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Passports and Visa for
International Tourist
Visa
requirements
Foreigners
wanting to visit Jaipur can do so after obtaining visa from the Indian
Mission in their country of residence. They should possess a valid
National Passport - except in the case of nationals of Bhutan & Nepal,
who may carry only suitable means of identification.
Tourist Visas
Usually, a multi-entry visa, valid for a period of 180 days, is
granted for the purpose of tourism. The visa is valid from the date of
issue.
Collective Visas
The facility also exists for the issue of collective visas to group
tours consisting of not less than four members and sponsored by a
travel agency recognized by the Government of India. Such groups may
split into smaller groups for visiting different places in India after
obtaining a collective "license to travel" from the immigration
authorities in India. However, they must reassemble and depart as the
original group.
Transit Visas
Transit visas are granted by Indian Missions abroad for a maximum
period of 15 days.
Exemption from Registration
Foreigners coming to India on tourist visas for 180 days or shorter
period are not required to register themselves with any authority in
India. They can move about freely in the country, except to
restricted/protected areas and prohibited places. Nationals of
Bangladesh are exempted from registration upto six months. If their
stay exceeds six months, they have to register themselves. Individuals
without nationality (stateless persons; IRO refugees, persons
receiving legal or political protection, holders of Nansen passport
etc.) should have valid passports, identity documents or sworn
affidavits along with the visa for which they should apply two months
in advance. Family passports issued by other governments are
recognized without discrimination.
Landing Permit Facility
Tourists may note the no Landing Permit Facility is available to any
foreign tourist landing without a visa. A limited facility exists only
for group tours consisting of four or more members and sponsored by a
travel agency recognized by the Government of India. Children of
foreigners of Indian origin below the age of 12 may be granted a
landing permit by the immigration authorities upto a period of 90 days
to see their relatives, in case they happen to come without a visa.
Tourist Groups
A tourist group arriving by air, ship or by a chartered or scheduled
flight may be granted a collective landing permit for a period of upto
30 days by the immigration authorities on landing, provided the group
is sponsored by a recognized travel agency and a predrawn itinerary is
presented along with details of passport etc. of the members, and the
travel agency gives an undertaking to conduct the group together.
If a foreigner wishes to come to India for a purpose other than
tourism, he should come after obtaining one of the following visas
Business Visa
A foreigner can obtain one from an Indian Embassy abroad. A multiple
entry visa is valid for 5 years, provided he wishes to come for some
business. Foreigners of Indian origin can obtain a 5 year multiple
entry visa for business, to meet their relatives etc.
Student Visa
A student visa can be obtained from the Indian Embassy on the
production of proof of admission and means of sustenance while in
India, etc. The visa is valid for one year but can be extended in
India for the duration of the course.
Conference Visa
Delegates coming to attend international conferences in India can be
granted Conference Visa to cover the conference as well as for tourism
in India. Delegates are advised to apply to Indian Embassies well in
advance. ** Employment Visa : Foreigners desirous of coming to India
for taking up employment should apply for an Employment Visa, which
are issued by Indian Missions abroad. Initially granted for a period
of one year, it can be extended in India upto the period of contract.
** Recreation : Foreigners wishing to undertake any international
sporting event, trekking, botanical expeditions, yoga, journalists,
media men, documentary and feature film makers may obtain visas after
due formalities from the Indian Embassy.
Visa & Customs
Tourists visas are available for a maximum period of 180 days. No
charge are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180
days.
Identical passport photographs are required. However, in case of an
extension beyond 180 days, which is allowed only in exceptional cases,
an extension fee is charged.
Tourists from other countries are advised to check current applicable
visa fee/visa extension fees with government of India Tourist Offices
or Indian Consular Offices located in their respective countries.
Visa Extensions
Tourists visas are available for a maximum period of 180 days. No
charge are levied for visa extension within the maximum period of 180
days.
Identical passport photographs are required. However, in case of an
extension beyond 180 days, which is allowed only in exceptional cases,
an extension fee is charged.
Tourists from other countries are advised to check current applicable
visa fee/visa extension fees with government of India Tourist Offices
or Indian Consular Offices located in their respective countries.
Customs Formalities And Regulations
The usual duty free regulations of one bottle of whisky, i.e. 950 ml
or less and 200 cigarettes apply for India. If the tourist brings in
more than $ 1000 in cash or in traveller's cheques, it must be
declared by completion of currency declaration form.
While small items like perfumes, cosmetics etc., are allowed into the
country, larger items like video cameras are likely to be entered on a
"Tourist Baggage Re-export' form to ensure that the article is taken
away on departure. The TBRE form should be re-submitted on departure.
Goods brought in excess of this are chargeable to duty as per
prevailing law.
Foreign Travel Tax
For international travel from Indian airports Airport Travel Tax must
be paid for travel to all other countries. This tax is also applicable
to infants who may not be occupying seats.
Special permits
Special permits
can be obtained if specifically asked for while applying for a visa or
they may be obtained after arrival in India.
The FRROs
(Foreigners' Regional Registration Offices) in Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta
and the Chief Immigration Officer in Madras can issue the same as well
as group permits. This permit is valid for a maximum period of 15 days
only. Permits must be applied for at least two weeks in advance for
group tourists.
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