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An Indian visa is a legal document issued by the Indian government to foreign nationals, allowing them to enter, stay or transit through the country. The Indian government offers various types of visas based on the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and other relevant factors. This article will discuss the different types of Indian visas and their specifications.

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1. Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is granted to those foreign nationals who intend to visit India for the purpose of tourism or to meet friends and relatives. This visa is typically issued for a maximum period of six months and can be extended for up to 180 days.
2. Business Visa: A business visa is issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit India for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs. This visa is valid for up to one year and can be extended for up to five years.
3. Employment Visa: An employment visa is issued to foreign nationals who have been offered employment in India. This visa is valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to five years. The visa can also be extended in case of an employment extension.
4. Student Visa: A student visa is granted to foreign nationals who wish to pursue academic studies in India. This visa is issued for the duration of the academic course, up to five years. The visa can also be extended if necessary.
5. Medical Visa: A medical visa is issued to foreign nationals who require medical treatment in India. This visa is valid for up to one year or for the duration of the medical treatment, whichever is less. The visa can be extended in case of medical emergencies.
6. Conference Visa: A conference visa is issued to foreign nationals who wish to attend a conference or seminar in India. This visa is valid for the duration of the conference or seminar, up to 30 days.
7. Transit Visa: A transit visa is issued to foreign nationals who are traveling through India to another destination. This visa is valid for a maximum of three days and cannot be extended.
8. Journalist Visa: A journalist visa is granted to foreign nationals who work in the media and wish to travel to India for journalistic purposes. This visa is valid for up to three months and can be extended for up to six months.
9. Research Visa: A research visa is issued to foreign nationals who wish to conduct research in India. This visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended in case of research extension.

The above-listed visas are the most common types of Indian visas. However, there are other specialized visas, such as missionary visas, project visas, and film visas, which are issued for specific purposes. It is essential to choose the appropriate visa category based on the purpose of the visit, as each visa has its own requirements and restrictions. It is also important to note that obtaining a visa does not guarantee entry into India, and the final decision lies with the immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Cost of India Visa 

The cost of an Indian visa varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. The fees are subject to change, and it is essential to check the latest visa fees before applying. The following is an overview of the Indian visa fees as of 2021.

Tourist Visa:

A tourist visa fee for a stay of up to 180 days is USD 25 for most nationalities. However, for certain nationalities, the fee is USD 10. For a stay of more than 180 days, the fee is USD 40 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 20.

Business Visa:

The fee for a business visa for a stay of up to one year is USD 80 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 40. For a stay of more than one year, the fee is USD 120 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 80.

Employment Visa:

The fee for an employment visa is USD 120 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 80.

Student Visa:

The fee for a student visa is USD 80 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 40.

Medical Visa:

The fee for a medical visa is USD 80 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 40.

Conference Visa:

The fee for a conference visa is USD 80 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 40.

Transit Visa:

The fee for a transit visa is USD 10 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 0.

Journalist Visa:

The fee for a journalist visa is USD 80 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 40.

Research Visa:

The fee for a research visa is USD 120 for most nationalities, and for certain nationalities, it is USD 80.

In addition to the visa fee, there may be other charges, such as a service fee charged by the visa processing center, and a bank fee if paying by credit card.

It is important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected. Also, the visa fee does not guarantee visa approval, and the final decision lies with the Indian embassy or consulate.

The cost of an Indian visa varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. It is essential to check the latest visa fees before applying and to note that there may be additional charges. It is also important to remember that the visa fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee visa approval.

Steps for applying for Indian Visa

Applying for an Indian visa requires some preparation and a few necessary steps. In this article, we will outline the steps involved in the Indian visa application process.

Determine the visa type:

1. The first step is to determine the type of visa required based on the purpose of the visit. The Indian government offers various kinds of visas, such as tourist visas, business visas, employment visas, student visas, and others.

Complete the online visa application form:

1. After determining the visa type, the applicant must complete the online visa application form. The form can be found on the Indian visa website, and the applicant must fill in all the required information accurately.

Gather the required documents:

1. The applicant must gather all the required documents, such as a passport, photograph, visa fee payment receipt, and other supporting documents. The specific documents required vary depending on the type of visa being applied for.

Schedule an appointment:

1. The next step is to schedule an appointment with the Indian embassy or consulate for submitting the visa application and supporting documents. The applicant must choose a convenient date and time for the appointment and bring all the required documents to the appointment.

Pay the visa fee:

1. The applicant must pay the visa fee online, either by credit or debit card, or in cash at the designated bank. The visa fee varies depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay.

Submit the application and supporting documents:

1. The applicant must submit the completed visa application form and all the required supporting documents, including the passport, photograph, and visa fee payment receipt, at the designated embassy or consulate.

Track the application status:

1. After submitting the application, the applicant can track the status of the visa application online. The Indian embassy or consulate will provide regular updates on the application status, including when the visa is approved and ready for pickup.

Collect the visa:

1. Once the visa is approved, the applicant can collect the visa from the Indian embassy or consulate. The applicant must bring a valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving license, and the visa fee payment receipt when collecting the visa.

Applying for an Indian visa involves several steps, including determining the visa type, completing the online application form, gathering the required documents, scheduling an appointment, paying the visa fee, submitting the application and supporting documents, tracking the application status, and collecting the visa. It is essential to follow each step accurately and ensure that all the required documents are provided to avoid delays in visa processing.