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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 counrty, except to restricted/protected
areas and prohibited places.
Nationals of Bnagladesh 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 recognised 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 recognised
by the Government of India. Children of foreigners of Indian origin
below the age of 12 may be granetd 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 granetd a collective
landing permit for a period of upto 30 days by the immigration authorities
on landing, provided the group is sponsored by a recognised 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.
Extension of Visa : As a rule no extension of
stay is granted on a Tourist Visa.
Other Types of Visas : 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. |
