Select a Visa Category & Checklist based on your Purpose of Visit

Kindly review the Visa services Instructions prior to selecting the checklist of your chosen Visa Category. Click to download file

Click the link to download a checklist of your selected choice.

Remember your documents must be presented as detailed on the checklist. You must fill in separate application form/s and checklist for each person applying. This must also be signed and dated by you and submitted along with your application.

Note: All visas commence from the date of their issue. All applicants should ensure that the visa sticker contains accurate details. Any discrepancy in name or duration of visa should be brought to the notice of the counter staff at the time of collection before travel, for correction or clarification, as may be applicable.

1. TOURIST VISA
   Tourists wishing to visit India for sightseeing, casual visits to friends and relatives are normally granted Tourist Visas for up to six months, with multiple entries effective from the date of issue. Tourist visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.(Visas will be valid only upto 6 months)
   
   
2. BUSINESS VISA
   Business Visas are normally granted for upto 6 months. Applicants applying for 5 years business visa are required to provide documents regarding the Australian company's joint venture with the local company in India, Long-term business visas (up to 5 years) are issued only in case of joint venture companies.
   
   
3. STUDENT VISA
   Student Visas are issued to bonafide students to pursue studies in recognised educational institutions in India for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years, whichever is less, on the basis of firm letters confirming admission of the applicant and duration of the course.
   
   
4. JOURNALIST VISA
   Journalist visas are issued to professional journalists and photographers for a period of up to 3 months. Allow one month's time for processing documentary proposals.
   
   
5. EMPLOYMENT VISA
   Employment visas are generally issued for a period upto one year initially. Extensions, if required, can be granted by the concerned authorities in India ( MHA / State Governments/ FROs). Applicants are required to provide proof of employment, i.e. copies of contract and the terms & conditions with the company in India. Spouses and children accompanying the applicant are granted entry visas on request upto the validity period of Employment Visa.
   
   
6. CONFERENCE VISA
   Conference visas are issued for attending conferences or seminars in India. For participation in certain conferences, approval of the concerned authorities in India may be essential and would, therefore, require a longer processing time.
   
   
7. TRANSIT VISA
   Transit visas are valid for halts of up to 72 hours in India within 15 days from the date of issue of the visa and must be obtained before departure. Transit Visas cannot be obtained from immigration counters at ports of entry in India. Evidence of onward travel to a destination outside India is required.
   
   
8. ENTRY VISA
   Entry Visas are issued to persons of Indian origin for duration of 6 months, 1 year and 5 years.
   
   
9. RESEARCH VISA
   Individual research projects can be undertaken in Indian Universities/Institutions of Higher Learning after obtaining a Research Visa. It is necessary that the scholar should be affiliated to a university/ Institution in India and a Certificate in this regard should be obtained and enclosed along with the Application for the Approval of Research Project and Authorisation of Visa.
   
   
10. VISA FOR MISSIONARIES
    Visas to Missionaries are issued valid for single entry and duration as permitted by Government of India. A letter from the sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in India, probable length of stay, and nature of duties to be discharged should be submitted along with the application. As prior approval of the Government of India is required for such visas, applicants are advised to apply well in advance.

Please ensure you have gone through the checklists prior to downloading your application forms. The checklist for the application category that you apply for will provide details on which specific forms you may need to download. In some instances, there may be more than one form.

You must complete a separate checklist and application form/s for each person applying. Please ensure the documents are completed accurately and signed where needed.

Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Form A
General Visa Application Form ( Not for Pakistani/Bangladeshi Nationals or Dual Nationality holders of Pakistan/Bangladesh)

Form B
This form must be filled up by Pakistani Nationals or persons with Pakistani Dual Nationality. Visa will be issued on the Pakistani Passport. Dual nationality must be disclosed.

Form C
This form must be filled up by Bangladeshi Nationals or persons with Bangladeshi Dual Nationality. Visa will be issued on the Bangladeshi Passport. Dual nationality must be disclosed.

Form D
Additional Form for Non Permanent Residents of Australia and as specified for certain Nationalities

Form F
Application form for Journalist Filming in India

Form G
Application for the Approval of Research Project and Authorization of Visa

Form H
Application for Special Permit to Restricted and Protected Areas

Form Q
Application for Interim withdrawal of passport

Form R
Complete Application Withdrawal Letter.

Form T
Liquor permit

Please provide recent photographs (not more than 6 months old)

The photographs should be in color and strictly as per the specifications below.

• Taken against a light colored (NOT WHITE) background so that features are distinguishable and in contrast against the background. Printed on photographic paper.
  
• Frame Subject with Full Face, Front view, Eyes open.
  
• Should show full face (without sunglasses and normally without a hat or cap). Head coverings are not permitted except for Religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly shown.
  
• The face should be in the middle of the frame.
  
• Ensure no distracting shadows on the face or background.
  Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size. - VISA applications only. (One copy for each application in most visa cases. Exceptions apply-please see details for same under your selected visa type)
  Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size - OCI applications only. (Two Copies for each application)
  Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size - PIO applications only. (Three Copies for each application)
  Un-mounted - 2 inch x 2 inch in size. - Passport applications. (Three Copies for each application)

Please ensure you have gone through the Feelist carefully prior to selecting your mode of payment.

Note that you must add up fees as indicated as per your choice of selection as well as applicable service fees and return delivery fees.

Download Fee List here

1. I need a visa to go to India?
   Yes, all foreigners except for nationals of Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives, need a visa to enter India. With regard to Maldives' nationals, a visa is required if intended stay in India would be longer than 90 days.
   
   
2. Can I get a visa to enter India on arrival?
   No, you must obtain a visa prior to taking a flight to India. Visa cannot be obtained on arrival in India and immigration authorities will not permit any foreigner to enter India without a visa.
   
   
3. I wish to visit India for tourism/to attend a friend's marriage/ to meet my friends. Which visa should I apply for?
   You should apply for a Tourist Visa valid for multiple entries and a maximum stay of six months in India. Kindly note that Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.
   
   
4. I am an Australian national and I go for one or two months every year for tourism. Which visa should I apply for?
   You can only apply for 6 month Tourist visas that enable unlimited visits to India during the period of validity of visa. This visa is non-extendable from India.
   
   
5. I am a frequent traveler to India for business meetings/to explore opportunities for partnerships with Indian companies. Which visa should I apply for?
   You may apply for a Business Visa valid for multiple entries for one year along with requisite documentation as per the B-Visa checklist. Kindly note that a Business Visa does not permit you to work in India. In case you wish to work in India, you should apply for an Employment Visa.
   
   
6. I would be changing flights/airports in India in order to travel to my final destination (say Nepal, Thailand etc.) Do I need a visa to change flights/airport terminals?
   You need to apply for a transit visa in case you are going to change from the international terminal to the domestic terminal of any Indian airport or if you are going to stay in an airport hotel even though for a few hours. In case you remain within limits of the waiting area reserved for international transit passengers of the Indian airport you do not need a transit visa. Kindly note that the maximum period of stay in India permitted by a transit visa is 72 hours.
   
   
7. I have to participate in a Conference/Seminar/Workshop in India. Which visa should I apply for?
   You should apply for a Conference Visa to enable you to participate in the Conference/Seminar/ Workshop along with invitation letter, details of the Conference etc.
   
   
8. I have to go for internship/training in a University/institute/Company in India for a short period. Which visa should I apply for?
   You should apply for an Entry Visa along with a copy of the offer letter stating the terms of internship. You may also be required to submit a copy of inter-university student exchange agreement if the proposed internship is a component of such agreement. You would be required to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India.
   
   
9. I will be going to India for work/employment. My family will also accompany me during my stay in India. Which visa should I apply for? Would my children be able to study in India?
   You must apply for an Employment Visa along with requisite documentation as per the relevant E-Visa checklist. Once your E-Visa application is approved, your wife and children may apply for Entry Visas in case they are accompanying you on your stay in India. Your children would be able to secure admission in schools/college in India once they have been granted Entry Visas. Kindly note that it is mandatory to undergo registration formalities at the nearest Office of the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of your arrival in India if you are going to stay in India for a period longer than 180 days.
   
   
10. I will be going for studying in India for one semester/trimester in an IIT/IIM/IISc./Indian University. Which visa should I apply for?
    You should apply for a Student Visa along with a copy of the letter from the Institute/University confirming your acceptance as a student. You would also be required to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India.
    
    
11. I wish to visit certain areas in India like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland etc. Can I obtain a visa to visit these areas?
    A tourist visa is not sufficient to visit these areas because all of these regions in India are restricted/protected areas for which it is necessary to obtain a Restricted/ Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP). This permit can be obtained in India either from the Ministry of Home Affairs or FRRO concerned after entering India with a tourist visa. You can visit certain open areas in Sikkim for a maximum period of 15 days in case you request a 'special endorsement for Sikkim' at the time of applying for your tourist visa.
    
    
12. I applied for a visa for India but I have changed my mind about going to India. Can I claim a refund of visa fee?
    Visa fees, Service fees and related charges are non-refundable once the visa application is accepted and cannot be refunded even if the visa is refused/not granted.
    
    
13. Do I need a visa for my pet who is accompanying me on my visit to India?
    Visa is not required for taking a pet to India but certain customs and vaccination-related regulations have to be complied with. Kindly consult your airline/travel agent for details of these regulations and necessary documentation to facilitate the visit.
    
    
14. My application and passport have been submitted and it has been a while, how can I enquire about the status of my application?
    You can trace your application on line by visiting our website www.vfs-in-au.net or by calling our helpline. See the contact us Section of our website for more details
    
    
15. Can I study in India?
    Yes. With a valid Student Visa.
    
    
16. Can I work in India?
    Yes. With a valid Employment Visa.
    
    
17. Will the visa fees be refunded?
    No refunds. Fees once received would not be refunded, even if the application is withdrawn or service denied.
    
    
18. How do I know when my passport is ready for collection from the India Passport & Visa Services Centre?
    Please track your passport either by logging on the website or you can even call our helpline number to check the status of your passport.
    
    
19. Can I collect my passport from the High Commission / Consulate General of India, Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne?
    No. The passport has to be collected from the place where the application was made.
    
    
20. Do I have to submit my passport and visa application with the India Visa Application Centre only?
    Yes, However Diplomats and officials of foreign diplomatic Mission, UN and other international organization personnel must submit their visa application directly to the Consulate or High Commission of India.
    
    
21. How do I pay for the visa charges and service charges?
    See Fee list & Payment modes for details.