual visit to visit friends and relatives, attending a short term yoga programme, medical
treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, business purpose, as
attendant to e-Medical visa holder, attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop organized by a
Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT
Administrations etc. & their subordinate/ attached organizations & PSUs and no other
purpose/activity.

Q4. What is the meaning of 120 days window for application?

A4. You can apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of
120 days. Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept then applicant can select arrival date from
5th Sept to 2nd Jan.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Q5. What documents should be uploaded in the application?

A5. You need to upload 3 documents:
i) Recent front facing photograph with white background.
ii) Photo page of Passport containing personal details like name,date of birth, nationality,
expiry date.
iii) Additionally one more document depending upon the e-Visa type would also be required
to be uploaded.

Q6. Can I upload the document in Chinese?

A6. All documents uploaded by the applicant including business cards, invitation letters etc.
must be in English language, failing which e-Visa application would be liable for rejection.

Q7. I am not able to upload my photograph on the form?

A7. Please ensure that the photograph is in JPEG format. The photo size should be at least 10
KB and not more than 10 MB.

Q8. How can I check my visa status?

A8. Applicants can track the status of their application online by clicking ‘Visa Status' on the
website.

Q9. What is the visa fee and how to pay?

A9. e-Visa fee is country/Territory specific. Bank transaction charges of 2.5% will be
charged additionally on applicable e-Visa fees. The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the
expected date of travel otherwise application will not be processed.

Q10. What is the validity period of e-visa?How long can I stay in India?

A10. The validity of e-Visa (except e-Conference visa) will be 60 days from the date of
arrival in India. In case of e-Conference visa, the validity will be 30 days from the date of
arrival in India. Double entry is permitted on e-Tourist visa and e-Business visa. Triple entry
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

will be permitted on e-Medical visa and e-Medical Attendant visa. Only single entry is
permitted on e-Conference visa.

Q11. Do I have to carry the copy of visa application form at the time of travel to India?
A11. You do not have to carry copy of visa application form. Please carry a copy of ETA
(Electronic Travel Authorization)received in your email.
\
Q12. If I have the e-visa, can I enter India through any city?

A12. e-Visa is valid for entry through 28 designated Airports (i.e. Ahmedabad, Amritsar,
Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh,Cochin, Coimbatore,
Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai,Mangalore,
Mumbai, Nagpur, Portblair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi & Vishakhapatnam)
and 5 designated seaports (i.e. Cochin, Goa, Mangalore,Mumbai,Chennai). However, the
foreigner can take exit from any of the authorized Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India.

Q13. How many times I can avail e-Visa?

A13. e-Visa can be availed for maximum of three times in a calendar year i.e. between
January to December.

Q14. I am a journalist and would like to visit India for sightseeing and tourism. Can I apply
for e-Visa?
A14. Journalists have to apply for ‘Journalist Visa’ only irrespective of the purpose of the
visit to India. As such, e-Visa or any other type of Visa is not available for Journalists.

Q15. I had applied for e-Visa, which has been rejected. Can I apply for regular visa?
A15. Yes. You can apply for regular type of visa by submitting visa application form,
original passport and requisite documents.

Q16. I had applied for e-Visa, which was rejected. What could be the possible reasons for
rejection of the visa?
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

A16. If you are entitled for e-Visa, some of the possible reasons for rejection of your e- Visa
can be as follows: a) Wrong information was furnished in the application form, b)
information furnished was incomplete and misleading, c) Photograph was not uploaded or
wrong photograph was uploaded c) copy of the passport was not uploaded properly and hence
it was illegible, d) Passport details mentioned in the copy of passport uploaded and those
mentioned in the application form did not match, d) Incorrect jurisdiction was selected while
filling in the application form, e) Purpose was not admissible for e-Visa, etc.

Q17. I need help with filling the application form. Who can I call?
A17. For any assistance call 24 * 7 e-Visa support center at +91-11-24300666 or send email
to [email protected].

FAQS ON GENERAL VISA MATTERS

(APPLICABLE FOR ALL TYPES OF VISA)
Q1. Is it necessary to apply for visa online or I can submit visa application form filled in
manually?l?
Ans. Manual visa application is not entertained by the Embassy any longer. Applications for
all types of visas are to be submitted by filling in the form online only.

Q2. How do I apply for visa online?

Ans. The applicants are required to register the visa application on the
link (http://www.indianvisaonline.gov.in). The print-out of the visa application filled in
online may be taken, signature to be affixed at the spaces provided, one photo be pasted at the
space provided and submitted along with original passport and necessary documents
according to type of visa being applied for.

Q3. I need to visit India but I do not know what type of visa I should apply for.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Ans. Normally, purpose of the visit determines the type of visa one needs to apply

Q4. I hold both Private passport and Public Affairs Passport issued by Chinese authorities.
Do I need to mention details of both the passports in the visa application form?
Ans. Details of all the passports held by the applicant are to be furnished in the Visa
application form in the relevant columns.

Q5. I have applied for visa in the Indian Embassy in Beijing. Do I need to appear for a visa
interview?
Ans. Not all Visa applicants are required to visit the Embassy for visa interview. Only in
some cases, where additional information/clarification is required, the visa applicants may be
called for an interview at the Embassy.

Q6. I hold private/ordinary passport. Where should I go to apply for Indian visa in Beijing?
Ans. The visa applications of private passport holders are to be submitted at the Indian Visa
Application Centre, located at 723, 7th Floor, Towercrest Plaza, 3, Maizidian West Road,
Chao Yang District, Beijing. The private passports, after visa services, may be collect from
the same place. Contact details of the Indian visa application centre are as follows: Tel:010-
8446 3955, email: [email protected], website address: www.blsindia-china.com.

Q7. What is the fee for getting visa for India?

Ans. The details of visa fee fixed for various types of visa, depending on nationality and
duration of visa are available on the Visa page of the Embassy’s
.
Q8. I had applied for visa in the Indian Embassy, which has been rejected. Can I get refund
of visa fees paid by me?
Ans. Visa fees once paid along with visa application is non-refundable, irrespective of
whether visa was granted or rejected.

Q9. When does the validity of the visa commence: on the date of issue mentioned in the visa
sticker or the date on which I enter India?
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

Ans. The validity of visa (except e-Visa) commences on the date of issue of visa mentioned
in the Visa sticker. For e--Visa the validity of visa commences from the date of landing in
India.

FAQS ON TOURIST VISA

Q1. What are the purposes/ activities allowed on Tourist Visa?
Ans. Tourist visa holders are permitted to undertake following activities in India: recreation,
sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, attend a short-term yoga programme. No
other purpose/activity than those mentioned above is allowed on Tourist Visa.

Q2. I would like to visit India to volunteer for a charity organization. Can I apply for Tourist
Visa since I will be paid any remuneration for the job?
Ans. A person visiting India for voluntary work should apply for ‘Employment (E)’ Visa.
Tourist Visa is not the appropriate visa in such cases.

Q3. I have been granted Tourist Visa. Can I change my Tourist Visa to Business or
Employment visa after reaching India?
Ans. No. Tourist Visa is not convertible to any other type of visa. Also, indulging in Business
activities or taking up employment in India, while holding Tourist Visa, is illegal. If a person
is found doing business or taking up employment in India, while holding Tourist Visa, he/she
can be booked for visa violation.

Q4. I have been granted Tourist Visa. Can I extend my Tourist Visa after reaching India?
Ans. No. Tourist Visa is not extendable in India.

FAQS ON BUSINESS VISA

Q1. What are the purposes/activities allowed on Business Visa?
Ans. The following purposes/activities are allowed on Business visa:
i) To establish an industrial/business ventures or to explore possibilities to set up an
industrial/business venture.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

ii) To purchase/sell industrial products or commercial products or consumer durables.

iii) To participate in technical meetings/discussions for providing business services support.
iv) To recruit manpower
v) To hold consultations regarding exhibitions or to participate in exhibitions, trade fairs,
business fairs etc.
vi) To monitor the progress of the work at the ongoing project work, conduct meetings with
Indian customers and/or to provide technical guidance.
vii) For pre-sales or post-sales activity not amounting to actual execution of any contract or
project.
viii) To attend in-house training organized by multinational/corporate houses.
ix) To undertake internship sponsored by AIESEC on project based work in
companies/industries
x) To undertake business activities related to travel and tourism.

Q2. I hold both Private passport and Public Affairs Passport issued by Chinese authorities.
Do I need to mention details of both the passports and details of previous visits to India made
on both passports in the Business visa application form?
Ans. Yes. Details of all the passports held by the applicant are to be furnished in the Visa
application form in the relevant columns. Details of previous visits to India undertaken on all
types of passports held by the applicant (at present and previously) are to be furnished in the
Reference Sheet for Business Visa (attached with the main application form).

Q3. I cannot produce invitation letter from India since I wish to visit India for the first time to
explore business opportunities in India. Can I apply for Business Visa?
Ans. Yes. Short duration Business Visa is issued in such cases.

Q4. I have got Business visa for India. Can I change my Business Visa to
Employment/Project Visa in India?
Ans. No. Business Visa cannot be converted to Employment/Project Visa without leaving
India
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

FAQS ON VISA EXTENSION

How much is visa extension in India?

An undertaking letter, your proof of residence, four passport-size photos will be required as
well. You have to pay the registration fee of Rs 100. So if you're late, your charges would
become RS 1495. To free yourself from all the trouble, be sure to register within the time
frame allotted by the Indian government.

When should I apply for visa extension?

It is advisable to submit your application for an extension as early as possible in the period of
28 days before your current Visa runs out (i.e. at the end of the 30 months). That said, do not
worry if you submit your application before the expiry date, but your appointment at
a visa center is after it expires.

Can I Stay in India after my Visa Expires?

It is possible to extend your visa beyond its original expiry date. Those who have visas that
are valid for more than 6 months and who are registered with the Foreign Regional
Registration Office (FRRO) may extend their permission to stay in India whilst in the
country.

What happens when your visa expires?

Once the expiration date of your permitted stay has passed, you have no actual immigration
status. If you were working, based on having a visa that permitted U.S. work, you must now
stop. On the other hand, you're not expected to leave the United States. You are allowed to
stay until the decision is made

What happens if I overstay my visa in India?

Overstaying in India is considered as an illegal crime. A foreign person who extends
its visa duration in the country may have to pay a penalty, taken by legal custody and even be
banned from entering the country in the future. If anyone overstays for a long period, the
person will be considered as an illegal migrant.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

How long does Indian eVisa take?

It depends on the processing time you choose. There are three options: Standard Processing:
It is processed in 5 Business Days for the price of USD 76.00 (service fees included). Rush
Processing: Visa processed in 3 Business Days for the price of USD 106.00 (service fees
included)

Can I renew my Indian visa before it expires?

Renewal. Employment and student visas can be renewed in India. ... The advice is to submit
the application 60 days before the expiration date of the current visa. The applicant can
renew their visa either at the registration office or on the website of the Bureau of the
immigration department.

Can I get a Indian visa in 24 hours?

Indian e Visa Process. ... The processing can be expedited at an additional fee to obtain the
Urgent Indian Visa in case of emergency. The travel must be at least 24 hours later from the
time the Indian Visa Application is submitted.

How Much Does an Indian Tourist Visa Cost?

Tourist visa fees vary between countries, according to the arrangement between governments. The
current fee for US citizens is $150 for up to 10 years. Processing is additional and costs $19.90.

What visa do I need for India?

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes, and who plan to stay no longer
than 60 days, may apply for an electronic travel authorization at least four days prior to their
arrival in lieu of applying for a tourist visa at an Indian embassy or consulate.

Can you get an Indian visa on arrival?

The visa fee for Indian Visa on Arrival is $60. This amount is non-refundable and needs to be
paid at least three days prior the date of arrival in the country. The
tourist visa of arrival of India is valid for 30 days from the date of approval. ... However,
if you want you can apply for the visa twice per year.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

FAQ RELATING TO WORK RELATED VISAS

ISSUED BY INDIA
Part A : Business Visa
Q.1 : What are the conditions to be fulfilled for grant of a
Business visa?
Ans.: The conditions to be fulfilled for grant of a Business visa
are as follows:-
(i) The foreign national must have a valid travel document and a re-entry permit, if required
under the law of the country of nationality of the applicant.
(ii) The foreign national should be a person of assured financial standing. The foreigner must
submit proof of his/her financial standing and documentation in support of intended business
visit to India. Proof ofhis financial standing and expertise in the field of intended business
will be checked thoroughly by the Indian Missions while granting the visa.
(iii) The foreign national should not be visiting India for the business of money lending or for
running a petty business or petty trade or for full time employment in India, etc.

(iv) The foreign national shall comply with all other requirements like payment of tax
liabilities etc.
(v) The Business Visa must be issued from the country of origin or from the country of
habitual domicile of the foreigner provided the period of residence of thatforeigner in that
particular country is more than 2 years. If the period of permanent residence of the applicant
in the particular country is less than two years, the Mission / Post concerned will issue
Business visa only after personal interview, review of documentation and prior clearance
from the Mission where the applicant has permanent residence. Such cases will be examined
by theMissions / Posts on merits on case-to-case basis and,after issue of Business visa, an
intimation will besent to the Indian Mission / Post in the applicant’scountry of origin.
(vi) The documents/ papers pertaining to proposed business activity such as the registration
of the company under the Companies Act, proof of registration of the firm with the State
Industries Department or the Export Promotion Council concerned or any recognised
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

promotional body in the relevant field of industry or trade etc. will be thoroughly checked to
decide the category of visa applicable to the foreigner
(vii) The grant of Business Visa is subject to any instructions issued by the Government of
India oN the basis of reciprocity with other foreign countriesfrom time to time.

Q.2 Who are eligible for a Business Visa ?

exceed five years from the date of issue of the
initial Employment visa.

(iii) All registration formalities as per rules, after

his/her arrival in India, shall be strictly complied
with and the registration must be done with the
FRRO/FRO within 14 days from the date of his/
her arrival.
 MANUAL FOR VISA PROCESS

ANNUXURE 1-

Visa Offices in India

The Consular, Passport & Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs inter alia
handles all policy matters related to:

 Issuance of Diplomatic & Official Passports

 Consular Grievance
 Legalisation/Attestation of documents
 Extradition Matters
 Processing of Visa requests from foreign Missions & Posts based in New Delhi for
their Diplomats & Non‐diplomatic staff
 Issuance of Indian Visas at our Missions abroad for foreign nationals
 Registration of births and deaths abroad
 Issuance of OCI Card by our Missions/Posts abroad

Entry, stay and exit of foreigners into India is governed by the Passport (Entry into India) Act
1920, Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950, Foreigners Act 1946 and the Registration of
Foreigners Rules, 1992. The policy, acts and rules relating to entry of foreigners into India
are framed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) , Government of India.
(website: http://mha.nic.in)

Visa regime is implemented abroad by Indian missions & posts and in India by Foreigners
Regional Registration Offices (FRROs), home departments & district administrators in the
states besides immigration posts. PV-II Section of CPV Division provides the interface with
MHA in formulation and implementation of visa policy and is also entrusted with advising
Indian Missions/Posts on visa matters. PV- II also formulates policy on grant of diplomatic
and official passports. Other important functions and responsibilities of PV-II are appended.
(Appendix I