FOREIGN TOURISTS

The below instructions and information are general in nature; however, for specific information, we urge you to visit or contact the Indian Mission / Embassy website as per your country of residence.

A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended return from India should ideally accompany your visa applications.

Foreign tourists holding other nationalities (other than the country where applying for visa), should submit proof of long-term (at least three years)/ permanent residence in the country (where applying). For citizens of other countries, a reference has to be made to their country of residence for which an additional fee is chargeable and will also involve extra processing time. Please refrain from making inquiries about the status of the application during this time.

Following visas are available from the Indian missions abroad:

TOURIST VISA

This is given for 6 months normally; it may vary depending on the country of residence. The applicant is required to produce/submit documents in proof of his financial standing. Tourists travelling in groups of not less than four members under the auspices of a recognized travel agency may be considered for grant of collective tourist visa.

BUSINESS VISA

This is valid for one year or more with multiple entries. A letter from the sponsoring organization indicating nature of business, probable duration of stay, places and organizations to be visited incorporating therein a guarantee to meet maintenance expenses, etc. should accompany the application.

STUDENT VISA

These is issued 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 of admission from universities/recognized colleges or educational institutions in India. Change of purpose and institutions are not permissible.

TRANSIT VISA

This is issued for a maximum period of 15-days with single/double entry facilities to bonafide transit passengers only.

VISA TO MISSIONARIES

This is valid for single entry and duration as permitted by Government of India. A letter in triplicate from sponsoring organization indicating intended destination in India, probable length of stay, and nature of duties to be discharged should be submitted along with guarantee for applicant's maintenance while in India.

JOURNALIST VISA

This is issued to professional journalists and photographers for visiting India. The applicants are required to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and, in other places, the Office of the Government of India's Press Information Bureau.

CONFERENCE VISA

This is issued for attending conferences/seminars/meetings in India. A letter of invitation from the organizer of the conference is to be submitted along with the visa application. Delegates coming for conferences may combine tourism with attending conferences.

EMPLOYMENT VISA

This is issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations, economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc. Applicants are required to submit proof of contract/employment/engagement of foreign nationals by the company or organization.

e-TOURIST VISA (eTV)

This is available to International Travellers whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight-seeing, a casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short-term medical treatment or a casual business visit. For more information, visit
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

FEES

The fee structure depends on the nationality of the passport holder and type/duration of visa applied. The existing fee structure is:

Mission Sites

Transit VisaUS$ 5.00Visas with validity up to six monthsUS$ 30.00Visas with validity up to one yearUS$ 50.00Student VisaUS$ 50.00Visas with validity between one to five yearsUS$100.00Visa fees indicated in US$ are payable in local currencies as well. Visa fees are not refundable except in cases where a visa already issued is cancelled thereafter.

PROCESSING DURATION

Depends on the type of visa applied.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:

The duration of stay in India for each visit on a tourist visa or business visa is only for a period of 6 months even though a valid visa may be for more than 6 months.

The visa is given for a period for which the passport is valid. For example, if a passport is valid until April 30, 2009 and an applicant is applying for 5 year visa on December 31, 2008, the applicant will not be issued a 5 years visa as the passport expires before the 5 year visa.

VALIDITY OF ALL VISAS IS COUNTED FROM THE DATE OF THEIR ISSUE

Tourist visa up to 5 years may be granted if the foreigner is connected with the tourism trade.

If visa is for more than 180 days, registration is compulsory within 14 days of first arrival in India.

Extension of visa in Delhi - Ministry of Home Affair (MHA) - Director (F), Lok Nayak Bhawan, Ist floor, Khan market, New Delhi-110003.

To ensure comfortable and safe stay in Rajasthan, we have listed out Code of Conduct for the tourists.

• DO's

  ACCOMMODATION:

  Always check in to the Approved/Classified Hotels, Approved Guest Houses/Paying Guest Houses, Bed-and-Breakfast Units, Government-run hotels, and hotels with credible reviews.

  Whenever possible, make enquiries at nearby Tourist Reception Centres or Information Bureaus run by Rajasthan Tourism.
  

  TRANSPORT:

  Whenever required, hire auto-rickshaws or taxis only from the pre-paid kiosks at Airports, Railway Stations or Bus Stands, Government approved Travel Agencies and transport unit of RTDC. Aggregator Apps are also recommended for hiring a taxi/cab.

  If a prepaid auto-rickshaw/taxi is not available, fare/charges should be negotiated in advance before embarking on the journey.

  Make enquiries about total distances and tourist places to be covered before setting out on sightseeing.
  

  SHOPPING:

  Prefer purchasing from reputed/recognised shops or Government emporiums such as Rajasthali.

  Always insist for a bill against the purchases made.

  Payments made by credit cards must have the amount mentioned on the Bill/Voucher/Receipt in both, words and numbers. Don’t share Unique Identification Number(UID) or credit card number.

  Avoid associating with unknown persons for shopping.

  Avoid taking help of guides /drivers in shopping.
  

  MONEY EXCHANGE:

  Money exchange transactions should be done only from the authorised money exchangers, always get a receipt for every transaction.

  IN CASE OF ANY MISHAPPENING:

  Inform the nearest Police Station/Police Control Room/ Dial- 100 immediately or TAF (Tourist Assistance Force) personnel posted near monuments.

  Miscellaneous:

  You are advised to dress according to local cultural ethos and sensibilities. Ensure your passport and other precious belongings are safe, never give these to strangers, shopkeepers or hotel staff. 

• DON'Ts

  ACCOMMODATION:

  It is advisable to interact only with persons at tourist places and places of stay who carry some valid ID. Interaction with total strangers should be avoided.

  Avoid low-priced/ free rides offered by taxi/cab drivers to a hotel. Cross check for hotels/ PG/ lodges with the Tourist Information offices run by Rajasthan Tourism.

  Avoid anyone entering your room (for a drink, snacks or just a chat) unless the person is well known to you.

  Never accept any food/drink from strangers.
  

  TRANSPORT:

  Free/discounted rides if offered by anyone can be avoided.
  

  SHOPPING:

  Never Let the driver coax you into doing more shopping than sightseeing.

  Never sign on blank letter heads or bills.

  Ensure that your purchases are Packed in front of you and delivered.

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