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Citizens
of most countries with a few exceptions like Bhutan and Nepal need a
visa to get in. Depending on your purpose of visit, you can get a
tourist visa (six months ~US $60, one year ~US $75), a business visa
(6 months, one year or more, multiple entries) or a student visa (up
to 5 years). A special 10 year visa (US $150, business and tourist)
is available to US citizens only. Note that some Indian embassies
only offers visas to residents of that country: this means you
should get your visa before you leave home, instead of trying to get
in a neighboring country.
Rules and validity of visas will differ based on citizenship. Check
the website of the Indian embassy, consulate or high commission in
your country or contact the local office .
It's wise to ask for a multiple entry visa even if you aren't
planning to use it - they cost the same, are handed out pretty
liberally and come in handy if you decide last minute to dip into
one of the neighboring countries.
There are other categories for specialised purposes . The missionary
visa is mandatory for anyone who is visiting India "primarily to
take part in religious activities". This rule is meant to combat
religious conversion, particularly of Hindus to Christianity. There
have been cases where preachers have been deported for addressing
religious congregations while on a tourist visa. You don't need to
be worried if you are just on a religious tour of churches in India.
If you are on a Student, Employment, Research or Missionary visa,
you need to register within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners
Regional Registration Office where you will be staying. If the place
you are staying at doesn't have one, you need to register at the
local police station . All visitors who intend to stay more than 180
days also need to be registered.
For more information about Indian Visa click this link |
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