Polio Vaccination requirement for travel to India

All foreigners require a visa to visit India.

In case you are a Pakistani passport holder, please click here

Note: Pakistanis holding dual nationality must apply only on their Pakistani passports. Those who have either renounced Pakistani nationality or cancelled their Pakistani passport would need to submit documentary proof in this regard. Foreign passport holders of Pakistani origin may kindly submit the online visa application form along with the foreign passport and a valid Pakistani visa or a Citizenship Renunciation Letter issued by Ministry of Interior of Pakistan or a proof claiming that the citizenship has been acquired on account of their birth in the said foreign country and that they do not hold Pakistani nationality. They should have valid visa for entering Pakistan in such case.

Important points to note for all Visa applicants

• Visa processing for Pakistan/ Pakistan origin nationals can take any time between 15 to 90 days depending on the requirement of prior clearance and time taken in receiving prior clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs of India. If any applicant wishes to withdraw their Passports in the meantime, their application will be rejected and passport returned. The applicant will have to apply afresh for visa. 
• For returning of Passports, applicants may contact TCS/ Gerry's submission centre and give them the request at least 4 working days in advance. We will only entertain consolidated list of all such requests received from TCS/ Gerry's and will need at least two working days to trace and process those application and hand over passports. 
• All columns must be correctly and carefully filled in the Visa Application form. Incomplete forms/ Forms with incorrect details/ typos will be rejected summarily. After completing and submitting successfully the online visa application form, the printout of the form along with prescribed supporting documents and fees are to be submitted at any of the TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box. More details may be seen under the heading ‘ Technical Aspects for Visa processing’.
• All necessary documents must be attached with the visa application. Original must be shown, if called for an interview .
• Acceptance of visa application does not necessarily mean grant of visa. The High Commission of India reserves the right to delay/refuse visa without assigning any reasons. Visas are issued subject to various checks and clearances. Visa fee once deposited will not be refunded. 
• Suppression of facts or furnishing misleading/false information will result in denial of visa without assigning any reasons. 
• Granting of visa does not confer the right of entry which is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities. 
• Canvassing for visa, suppression of material facts or submission of forged / false documents is a disqualification. Overstay of visa or violation of visa rules is a disqualification for grant of future visa. 
• No objection letter from either of the parents is required if a minor is traveling with one parent. In cases where one spouse is Indian national and the family is applying for visa of their minor children, NOC should be attached by the foreign national spouse if they are comfortable with their children travelling with the Indian national spouse. 
• Please be advised that the visa process for Pakistani/ Pakistan origin nationals is a 100 percent prior reference process and the clearance from India is mandatory. The clearance can take upto 90 days for Pakistan/ Pakistan origin nationals, after which the Visa will be processed. 
• Pakistan origin means an applicant from a foreign country who is married to Pakistan national or whose parents or grandparents have held a Pakistani passport in the past. 
• Pakistanis holding dual nationality must apply only on their Pakistani passports. Those who have either renounced Pakistani nationality or cancelled their Pakistani passport would need to submit documentary proof in this regard.Foreign passport holders of Pakistani origin may kindly submit the online visa application form along with the foreign passport and a valid Pakistani visa or copy of a Pakistan Overseas Card (NICOP) or a Citizenship Renunciation Letter issued by Ministry of Interior of Pakistan.
• Ban on use of Thuraya/Irridium and Other Satellite Phones in India.
  Satellite telephone services are not permitted in India and therefore handsets of Thuraya, Irridium and other such satellite operators are not allowed in India. In case those visiting India are found to be in possession of any of these sets, these would be seized and the holder could be prosecuted under Section 6 of Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of Indian Telegraph Act.
• Visa applications of non-resident foreign nationals will be entertained for short term Tourist visa (3 month/ single entry) only subject to fulfilment of all criteria. They are advised to obtain long term Tourist visas and other categories of visas from the country of their origin.
• Tourists who plan to enter by Wagah Border on a motorcycle or car tour may also submit supporting documents/ proof related to their travel by these means.
• Non-resident Foreign Nationals should be prepared to be called for interview to understand the purpose of travel to India.
• Foreign Nationals working with Diplomatic Missions, UN and International Organisation , travelling to India are required to submit their visa application at the Embassy counter directly. Their Visa application should be accompanied by a Note Verbale, stating dates/ purpose and places of travel. Production of Passport at the time of submission is mandatory, thereafter it will be returned immediately. Passport will then be required only for the stamping of Visa.
• The Visa application for Diplomatic Missions, UN and International Organisations is processed generally in 10 working days. However, for specific cases, we may take more time. Therefore, applicants need not provide us with confirmed itinerary and travel tickets. Tentative itinerary along with Note Verbale is fine.

Technical aspects for Visa processing

• Online Visa Form can be filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/>>For Regular/ Paper visa by Mission/ Post, apply Here >> Regular/ Paper Visa application. The Online Visa Form will open.
• Select Pakistan as the Country/ Region you are applying Visa from; PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD as the Indian Mission/ Office and your Nationality.
• Maximum characters accepted by the Website for filling the online application form in the address field is 50 characters including commas,dash and spaces .
• When filing the Online Form, please ensure all details entered are accurate. The option to edit form is not available once the form has been saved. In such case, a new form needs to be filled with correct information. Any visa application form with incorrect detail will be summarily rejected by the Indian High Commission.
• After data fields have been filled, the applicant will be asked to upload his/ her Passport size photograph. Technical specification as below:
• Format – JPEG; Size - Minimum 10 KB , Maximum 1 MB; The minimum dimensions are 350 pixels (width) x 350 pixels (height); Recent front facing photograph with white background and full frontal face (ear to ear to be visible) to be uploaded by the applicant; Do not crop the Passport Image to use it as your recent photograph; Upload clear front facing photograph with preferable white/light coloured background; The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded photograph are not clear and as per specification.
• You can use either an Ink-Jet or Laser printer to print the completed Visa Application Form once you have submitted online. 
• This site is best viewed in Internet Explorer (Windows) version 8.0 and above. 
• You must also have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or a higher version installed on your computer in order to download and print the completed application form. 
• Printout of the completed form, signed by applicant is to be submitted. Unsigned form will be summarily rejected.
• It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background and full frontal face (ear to ear to be visible) is pasted on Visa Application form before submission. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted. The applicants photograph should be most recent one. Detailed requirements regarding the photo can be found in the Indian Online VISA Site.

Steps for Visa Processing

In order to assist you to obtain your visa, please be advised that the following steps needs to be taken before the appropriate visa is issued:

Please note that it is a mandatory requirement to be present in Pakistan at the time of applying for and obtaining an Indian visa.

Tourist Visa 

A tourist visa can only be granted to a foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives, etc. No other activity is permissible on a tourist visa. This type of visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. The duration of the visa is at the sole discretion of the Issuing Authority. All visa fees once paid are non-refundable irrespective of the outcome of the visa application and duration granted. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue. The validity of an Indian visa starts from the date of issue and not from the date of travel to India. Therefore applicants are required to apply for the duration of a visa accordingly.

The High Commission will need a copy of travel tickets and hotel reservations. A recommendation letter from the company/organization, where you are working, would be helpful. If the applicant is not normally a resident of Pakistan in the last 2 years, he/she would need to submit a written request explaining the reasons for not applying for a visa from the concerned Indian Mission at the country of his/her origin. Persons of Pakistani origin will have to follow requirements set for Pakistani Nationals.

Applicants, who wish to travel to Restricted/Protected Areas (as determined by the Ministry of Home Affairs of India) for tourism, are required to obtain the Restricted Area Permit before their travel. Please see these FAQs. Applicants may also consult the website of the Bureau of Immigration at which is an organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Documents required for Tourist Visa of a Foreigner, non-resident in Pakistan

• Visa application form along with Passport(s) 
• Provisional Travel details along with itinerary. 
• Confirmation of Hotel Reservation in India or letter of invitation from friend/relative (with a copy of his/her Passport). 
• Proof of Profession: Certificate from the employer. In case of students, copy of Identity card from the educational institution is to be attached, for retired person need retirement papers . 
• A written request explaining the reasons for not applying for a visa from the concerned Indian Mission at the country of his/her origin. 
• Proof of Financial soundness: International travel card like / updated bank statement of last 3 month, not more than one month old)/ International credit card with running year endorsement in the passport. 

Regular Processing Times (starts from the day of submission of the visa application at Indian High Commission by TCS/ Gerry's):

Pakistani passport holders: Please note that a Pakistani passport holders cannot apply for a tourist visa. Please be advised that the visa process for Pakistani/ Pakistan origin nationals is a 100 percent prior reference process and the clearance from India is mandatory. The clearance can take upto 90 days for Pakistan/ Pakistan origin nationals, after which the Visa will be processed.

Persons of Pakistani origin: 50 days. The time period may extend or shorten based on prior clearance received from India.

Foreign nationals resident in Pakistan: 10 working days for tourist visa cases. 2 Weeks for Business and other types of Visas.

Foreign Nationals not-resident in Pakistan: 10 working days. Foreign nationals non-resident in Pakistan are strongly advised to apply for visa in their country of residence.

Foreign Nationals working with other Diplomatic Missions, UN & Specialized Organisations: The normal time period is 10 working days. However, this may differ on a case by case basis.

For more information about tourism, please visit websites of Incredible India and India Tourism Office.

Business Visa

The Business Visa is granted to a foreign national who wants to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up an industrial/business venture, wants to purchase/sell industrial products in India. The applicant should be a person of assured financial standing and have the expertise in the field of the intended business. It is not granted for petty trading. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue. Those who are applying to work for an Indian company should apply for an Employment Visa. For more information on Business visas please click here.

The Business Visa must be issued from the country of origin, or from the country of domicile of the foreigner, provided the period of permanent residence of that applicant in that particular country is for more than two years.

Documents required for Business Visa: a) Company registration, b) Invitation letter from India and the company registration, c) Copy of Income Tax return/audited accounts/bank statement for the last two years, d) Letter from the company/firm in Pakistan giving details of the applicant, his/her designation and the purpose of visit, e) Copy of membership certificate of any Chamber of commerce in Pakistan and/or recommendation from any Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (preferred), f) Copy of a utility bill, such as electricity bill/ gas bill/ landline telephone bill, g) Copy of letter of credit/correspondence with the registered company/firm in India, h) In case, participation in a trade/business exhibition/fair in India, details of the nature of participation and a copy of the invitation from the exhibition/fair authorities or Federation/Chambers concerned in India, and i) Any two documents of the Indian invitee such as passport (preferred), copy of electricity bill, telephone bill, ration card, voter identity card, along with their address and contact numbers.

Entry Visa

An Entry Visa is granted for a specific purpose (short term courses and unpaid internships) or other non-business related purposes. An Invitation letter is required from the concerned organisation/authorities in India. Members of the family of a person employed in India are also eligible for Entry visa. In the latter case, documents establishing the employment of the spouse along with a copy of his/her Employment visa must be attached.

Employment Visa

The Employment visa is granted to foreigners desiring to come to India for the purpose of employment. The applicant should be a skilled and qualified professional or person who is being engaged or appointed by a company, organisation, industry or undertaking, etc. in India on contract or employment basis at a senior level, skilled position such as technical expert, senior executive, or in a managerial position. Employment visa is granted for a limited validity irrespective of the duration of the contract. Further extension up to 5 years could be obtained from MHA/FRRO in the concerned State in India. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue. For more information on Employment visa, please click here.

The Employment Visa must be issued from the country of origin, or from the country of domicile of the foreigner, provided the period of permanent residence of that applicant in that particular country is for more than two years.

Research Visa

A Research Visas is granted to Research Professors or Scholars, who wish to conduct research work in India. Applicants are requested to obtain prior permission to conduct research project in India from the concerned authorities. Applicants are requested to apply at least six weeks before their date of departure to India and visas will be valid for entry into India four weeks after issue. Validity of the visa would coincide with the research period. Please note the validity of the visa is effective from the date of issue. For more information, please click here.

Student Visa

Transit Visa

Conference Visa

Medical / Medical Attendant Visa

Journalist visa

Diplomatic/Official Visa

Such visa requests can be made only by holders of Diplomatic/Official/Service passports working with Foreign Missions/International Organisations. Applicants need to complete the online form (mentioned above) and submit their signed visa application along with a Note Verbale. More details at Official Visa and Assignment Visa.

Frequently Asked questions

Can I submit my visa application at the High Commission directly?

This facility is open only for Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders whose Visa application is accompanied by a Note Verbale from the respective Mission/ Post.

ALL OTHER visa applicants are requested to approach theTCS Visatronics / Gerry?s International- Visa Drop Box available in the following cities in Pakistan: Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Mirpur Khas, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Sialkot and Sukkur.

What is the visa fee?

Visa fee varies depending on the type of visa you intend to avail and your nationality. For a detailed list of visa fees click here

Can I submit a hand filled visa application form?

No, you cannot submit a hand filled visa application form. You have to fill the online visa application form and follow the steps mentioned above.

Can I submit my application without documents?

Submission of documents is mandatory and such documents must be clear and legible. Since the documents to be submitted depends on the type of visa applied for, please see the relevant section of visa type to see the list of documents required.

Documents will have to be submitted along with the visa application form and passport (or its copy) for the High Commission to process the visa request. In case you are not in a position to submit necessary documents, the visa application will not be accepted.

Why am I being called for an interview?

You may be requested to come for personal interview to Visa Counter of the High Commission, Islamabad when contacted so that the High Commission can personally verify the purpose of your visit as well as confirm the documents submitted by you.

Please ensure that the correct contact numbers are mentioned in your application. Time and date of such interviews will be fixed in consultation with the applicant. Visa applicants are advised to bring original documents, if called for Visa interview.

Why was I issued a different visa than what I had requested?

The issuance of visa, its type and duration are determined on the merits of each case.

Till when can I undertake the journey?

The visa is valid from the date of its issue and not from the date of entry into India. Also, you have to complete your journey, i.e., leave India before the date of validity of visa, as endorsed on it. Applicants may like to keep this in mind while filling the online visa application form. Please do not finalise your travel arrangements to India before obtaining the visa. 

What do I do in case there is a mistake on my visa or if I want to change certain specifications of my visa?

On receipt of visas and immigration sheets, please verify all particulars on the visa. In case of any discrepancy, please contact the Indian High Commission by email (visa.islamabad@mea.gov.in) or the concerned Visa drop Box centre immediately, before undertaking the journey.

The High Commission will not be responsible for any inconvenience caused to you due to discrepancies in the visa, not brought to the notice of the High Commission.

The High Commission takes every reasonable precaution while handling passport, applications as well as documents of applicants and shall not be liable in any manner whatsoever to the applicant for any loss in transit, accident, fire, theft, natural calamities or any other reason outside the control of the High Commission.

Can I perform some commercial activity like sale purchase or signing any contract while on a tourist visa?

Any misrepresentation or undertaking of activities in India incompatible with the visa category can result in an immediate revocation of the visa and deportation from India. For example, if you have been given a tourist visa and you perform activities which are commercial in nature, then you are likely to be deported from India and denied a visa for subsequent entry into India.

Why was I not issued any visa?

Applications which are incomplete or contain incorrect information will be returned without processing by the High Commission. The High Commission reserves its rights to return/reject any application without citing any reason.

How much money can I carry with me while entering India? Can I carry Indian currency with me?

You can bring into India any amount of foreign exchange, subject to the condition that on arrival a declaration is made to the custom authorities in a Currency Declaration Form. It is necessary to fill out a declaration form if the foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveller's cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000 or its equivalent and /or the aggregate value of foreign currency notes is US$ 5,000 or its equivalent.

Bringing Indian currency by any foreign national into India is prohibited and punishable under Indian law. If Indian currency is found in your possession, you may be arrested or deported immediately from point of entry itself. Therefore, please do not convert foreign exchange into Indian currency in Pakistan for taking into India.

Travellers cheques in US$ and pounds are easily exchangeable and ATMs are available in major Indian cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and large stores. If you are carrying any foreign currency notes, carry them to India and exchange them into Indian rupees in India itself.

What Surrogacy Arrangement I should be aware of?

Any person seeking a visa to visit India for purposes of entering into a surrogacy arrangement must ascertain beforehand from relevant authorities in Pakistan whether surrogacy would be permitted by law and the child will be provided appropriate travel documents for accompanying the surrogate parents to Pakistan. Entering into surrogacy arrangements without prior intimation that the travel is for this purpose is punishable under Indian law.

When was the last time the information provided was updated on the website?

The High Commission, in its sole discretion, may change, amend, cancel or withdraw any or all the terms and conditions mentioned on this website at any time without prior notice.Please check the date mentioned at the bottom of each webpage to know the date of the latest update.

The High Commission assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information mentioned on this website.

Where do Foreign Missions submit the visa application for diplomatic and official passport holders?

Foreign Missions based in Pakistan can submit the visa applications of their diplomats and officials and immediate family directly at Visa Counter, High Commission of India,if their visa application is accompanied with a Note Verbale.

In case the Foreign Missions want to submit visa application of any of their local employees with a Pakistani passport, please submit such applications with all the relevant documents (depending on the visa type) at TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box

Where is the High Commission of India, Islamabad located? How can I reach it, in case I want to submit a medical or family emergency visa application?

The Visa Section is located at Street 3, High Commission of India, Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5, Islamabad. You can reach the Visa Section by taking the Diplomatic Shuttle Service from Islamabad Convention Centre, Islamabad.

No Visa application is entertained at the Counters, which are solely for acceptance of Visa Applications accompanied by a Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other Diplomatic Missions, UN and Accredited International Organisations. 

List of holidays for the High Commission are available here

Whom should I contact if I have to make a complaint against TCS Visatronics or Gerry's International - Visa Drop Box?

You can contact Mr. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, First Secretary, Email: cons.islamabad@mea.gov.in or Mr Mukesh Kumar Soni, ssit.islamabad@mea.gov.in (technical matters only) and register a complaint. The High Commission takes all complaints seriously and necessary action will be taken against the concerned, if the complaint is found genuine.

Is there any different process to visit restricted/protected areas in India?

Foreigners may visit restricted/protected areas only after obtaining a valid permit as your entry visa alone does not allow travel to these areas.

Do I need any vaccination certificate prior to visiting India?

Foreigners coming from or through Yellow Fever countries must be able to produce a valid vaccination certificate. All Applicants are also advised to check latest guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in respect of COVID 19 and carry necessary certificate of vaccination/COVID-test.

Can I buy or procure in India any wildlife or wildlife products such as ivory, fur or animal skin article?

The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations of the provisions of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment. Foreigners are, therefore, advised not to buy any wildlife or wildlife products or derivatives - especially ivory articles, fur and skin articles derived from wild animals such as Shahtoosh.

Is possession of narcotics or psychotropic drugs illegal?

Please by forewarned that buying, selling, using or being in possession of psychotropic drugs or any other narcotic substance while in India is a cognizable offence punishable by imprisonment under The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Do I have to register myself in India with the local police?

Foreigners visiting India who hold long-term visas (more than 180 days) are required to register their presence in India with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), except for the following categories of foreigners who are exempted:

• US nationals holding long term tourist/business visas provided their continuous stay in India during each visit does not exceed 180 days. 
• Foreigners of Indian origin holding 5 year multiple entry 'X' visa with an endorsement that says "continuous stay should not exceed 180 days during each visit". 
• Foreigners holding five-year tourist visas, who are actively engaged in tourism/travel trade, desirous of visiting India frequently over extended periods for promotion of tourism, etc. provided their visas contains an endorsement that "continuous stay should not exceed 180 days during each visit". 

What are the contact details of FRRO in major cities in India?

FRRO addresses in major cities of India are:

New Delhi

Email frrodli@nic.in

Phone: (11) 2671 - 1348 (Tele Fax)

Address: In charge Foreigner's Registration (F&R) Branch East Block-VIII, Level-II, Sector-1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi - 110 066.

Mumbai
Email: frromum@nic.in

Phone: (22) 2262 - 1169 (O)
(22) 2262 - 0721 (Fax)
Address: 3rd Floor, Special Branch Bldg., Badruddin Tayabji Lane, Behind St. Xavier's College, Mumbai - 400 001

Kolkota
Email: frrokol@nic.in
Phone: (33) 2247 - 0549 (O)
(33) 2283 - 7089 (Fax)
Address: 237 Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Road, Kolkota - 700 020

Chennai
Email: frrochn@nic.in
Phone: (44) 2345 - 4970 (O)
(44) 2345 - 4971 (Fax)
Address: Shastri Bhawan, 26, Haddows Road, Chennai - 600 006

Amritsar
Email: frroasr@nic.in
Phone: (183) 250 - 8250 (O)
Address: 123-D Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar - 143 001.

Bangalore
Commissioner of Police: (80)2260707, 2256242 Ext. 222
DCP Intelligence: (80)2200920, 2256242 Ext. 291

Chandigarh
Phone: 2741900 Ext. 2226 and 2259.

Address: First Floor, Police Headquarters Buildings, Section-9, Chandigarh.