The Indian government has recently made adjustments to the visa requirements. It is now required for all applicants to submit a copy of either their birth certificate or school diploma. You should not submit an original document but only a copy. The Indian consular services will not assume responsibility for original documents that are sent.

To acquire a multiple entry India visa, you are also required to submit a completed application form for India tourist visa, a passport that is still valid and two passport-style photographs that are 2×2 inches. Note, you can no longer submit photos in which you are wearing glasses.

Additional requirements for business visas include a business letter on company letterhead that states the nature of businessto be conducted in India and the name of a reference in India. The validity and number of entries you are requesting should also be stated in the letter. The organization in India must provide the applicant with a sponsor letter that can be submitted together with the application. This also has to be written on company letterhead.

The multiple entry tourist visas have validity of either 6 months or 10 years. The multiple entry business visas have validity of 1 year, 5 years and 10 years. Applicants must prove the need for the validity that is requested.

Another change that the Indian government made recently is the requiremetn of a two-month gap period between visits. Travelers who receive a multiple entry visa to India are now required to wait two months before re-entering the country. This restriction only applies to tourist visas.

According to the Embassy of India, the purpose for this new requirement is to “curb the abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa.” They give no explanation concerning neither the type of abuse or misuse that has gone on nor how this new regulation will combat it.

Tourists who would lke to visit India before the two month gap is completed must make a special request from the respective Head of Mission. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee that permission will be granted.

Visa fees paid to the Indian consular services vary depending on the type and validity of the visa you want to obtain. Fees range from $73 for a 6-month tourist visa to $253 for a 10-year business visa. The Embassy of India has outsourced the processing of visa applications.
To get your application processed within 3 to 7 days, rush India visa.

While India remains a popular tourist destination for U.S. citizens, it is important for anyone planning a trip to India to be aware of issues concerning health and safety. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to security concerns that continue to exist in India. The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. You are encouraged to register wit the the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate either online or in person .