Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a visa to go to India?
   Yes, all foreigners except nationals of Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives, need a visa to enter India. With regard to Maldives passport holders, a visa is required if intended stay in India will exceed 90 days.
   
   
2. Can I get a visa to enter India on arrival?
   No, you must obtain a visa before travelling to India. Visas cannot be obtained on arrival in India and immigration authorities will not permit any foreign national to enter India without a visa.
   
   
3. I wish to visit India for tourism/to attend a friend's marriage/ to meet my friends. Which visa should I apply for?
   You should apply for a Tourist Visa valid for multiple entries and a maximum stay of six months in India. Kindly note that a Tourist Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.
   
   
4. I am a French national and I travel to India for one or two months every year for tourism. Which visa should I apply for?
   You may apply for a 5-year Tourist visa that enables unlimited visits to India within the tenure of the visa subject to maximum stay of 90 days per visit.
   
   
5. I am a frequent traveller to India for business meetings/to explore opportunities for partnerships with Indian companies. Which visa should I apply for?
   You may apply for a Business Visa valid for multiple entries for either six months or one year along with requisite documentation as per the B-Visa checklist. Kindly note that a Business Visa does not permit you to work in India. In case you wish to work in India, you should apply for an Employment Visa.
   
   
6. I would be changing flights/airports in India in order to travel to my final destination (example Nepal, Thailand etc.) Do I need a visa to change flights/airport terminals?
   You need to apply for a transit visa in case you are going to change from the international terminal to the domestic terminal of any Indian airport or if you are going to stay in an airport hotel even though for a few hours. In case you remain within limits of the waiting area reserved for international transit passengers of the Indian airport you do not need a transit visa. Kindly note that the maximum period of stay in India permitted by a transit visa is 72 hours.
   
   
7. I have to participate in a Conference/Seminar/Workshop in India. Which visa should I apply for?
   You should apply for a Conference Visa to enable you to participate in the Conference/Seminar/ Workshop along with invitation letter, details of the Conference etc.
   
   
8. I have to go for an internship/training in a University/institute/Company in India for a short period. Which visa should I apply for?
   You should apply for an Entry Visa along with a copy of the offer letter stating the terms of internship. You may also be required to submit a copy of inter-university student exchange agreement if the proposed internship is a component of such agreement. You would be required to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India @€500 per month.
   
   
9. I will be going to India for work/employment. My family will also accompany me during my stay in India. Which visa should I apply for? Would my children be able to study in India?
   You must apply for an Employment Visa along with requisite documentation as per the relevant E-Visa checklist. Once your E-Visa application is approved, your wife and children may apply for Entry Visas in case they are accompanying you on your stay in India. Your children would be able to secure admission in schools/college in India once they have been granted Entry Visas. Kindly note that it is mandatory to undergo registration formalities at the nearest Office of the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of your arrival in India if you are going to stay in India for a period longer than 180 days.
   
   
10. I will be going to study in India for one semester/trimester an an IIT/IIM/IISc./Indian University. Which visa should I apply for?
    You should apply for a Student Visa along with a copy of the letter from the Institute/University confirming your acceptance as a student. You would also be required to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India @€500 per month.
    
    
11. I wish to visit certain areas in India like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland etc. Can I obtain a visa to visit these areas?
    A tourist visa is not sufficient to visit these areas because all of these regions in India are restricted/protected areas for which it is necessary to obtain a Restricted/ Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP). This permit can be obtained in India either from the Ministry of Home Affairs or FRRO concerned after entering India with a tourist visa. You can visit certain open areas in Sikkim for a maximum period of 15 days in case you request a 'special endorsement for Sikkim' at the time of applying for your tourist visa.
    
    
12. I applied for a visa for India but I have changed my mind about going to India. Can I claim a refund of visa fee?
    Visa fees are non-refundable once the visa application is accepted and cannot be refunded regardless of whether the visa is granted or not.
    
    
13. Do I need a visa for my pet who is accompanying me on my visit to India?
    A Visa is not required for taking a pet to India but certain customs and vaccination-related regulations have to be complied with. Kindly consult your airline/travel agent for details of these regulations and necessary documentation to facilitate the visit.
    
    
14. My application and passport have been submitted and it has been a while, how can I enquire about the status of my application?
    You can trace your application on line by visiting our website www.vfs-in-fr.com or by calling our helpline Mondays to Fridays between 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs. Please have your passport and reference number ready if contacting by telephone.
    
    
15. Can I study in India?
    Yes. With a valid Student Visa
    
    
16. Can I work in India?
    Yes. With a valid Employment Visa
    
    
17. Will the visa fees be refunded?
    Visa fees, once received, will not be refunded even if the application is withdrawn or refused.
    
    
18. How do I know when my passport is ready for collection from the India Visa Application Centre?
    Please track your passport either by logging onto the India Visa Application Centre's tracking link on www.vfs-in-fr.com or you can even call our helpline number to check the status of your passport.
    
    
19. Can I collect my passport from the Embassy of India, Paris?
    No. The passport must be collected from the application centre where the application was made (except applications submitted at the centre in Lyon).
    
    
20. Do I have to submit my passport and visa application with the India Visa Application Centre only?
    Yes. Only Diplomats and officials of foreign diplomatic Mission, UN and other international organization personnel can submit their visa applications directly at the Embassy of India.
    
    
21. How do I pay for the visa charges and service charges?
    By Cash or through Debit Cards or Credit Cards (Visa, Master, Carte Bleue (CB) only accepted), Postal Order or Certified Cheque.