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Tab 11 (a): Passport
The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian Passport to the Indian Citizens. This document is issued from 28 locations across the country and 160 Indian missions abroad. The passport can be applied in the passport office, having your present address area in its jurisdiction.
To apply for a passport, you have to obtain an application form from the Passport Office or the designated Speed Post Centers or any of the designated outlets in your city. Along with the duly filled application form, you have to submit proof of residence, date of birth, change of name, documents for ECNR, expired passport (if any), passport size photographs etc.
All self-attested copies of certificates/documents would be checked against originals at the Passport Office at the time of submission of application. A Gazetted Officer should attest copies of certificates/documents sent by post. The normal time taken for issuance of a passport is five to six weeks. However in case of an emergency you can apply for a fresh or duplicate passport under the 'Tatkaal' scheme. The Tatkaal Scheme allows passports to be issued on payment of additional fee over and above the normal passport application fee. The 'Tatkaal' Scheme would only be applicable in cases where either the police verification report is not required (minors less than 15 years of age) or where a passport can be issued on post police verification basis (duplicate passport/re-issue of passport without change in address, Government servants with NOC and their spouses and applications with Verification Certificates).
Tab 11 (b): Visa
Foreign Nationals desirous of coming into India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa.
There is no provision of 'Visa on Arrival' in India and no fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports. Foreign passengers should ensure that they are in possession of valid Indian Visa before they start their journey to India except nationals of Nepal and Bhutan who do not require visa to enter India and nationals of Maldives who do not require visa for entry in India for a period up to 90 days (a separate Visa regime exists for diplomatic/official passport holders).
The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian visas to the foreign nationals for their visit for various purposes. This facility is granted through various Indian missions abroad.
Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice. The High Commission reserves the right on granting and deciding type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making application. Granting of Visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
Specific Visas are granted for a variety of purposes. Listed below in a tabular form are the types of visa; categorised on the basis of purpose of staying in India.
| Types of visa |
Type |
Period |
Documents required |
Tourist Visa |
6 months |
Docs supporting the applicant's financial standing |
Business Visa |
One or more years |
Letter from the sponsoring organisation |
Student Visa |
For the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years whichever is less |
Proof of admission to recognized Universities/Institutions in India |
Transit Visa |
Maximum For 15 Days |
Evidence of onward travel to a destination outside India |
Conference Visa |
For the duration of the conference or seminar |
Letter of invitation from the organiser of the conference |
Visa Application Form
Visa application form is available at the office of Indian Embassy in the country where the NRI/PIO resides. Visa form for nationals of Pakistan and Bangladesh are generally different. All NRIs/PIOs, including children (who don't possess OCI or PIO card) need to apply for Visa in separate visa forms.
Procedure for obtaining Visa
Visas can be applied for in person or by post at the High Commission of India based in the country from where the candidate intends to depart for India. Specific visas are granted for a variety of purposes that are aforementioned.
Requirements for Visa
Generally the following documents are required for obtaining Indian Visa. However, the requirement may vary from country to country.
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months
- Visa fee
- Two passport size photographs
- Supporting documents, where necessary
- Duly completed application form
Visa for NRIs and PIOs
Persons of Indian Origins and Non-Resident Indians who possess either OCI (Overseas Indian Citizenship) or PIO card don't need Indian Visa. OCI and PIO give them the freedom to visit India without visa. OCI and PIO cards are multi-purpose life long visa for visiting India.
However, those NRIs and PIOs who don't have OCI or PIO card can apply for and get Indian visa through the procedure mentioned above.
For more details visit our Section on 'Indian Missions/Embassies Abroad'
Baggage & Customs Rules
Baggage Rules
Baggage rules are a part of the customs check that anyone going abroad or returning from there have to deal with. 'Baggage' does not include motor vehicle, fire arms and goods of commercial nature or in commercial quantities.
Exemptions and duty tax
Following are exempted from the general baggage rules and are thus, duty free:
- Used articles of personal use are exempted from baggage duty
- New articles up to Rs. 12,000/- per adult passenger (Rs. 25,000/- if a person is returning to India after more than 3 days) are exempted under the general Baggage Rules and don't carry any baggage duty
- Laptop & Computer (computer notebook) brought by a passenger of the age of 18 years and above has been exempted w.e.f from 09-01-2004
- Alcoholic liquor or wines up to two litres, 200 cigarettes and jewellery up to Rs. 20,000/- for a lady and Rs. 10,000/- for a gentleman can be brought as part of the free baggage allowance
- 40% flat duty with no SAD or CVD is payable if the value of bona fide baggage exceeds the limit mentioned in point 4. above
- Import of cinematography films, exposed but not developed, brought as part of baggage is duty free
- 35% flat rate of duty with no SAD or CVD is payable on if the value of an article brought by NRIs/PIOs exceeds the limit of Rs. 12,000
Customs Rules
NRIs and PIOs travelling from USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe are entitled to duty free allowance of Rs 25,000, a laptop and unlimited used personal effects excluding jewellery. The free allowance can not be combined with the free allowance of any other passenger. A tourist is supposed to take back the items which have not been consumed during the stay in India when he/she returns.
Permits Required
Currency Declaration
NRIs and PIOs can bring any amount of foreign exchange to India. But, a formal declaration is to be made to the customs authorities on arrival. Currency Declaration form is to be filled mentioning the foreign exchange carried by the NRIs and PIOs. It is obligatory to fill a declaration form if the foreign exchange exceeds US$ 10,000 or its equivalent and /or the aggregate value of foreign currency notes is US$ 5,000 or its equivalent.
Places with special permits
Certain places in India, usually border districts are not open to all. These areas are considered special because of security or political reasons and thus, require permits to visit. These places are extremely beautiful and fascinating, their remoteness lending them a special quality, and special permits may be procured from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Permits are usually provided to groups and for a limited number of days.
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Case Studies 
