India Visa
Don't know what a visa for India looks like? You can view sample visa for India and see the information it contains.
Get an India Visa
Business Travel Requirements for a India Visa for Australian Citizens
Visa Validity
Visa is valid from the date of issue. Entry and exit must occur within the validity of the visa.
The validity of the issued visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary to that advertised.
Duration of Stay
Holders of this visa can remain in country for the entire validity of the visa.
Please note: Persons holding visas with a validity of longer than 6 months who are intending on remaining in India longer than 180 days must register with the Foreigner's Regional Registration Offices in India as soon as possible after arrival. Please check the special endorsements section of the issued visa for any stipulations on when registration may be required by.
The duration of stay issued on the visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary to that advertised.
Passport
The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:- Be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa
- Have two blank facing visa pages
- Be Machine Readable
Holders of hand written passports will not be permitted entry into India. Passports must be Machine Readable.
Photograph(s)
You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://visasdirect.com.au/photo-service to upload your photo.
Alternatively, you may provide one colour, passport-type photograph that meets the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against an all-white background and printed on high-quality photo paper; be 5cm by 5cm; provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle, include the top of the shoulders and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may wear neither eyeglasses nor headwear except for religious purposes. Your photo should be glued to the designated section of the visa application form (in the absence of a designated area, affix to the top right or top left corner).
Business Introduction Letter
You are required to provide a Business Introduction Letter from your Australian-based company. Be certain your letter meets the specific requirements of the consulate by using our Digital Introduction Cover Letter. Visit https://visasdirect.com.au/bcl-order to get started.
Alternatively, please use the sample Business Introduction Letter provided at https://visasdirect.com.au/forms?formname=Business-Introduction-Letter-Sample.pdf using the exact language and format provided in order to prevent a rejection and possible delays with your visa request.
Letter of Invitation
For visa requests with a validity greater than 6 months, a letter of invitation from the applicant's host is required. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:
- Be on company letter head including the full address and contact details of the host
- Be addressed to Indian Consulate
- Specify the purpose and duration of stay
- Specify the type of visa, validity and number of entries requested (must match what is requested on the visa application form)
- Include an acceptance of financial responsibility for the applicant
- Be signed by the applicant's host
Proof of Financial Means
This must be provided as a copy of a recent non-online current account bank statement with evidence of sufficient funds. This must be provided as:
- A current bank statement showing the last three months transactions
- Showing the applicants name and residential address
Company Registration
This must be provided as a copy of the registration document/certificate of the inviting company in India.Visa Application Form
The High Commission and Consulates of India require a visa application form that is completed online. To access the form follow the link: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/. Click the orange button labelled "Regular Visa Application" in the upper-left corner to begin the process.
When selecting the "Indian Mission" at the beginning of the Online Visa Application process, please ensure you select the following, based on your Residential State:
- Australia - Canberra - Residents of ACT and QLD
- Australia - Melbourne - Residents of VIC and TAS
- Australia - Perth - Residents of WA and NT
- Australia - Sydney - Residents of NSW & SA
When selecting the "Nationality" at the beginning of the Online Visa Application process, please ensure you select the correct country of your nationality. If you are a national of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" please select "United Kingdom as your nationality.
Your application must:
- Display your name exactly as it appears in your passport - Applicants with a middle name/s must include the middle name/s in the "Given Name" field
- Have a photo affixed in the designated section on page one
- Be signed on the first page under the photo, and, on the second page in the signature section. Both signatures must match the signature in your passport
VisasDirect provides a guide to assist you in completing the application. To access the guide follow the link:
https://visasdirect.com.au/forms?formname=Indian%20Online%20Visa%20Application%20Instructions.pdf
Alternatively, at an additional charge, VisasDirect can assist the traveller in completing the online application form which can be a time consuming process. This is offered as a Premium Service in addition to all other service fees and current VisasDirect handling fees. In order to facilitate this, please complete the VisasDirect India Document Preparation Service form which can be found within the VisasDirect Application Pack. Once you have completed the Document Preparation Service request you will need to scan and upload it to https://visasdirect.com.au/upload-forms. Online application Document Preparation Service requests must be received at VisasDirect before 2pm AEST in order to have it returned to you that day. Once VisasDirect have completed your online application we will send it to you for your signature. An original signature is required so you will need to return the form to us by post or courier once signed.
At this time VisasDirect strongly advises against using the Indian visa on arrival option because the online authorization process lacks support as well as the travel risks and uncertainty surrounding the process.
VisasDirect Order Confirmation
Please provide the VisasDirect Order Summary which will be emailed to you at the time of placing the order.Persons of Indian Origin
All former Indian nationals will need to provide one of the following options:
- A copy of your cancelled Indian passport showing the cancelled stamps and a copy of your Australian citizenship certificate.
- A statutory declaration (attested by a Justice of the Peace) stating that you have never held an Indian passport and that you departed India on a foreign passport.
- Your physical Indian passport, application form "N", application form XXII and a copy of your Australian citizenship certificate. An additional fee will apply to have your Indian passport cancelled. The fee schedule for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship and Surrender of Indian Passport (in AUD) with effect from 11/10/2012 can be found in the application pack. Depending on when Australian citizenship was obtained, additional penalty fees may also apply. Please refer to page 2 of the Renunciation of Indian Citizenship & Surrender of Indian Passports Checklist for full schedule of applicable fees. The Checklist may be downloaded from https://visasdirect.com.au/forms?formname=RenunciationofIndianCitizenshipChecklist.pdf
- A statutory declaration (attested by a Justice of the Peace) stating that you no longer have your Indian passport, application form "N", and a copy of your Australian citizenship certificate. Depending on when Australian citizenship was obtained, an additional fee will be required to have your Indian nationality renounced in the absence of your Indian passport (please contact VisasDirect for further information).
- Copy of a previous Indian visa issued in Australia on or after 1/6/2010 and a copy of the passport biodata page in which that visa was issued in.
Applicants Born In Certain Countries
Applicants born in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Sudan must contact VisasDirect prior to submitting their order as additional fees, forms and processing delays are applicable.
Nationals/previous nationals of Pakistan: If you currently hold dual nationality of Pakistan and another country, both passports need to be submitted and the visa will be issued in your Pakistani passport. If you are ex-national of Pakistan and you do not hold dual nationality of Pakistan and another country, a statutory Declaration duly attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public is required, declaring that you no longer hold Pakistani nationality. As a national of Pakistan if you visiting only one city in India you must submit 4 sets of application documents. If visiting two cities in India, you must submit 5 sets of application documents and if visiting three cities in India you must submit six sets of application documents. Pakistan passport holders intending to visit India for tourism or meeting friends and relatives must apply for a "Visit Visa". A visit visa can only be granted to a Pakistani national who does not have residence or an occupation in India and whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation/sightseeing/visiting friends or family. No other activity is permissible on a visit visa.
Nationals/previous nationals of Bangladesh: If you currently hold dual nationality of Bangladesh and another country, both passports need to be submitted and the Visa will be issued on your Bangladeshi passport. If you are ex-national of Bangladesh and you do not hold dual nationality of Bangladesh and another country, a Statutory Declaration duly attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public is required, declaring that you do not hold Bangladeshi nationality.
Nationals/previous nationals of Sri Lanka: If you currently hold dual nationality of Sri Lanka and another country, both passports need to be submitted and the Visa will be issued on your Sri Lankan passport. If you are ex-national of Sri Lanka and you do not hold dual nationality of Sri Lanka and another country, a Statutory Declaration duly attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public is required, declaring that you do not hold Sri Lankan nationality.
Please note that extensive processing delays may be experienced and VisasDirect is unable to request processing updates or estimated release dates from VFS for former nationals of these countries.
Charity and Media Professionals
Members of the media/advertising industry who are not travelling for that purpose must provide a letter describing in detail what they will be doing and exactly where they will be going in India. These applications are subject to additional processing delays.
Those who are travelling for media/journalistic purposes must contact the Indian Passport & Visa Services Centre in their state to apply for their visas - due to regulation complexity VisasDirect cannot assist these applications.
Five Year Business Visa Applications
A five year business visa application will be granted at the Consulate's discretion and is not guaranteed. For the best chance at obtaining this visa the traveller must provide:
- A Joint Venture document or Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian and Australian companies dated no more than five years hence
- A Business Letter of Introduction which must request a five year multiple entry business visa
- A Letter of Invitation which must request a five year multiple entry business visa
- Details of business activities of the companies in India and Australia with annual turnover of minimum AUD$2,000,000
- Proof of partnership in the business and/or functioning as Directors of the company
- Sufficient proof of applicant's financial standing and documentation in support of intended business visit to India
- Last 2 years tax return of the applicant.
Indian Emergency Service
The Indian Emergency Service is available to customers who will not be able to obtain their visa within the standard visa issuing delays. Applicants must be able to provide a confirmed flight itinerary showing departure ex Australia within 48-72 hours from the date of visa lodgement to have their request considered. This is not a guaranteed service and is subject to approval by the local Indian Consulate or Embassy.
The Emergency Service is not available to:
- Non Australian passport holders in possession of Temporary Residency visas for Australia
- Non Australian passport holders who have not been Permanent Residents of Australia for 2 years or more
For more information regarding this service please contact VisasDirect.
Business Visa Checklist
You must include the ticked and signed business visa checklist included in this kit.Traveller Registration (Highly Recommended)
Stay informed and safe by having VisasDirect subscribe you to the Travel Advice Email Alerts of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. VisasDirect will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow. (Note: the Australian Government does not levy a fee for this service).
Tourist Travel Requirements for a India Visa for Australian Citizens
Visa Validity
Visa is valid from the date of issue. Entry and exit must occur within the validity of the visa.
The validity of the issued visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary to that advertised.
Duration of Stay
Holders of this visa can remain in country for the entire validity of the visa.
Please note: Persons holding visas with a validity of longer than 6 months who are intending on remaining in India longer than 180 days must register with the Foreigner's Regional Registration Offices in India as soon as possible after arrival. Please check the special endorsements section of the issued visa for any stipulations on when registration may be required by.
The duration of stay issued on the visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary to that advertised.
Passport
The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:- Be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa
- Have two blank facing visa pages
- Be Machine Readable
Holders of hand written passports will not be permitted entry into India. Passports must be Machine Readable.
Photograph(s)
You must provide a photograph. Upload your photo and we will print it to the exact specifications required for this visa. Follow https://visasdirect.com.au/photo-service to upload your photo.
Alternatively, you may provide one colour, passport-type photograph that meets the following strict criteria: be taken within the last three months against an all-white background and printed on high-quality photo paper; be 5cm by 5cm; provide the full frontal view of your head with your face centered in the middle, include the top of the shoulders and displaying a neutral (non-smiling) expression. You may wear neither eyeglasses nor headwear except for religious purposes. Your photo should be glued to the designated section of the visa application form (in the absence of a designated area, affix to the top right or top left corner).
Proof of Travel Arrangements
Details of travel arrangements. This must be provided as:
- A copy (per applicant) of the flight confirmation showing exact entry and exit dates and locations
- When requesting a multiple entry visa, the confirmation must show multiple entries and exits
Proof of Financial Means
This must be provided as a copy of a recent non-online current account bank statement with evidence of sufficient funds. This must be provided as:
- A current bank statement showing the last three months transactions
- Showing the applicants name and residential address
Visa Application Form
The High Commission and Consulates of India require a visa application form that is completed online. To access the form follow the link: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/. Click the orange button labelled "Regular Visa Application" in the upper-left corner to begin the process.
When selecting the "Indian Mission" at the beginning of the Online Visa Application process, please ensure you select the following, based on your Residential State:
- Australia - Canberra - Residents of ACT and QLD
- Australia - Melbourne - Residents of VIC and TAS
- Australia - Perth - Residents of WA and NT
- Australia - Sydney - Residents of NSW & SA
When selecting the "Nationality" at the beginning of the Online Visa Application process, please ensure you select the correct country of your nationality. If you are a national of the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" please select "United Kingdom as your nationality.
Your application must:
- Display your name exactly as it appears in your passport - Applicants with a middle name/s must include the middle name/s in the "Given Name" field
- Have a photo affixed in the designated section on page one
- Be signed on the first page under the photo, and, on the second page in the signature section. Both signatures must match the signature in your passport
VisasDirect provides a guide to assist you in completing the application. To access the guide follow the link:
https://visasdirect.com.au/forms?formname=Indian%20Online%20Visa%20Application%20Instructions.pdf
Alternatively, at an additional charge, VisasDirect can assist the traveller in completing the online application form which can be a time consuming process. This is offered as a Premium Service in addition to all other service fees and current VisasDirect handling fees. In order to facilitate this, please complete the VisasDirect India Document Preparation Service form which can be found within the VisasDirect Application Pack. Once you have completed the Document Preparation Service request you will need to scan and upload it to https://visasdirect.com.au/upload-forms. Online application Document Preparation Service requests must be received at VisasDirect before 2pm AEST in order to have it returned to you that day. Once VisasDirect have completed your online application we will send it to you for your signature. An original signature is required so you will need to return the form to us by post or courier once signed.
At this time VisasDirect strongly advises against using the Indian visa on arrival option because the online authorization process lacks support as well as the travel risks and uncertainty surrounding the process.
VisasDirect Order Confirmation
Please provide the VisasDirect Order Summary which will be emailed to you at the time of placing the order.Persons of Indian Origin
All former Indian nationals will need to provide one of the following options:
- A copy of your cancelled Indian passport showing the cancelled stamps and a copy of your Australian citizenship certificate.
- A statutory declaration (attested by a Justice of the Peace) stating that you have never held an Indian passport and that you departed India on a foreign passport.
- Your physical Indian passport, application form "N", application form XXII and a copy of your Australian citizenship certificate. An additional fee will apply to have your Indian passport cancelled. The fee schedule for Renunciation of Indian Citizenship and Surrender of Indian Passport (in AUD) with effect from 11/10/2012 can be found in the application pack. Depending on when Australian citizenship was obtained, additional penalty fees may also apply. Please refer to page 2 of the Renunciation of Indian Citizenship & Surrender of Indian Passports Checklist for full schedule of applicable fees. The Checklist may be downloaded from https://visasdirect.com.au/forms?formname=RenunciationofIndianCitizenshipChecklist.pdf
- A statutory declaration (attested by a Justice of the Peace) stating that you no longer have your Indian passport, application form "N", and a copy of your Australian citizenship certificate. Depending on when Australian citizenship was obtained, an additional fee will be required to have your Indian nationality renounced in the absence of your Indian passport (please contact VisasDirect for further information).
- Copy of a previous Indian visa issued in Australia on or after 1/6/2010 and a copy of the passport biodata page in which that visa was issued in.
Minors
Children under 18 years of age must provide additional documents:- A copy of the child's Birth Certificate - In the case of minors who's fathers status is unknown, a statutory declaration (attested by a Justice of the Peace) is required from the mother stating the same
- Copy of the photo page of both parents passports
- In the case of a single parent or guardian please submit additional documentary proof (copies) such as custody papers, death certificates of deceased parent or proof of single parent status
- No objection letter (Letter of Consent) signed by both parents
- Signature of both parents on the child's visa application form
- In the case where a child is going over to India to join a parent who is already in India a copy of that parents valid Indian visa and a copy of the photo page of their passport
Applicants Born In Certain Countries
Applicants born in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Sudan must contact VisasDirect prior to submitting their order as additional fees, forms and processing delays are applicable.
Nationals/previous nationals of Pakistan: If you currently hold dual nationality of Pakistan and another country, both passports need to be submitted and the visa will be issued in your Pakistani passport. If you are ex-national of Pakistan and you do not hold dual nationality of Pakistan and another country, a statutory Declaration duly attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public is required, declaring that you no longer hold Pakistani nationality. As a national of Pakistan if you visiting only one city in India you must submit 4 sets of application documents. If visiting two cities in India, you must submit 5 sets of application documents and if visiting three cities in India you must submit six sets of application documents. Pakistan passport holders intending to visit India for tourism or meeting friends and relatives must apply for a "Visit Visa". A visit visa can only be granted to a Pakistani national who does not have residence or an occupation in India and whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation/sightseeing/visiting friends or family. No other activity is permissible on a visit visa.
Nationals/previous nationals of Bangladesh: If you currently hold dual nationality of Bangladesh and another country, both passports need to be submitted and the Visa will be issued on your Bangladeshi passport. If you are ex-national of Bangladesh and you do not hold dual nationality of Bangladesh and another country, a Statutory Declaration duly attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public is required, declaring that you do not hold Bangladeshi nationality.
Nationals/previous nationals of Sri Lanka: If you currently hold dual nationality of Sri Lanka and another country, both passports need to be submitted and the Visa will be issued on your Sri Lankan passport. If you are ex-national of Sri Lanka and you do not hold dual nationality of Sri Lanka and another country, a Statutory Declaration duly attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public is required, declaring that you do not hold Sri Lankan nationality.
Please note that extensive processing delays may be experienced and VisasDirect is unable to request processing updates or estimated release dates from VFS for former nationals of these countries.
Charity and Media Professionals
Members of the media/advertising industry who are not travelling for that purpose must provide a letter describing in detail what they will be doing and exactly where they will be going in India. These applications are subject to additional processing delays.
Those who are travelling for media/journalistic purposes must contact the Indian Passport & Visa Services Centre in their state to apply for their visas - due to regulation complexity VisasDirect cannot assist these applications.
Indian Emergency Service
The Indian Emergency Service is available to customers who will not be able to obtain their visa within the standard visa issuing delays. Applicants must be able to provide a confirmed flight itinerary showing departure ex Australia within 48-72 hours from the date of visa lodgement to have their request considered. This is not a guaranteed service and is subject to approval by the local Indian Consulate or Embassy.
The Emergency Service is not available to:
- Non Australian passport holders in possession of Temporary Residency visas for Australia
- Non Australian passport holders who have not been Permanent Residents of Australia for 2 years or more
For more information regarding this service please contact VisasDirect.
Cruise Ship Passengers
An entry visa is required for each port of call that the ship will visit in India (i.e. one port = single entry visa, two ports = double entry visa, three or more ports = multiple entry visa).
Applicants must provide a detailed cruise itinerary which contains the applicant's name and shows the route of the journey including all ports of call.
Traveller Registration (Highly Recommended)
Stay informed and safe by having VisasDirect subscribe you to the Travel Advice Email Alerts of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. VisasDirect will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow. (Note: the Australian Government does not levy a fee for this service).
