India
Passports
Passport valid for
at least six months required by all.Visas
Required by all.Types of visa and cost
The following prices are for UK nationals only; prices for other nationals vary. Tourist: US$52 Business: US$52 (three/six months); US$86 (one year); US$155 (two years). Transit: US$14 Student: US$52 (six months); US$86 (one year); US$94 (more than one year).Note
(a) Non-UK nationals applying in the UK need to pay an additional £10 (amounts charged may also vary according to nationality and type of passport held) unless holding proof of at least one-year residence in the UK. (b) A £1 fee may be required for postal applications, depending on consulate.Validity
Transit: 15 days. Business: three or six months, or up to two years for multiple entry.Application to
Embassy or High Commission (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Passport/Visa Information.Application requirements
(a) Passport valid for up to six months with at least two blank pages. (b) Completed application form. Nationals of Bangladesh and Pakistan must complete special application forms. Personal interviews in some cases may also be necessary. (c) Two passport-size photos. Nationals of Pakistan will require five. (d) Fee (bank draft or postal orders only). (e) Stamped addressed special delivery envelope. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) A letter from their employer stating the reason of the visit and an invitation from the company in India and a letter of introduction from UK company addressed to the Embassy. Transit: (a)-(e) and, (f) Proof of onward travel. Student: (a)-(e) and, (f) Proof of admission to appropriate university/educational institution with duration of course.Working days required
Personal applications can normally be processed the same day. Postal applications may take up to 15 working days or longer (early September to February). Those requiring an additional fee may need a minimum of seven working days and possibly much longer for their visa application to be processed.Temporary residence
Prior permission should be sought before entry into India.Restricted and protected areas
Certain parts of the country have been designated protected or restricted areas that require special permits and in some cases prior government authorization. Intent to visit a specific restricted region should be indicated when applying for a visa and a permit will be granted to visit that region only. Passengers are advised to check with India Tourism for up-to-date information before departure. The following states are subject to some restrictions: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, borders areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim and the Union Territory of Laccadives Island (Lakshadweep).
Test required for all students over 18. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 70 with a visa valid for more than a year. Anyone extending their length of stay to over a year. (This excludes accredited journalists and those working in foreign missions
£10. (£8 for neighboring countries only.)
Office of the High Commissioner for India in the UK
India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA, UK
Tel: (020) 7836 8484.
Website: www.hcilondon.net
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 (visa enquiries); 0915-1730 (visa applications and collections; telephone enquiries). Embassy of India in the USA
Chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Consulate: 2536 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 939 7000 or 9806 (Consular section).
Website: www.indianembassy.org
Travelers are advised against all travel to or through rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir (other than Ladakh) and all but essential travel by air to Srinagar. There is a high level of conflict and terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh). Jammu City is somewhat safer but attacks still occur.
On 8 October 2005, a large earthquake hit north west India, northern Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the epicenter near Muzaffarabad (Pakistani-administered Kashmir). The earthquake has caused widespread damage and extensive disruption to transport services in the region. The main area hit in Indian-administered Kashmir is Uri (particularly around the town of Kupwara).
On 26 December 26 2004, a massive earthquake registering 9.0 on the Richter scale struck off the west coast of Indonesia. The quake created a tsunami – a series of huge waves that spread destruction across many parts of Asia and reached as far as the east coast of Africa. The coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhara Pradesh in Southern India have been badly affected. Floodwaters washed over some of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands contaminating fresh water sources and ruining large areas of arable land. Travel elsewhere in India is unaffected. Those wishing to travel to affected areas should check with the relevant tour operator, tourist board or embassy for the latest advice prior to travel.
Travelers are advised against all but essential travel to Imphal (by air) and against all travel in the rest of Manipur and Tripura. Kidnapping, banditry and insurgency are rife throughout the north-eastern region. There have also been occasional skirmishes on the India/Bangladesh border.
Three bombs expoded in markets in Delhi on the evening of 29 October 2005. Over 60 people were killed. There have also been terrorist attacks in other parts of India, including major cities of Delhi and Mumbai. Indian security has been raised in Delhi and other major cities. you should be vigilant in all parts of India.
Penalties for trafficking, dealing and using illegal drugs are severe.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel Three bombs exploded in markets in Delhi on the evening of 29 October 2005. Over 60 people were killed. There have also been terrorist attacks in other parts of India, including the major cities of Delhi and Mumbai. Indian security has been raised in Delhi and other major cities. You should be vigilant in all parts of India.
