Can somebody else submit the application form for visa on applicant's behalf?
Ans : Yes, the application can be submitted at the visa application centres on an applicant’s behalf, but the applicant should be in Jeddah.

Can I apply visa for a family member who is not in Jeddah?
Ans : No, the applicant has to be in Jeddah while applying for a visa.

visa Fee?

Ans : Please Check the Visa Fee Schedule.

How many photographs are required for visa?

Ans : 1 latest passport size (3 X 5cm) colored photograph.

What is the procedure to apply for visa for Jeddah Passport holders?

Ans : Jeddah passport holders have to submit application forms duly filled and signed at visa Application center with 1 latest colored photograph, necessary documents, passport and requisite fee. Processing time - 2 working days The passport must be valid for more than 6 months and should have two blank pages.

What is the procedure to apply for visa for holder of Non-Jeddahan Passport?

Ans : Applicant holding any passport other than Jeddah can apply for visa if resident in Jeddah. The passport must be valid for more than 6 months and should have two blank pages. Please submit application forms duly filled and signed at visa application center with 1 latest colored photograph, necessary documents, passport and requisite fee. Processing time - 5 working days.

Can I apply for visa if I am a non Jeddahan and non-resident in Jeddah?

Ans : You should obtain a visa from the country of your normal residence or country of origin.

What are the documents required for Tourist visas?

Ans : Application forms, 1 photograph and requisite fee.

Who are eligible for a Business visa?

Ans : i) Foreign nationals who want to visit India to establish industrial / business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial / business venture in India.

ii) Foreign nationals coming to India to purchase / sell industrial products or commercial products or consumer durables.

iii) Foreign nationals coming to India for technical meetings / discussions, attending Board meetings, general meetings for providing business services support.

iv) Foreign nationals coming to India for recruitment of manpower.

v) Foreign nationals who are partners in the Business and / or functioning as Directors in the company.

vi) Foreign nationals coming to India for consultations regarding exhibitions, for participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, business fair, etc.

vii) Foreign buyers who come to transact business with suppliers / potential suppliers at locations in India, to evaluate or monitor quality, give specifications, place orders, negotiate further supplies etc., relating to goods or services procured from India.

viii) Foreign experts / specialists on a visit of short duration in connection with an ongoing project with the objective of monitoring the progress of the work, conducting meetings with Indian customers and / or to provide some high level technical guidance.

ix) Foreign nationals coming to India for pre-sales or post-sales activity not amounting to actual execution of any contract or project.

x) Foreign trainees of multinational companies / corporate houses coming for in-house training in the regional hubs of the concerned company located in India.

xi) Foreign students sponsored by AIESEC for internship on project based work in companies / industries.

xii) Foreign nationals who are coming to India on short visits to customer location to repair any plant or machinery as part of warranty or annual maintenance contracts.

xiii) Foreign engineers / technicians coming to India for installation and commissioning of equipments / machines / tools in terms of the contract for supply of such equipment / machine / tools.

xiv) Foreign experts coming to India for imparting training for the personnel of the Indian company.

xv) Foreign personnel deputed for providing technical support / services, transfer of know-how, services supplies for which the Indian company pays fees / royalty to the foreign company.

How to obtain Business visa for applicants who have not been resident for two years in Jeddah?

Ans : Applications may be made with the service providers. However, processing time may extend up to seven working days and you may be called for a personal interview to the Consulate General of India.

What is the duration of a Business visa?

Ans : A Business visa with multiple entry facilities is granted for a period up to 5 years or for a shorter duration depending on the merits of the case. A stay stipulation may be prescribed for each visit .

What documents are required to be submitted along with application for a Business visa?

Ans : i) The foreign national must have a valid travel document.

ii) Proof of financial standing and expertise in the field of intended business.

What if I hold a Valid visa in an expired Passport?

Ans : The visa is to be transferred from old passport to new passport.

Can the visa be transferred from old passport to new passport?

Ans : Yes, if the existing visa is still valid. If the visa is issued in Jeddah it will take 2 working days but if visa is issued by other Indian Mission, then it will take 5 working days. Please submit the application form, old passport, new passport and requisite fee.

Do I need a transit visa?

Ans : Yes, if the applicant is traveling to third country via India and stays in India for less than 72 hours. Documents required are application form with 1 photo, travel itinerary and requisite fee. For Jeddah national processing time - 2 working days and for other foreign nationals - 5 working days. Additional fee of S$ 20/- will be charged for foreign nationals.

If I have to register myself in India, where do I register?

Ans : The registration is to be done at any Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or at Foreigners cell at district police headquarters.

Can my visa be extended in India if I have to stay longer than required?

Ans : If the visa is ‘X’ category, employment visa or student’s visa, it could be extended by the FRRO subject to local checks. However tourist visa cannot be extended under any circumstance.

What is an Employment visa?

Ans : Employment visa is granted to foreigners desiring to come to India for the purpose of Employment, subject to following conditions:-

i) The applicant is a skilled and qualified professional or person who is being engaged or appointed by a company, organization, industry, or undertaking, etc. in India on contract or employment basis at a senior level, skilled position such as technical expert, senior executive, or in a managerial position, etc.

ii) Employment visa is not granted for jobs for which large numbers of qualified Indians are available.

iii) Employment visa is not granted for routine, ordinary or secretarial / clerical jobs.

iv) The Employment visa must be issued from the country of origin, or from the country of domicile of the foreigner provided the period of permanent residence of that applicant in that particular country is for more than 2 years.

v) The Indian company / organization engaging foreign nationals for executing projects / contracts would be responsible for the conduct of the foreign national during their stay in India and also for the departure of such foreign national upon expiry of visa.

vi) A Foreign national will have to comply with all other requirements like payment of tax liabilities, etc.

Who are eligible for Employment visa?

Ans : Subject to the conditions enumerated above, the following will be eligible for Employment visa.:-

i) Foreign national coming to India for execution of a project / contract [irrespective of the duration of the visit].

ii) Foreign nationals coming to India as consultant on contract for whom the Indian company pays a fixed remuneration, (may not be in the form of monthly salary).

iii) Foreign artists engaged to conduct regular performances for the duration of the employment contract given by Hotels, Clubs, other organizations.

iv) Foreign nationals who are coming to India to take up employment as coaches.

v) Foreign sportsmen who are given contract for a specified period by the Indian Clubs / Organizations.

vi) Self-employed foreign nationals coming to India for providing engineering, medical, accounting, legal or such other highly skilled services in their capacity as independent consultants.

vii) The salary of the foreign national employed should not be less than US$ 25,000 per annum.

viii) The Foreign national should be coming for employment in companies registered in India.

ix) The Foreign national should not be a persona-non-grata to the Government of India.

x) The Foreign national must submit proof of his / her employment or contract or engagement by the company / organization, etc. in India.

xi) Foreign language teachers / interpreters.

xii) Foreign specialist Chefs.

What is the duration of an Employment visa?

Ans : A Foreign national coming to India for employment may initially be granted an Employment visa by the Indian Missions abroad up to one year. The first extension, if necessary, would be granted by MHA. Further extensions, if required, can be granted by concerned State Government / FRO up to maximum period of five years from the date of issue of the visa. Foreigners coming on Employment visa are required to register with concerned FRRO / FRO within two weeks from the date of arrival.

What documents are required to be submitted along with application for Employment visa?

Ans : i) The Foreign national must have a valid travel document and a re-entry permit, if required under the law of the country concerned.

ii) The Foreign national must submit proof of his / her employment or contract or engagement by the company / organization, etc. in India clearly stating the salary per annum.

iii) The Foreign national must submit documentary proof of his educational qualifications and professional expertise.

Can Foreign nationals coming to execute projects in India be granted Business visa?

Ans : A Foreign national coming for executing projects / contracts will have to come only on an Employment visa.

Which category of visa will be granted to family members of foreign nationals coming to India on Business visas?

Ans : Indian Missions may grant an ‘X’ visa [i.e. a Dependent visa] to the family members of a foreign national granted a Business visa at their discretion, subject to usual security checks provided the family members are otherwise eligible for grant of such a visa.

Which category of visa will be granted to family members of foreign nationals coming to India on Employment?

Ans : In respect of family members of a foreign national who is granted ‘E’ visa, Indian Missions may grant an ‘X’ visa [i.e. Dependent visa]. The validity of the ‘X’ visa could be co-terminus with the validity of the visa of the principal visa holder or for such shorter duration as may be considered necessary by the Indian Mission, subject to usual security checks provided the family members are otherwise eligible for grant of such a visa.

Whether an Indian company / organization which has awarded a contract for execution of a project to a foreign company that does not have any base in India, can sponsor employee of foreign company for Employment visa?

Ans : Yes.

If the Indian organization / entity sponsors an Employment visa, does this mean that the Indian organization / entity has to necessarily be the legal employer of the person?

Ans : No.

Which type of visa would be granted to senior management personnel and / or specialists employed by foreign firms who are relocated to India to work on specific project / management assignment?

Ans : Employment visa.

What is the procedure to apply visa for PRC, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iranian and Sri Lankan passport?

Ans : The documents required are the same as for tourist as well as Business visa from the applicant’s side. Processing time will be longer. The visa is issued upon approval from concerned Authorities.

What is the procedure to apply for Students visa and procedures for extension of student visa?

Ans : This visa is issued to students who are enrolled for regular academic courses in India. The documents required are: proof of admission to an educational institution recognized by the Government of India, registration documents of the institution, application forms duly filled and signed, 1 photo and requisite fee. The visa will be issued for one year and further extension should be obtained from FRRO.

What is the procedure to apply for journalist visa?

Ans : Applicants may contact Mr. Vasanth Kumar, First Secretary on Tel. 62382549 Fax: 67326909 or Email :[email protected] with the letter from their company giving details of their visit. Non - Jeddahans must also submit visa application form at the visa application centre simultaneously for necessary clearance with payment of fee of S$20/-.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATING TO TOURIST VISA

As per the extant instructions of the Government of India, a Tourist visa can only be granted to a foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight seeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives etc. No other activity is permissible on a Tourist visa. The Tourist visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. With a view to curb the abuse / misuse of the Tourist visa, following restrictions have been introduced: (a) In respect of foreign nationals holding Tourist visas, with multiple entry facility, there should be a gap of at least two months between two visits on such a Tourist visa. (b) If any foreign national is required to visit India again within a period of 2 months gap, such foreign national should obtain special permission from the Mission / Post concerned. The Mission / Post may consider such requests on merits of each case. (c) In all such cases, the foreign national should register himself with the FRRO / FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival. An endorsement to this effect will be made on the visa sticker. Frequently asked questions with regard to the above issues and replies thereto are outlined below for information, guidance and compliance of all concerned:

Q.(1) Whether the gap of two months between two visits would apply to all Tourist visa holders?

Ans. The gap of two months between two visits would apply to all Tourist visa holders.

Q.(2) Whether the gap of two months between two visits would apply irrespective of the duration of stay in India during the previous visit?

Ans. The intention behind the stipulation of the gap of two months between two visits on a Tourist visa is to curb the abuse / misuse of the Tourist visa. With the view to ensure that the genuine tourists are not affected by the recent guidelines, the following clarifications are furnished: a. Foreigners holding Tourist visas, who after initial entry into India plan to visit another country largely on account of neighbourhood tourism related travel and re-enter India before finally exiting, may be permitted two or three entries, as the case may be (need based), by the Indian Missions / Posts subject to their submission of a detailed itinerary and supporting documentation (ticket bookings). If they are already outside of their country of origin, they can also get such an endorsement from the nearest Indian Mission / Post. b. The immigration authorities in all the Immigration Check Posts may also allow such foreign nationals on Tourist visas arriving in India without the specific authorization from the Indian Missions / Posts to make two or three entries into the country (need based) subject to production of an itinerary and supporting documentation (ticket bookings). c. The total period of stay in the country counted from the date of first entry into the country shall not exceed the stay stipulation period of 180 days or 90 days, as the case may be. d. Once such a foreign national finally exits the country after availing the facility of two or three entries (within the stay stipulation period of 180 days or 90 days as the case may be), there should be a gap of at least two months before he / she can come again into the country. e. If any foreign national falling in the category as mentioned in sub-para (IV) above is required to visit India again within a period of two months after his / her last departure, such foreign national should obtain special permission from the Mission/Post. Such re-entry within the stipulated gap of two months may be permitted only in emergent situations like death / serious illness in the family, non-availability of connecting flights to return to his / her country of origin or travel to another country or any other exigent situation which can be duly justified with proper documentation to the satisfaction of the Mission / Post granting the permission. f. The applicant should furnish an undertaking on the following lines: i. That the purpose of his/her visit is because of emergency situation. ii. That he is not engaged in Business activities, nor in Employment or pursuing studies / research etc. g. In all such cases i.e. those covered by sub-para V above, the foreign should register himself with the FRRO / FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival. This registration may be done with the FRRO / FRO concerned preferably at the first place of entry. An endorsement to this effect will be made on the visa sticker.

Q.(3) Whether the permission for the second visit within the period of 2 months in respect of foreign nationals falling in the category mentioned In sub-para (V) in reply to Question (2) can be granted by the Posts?

Ans. Yes.

Q.(4) Whether the Mission / Post in any country can grant permission for the second visit within the period of two months in respect of the foreign nationals falling in the category mentioned in sub-para (V) in reply to Question (2) or whether this can be granted only by the Mission / Post in the country of origin of the applicant.

Ans. The requisite permission can be granted by the Mission / Post in any country on merits of each case and subject to the conditions mentioned in sub-para (V) in reply to Question (2) above.

Q.(5) In cases mentioned in sub para (V) in reply to Question (2), where will the foreigner register himself?

Ans. The registration should be done with the FRRO / FRO concerned preferably at the first place of visit on re-entry.

Q.(6) If a tourist’s passport is not stamped to indicate no re-entry within two months, can the tourist assume that he will be allowed to re-enter India within two months?

Ans. No. Even if the tourist’s passport is not stamped, the restrictions as laid down will be applicable.

Q.(7) Whether the restriction of two months gap for re-entering India is applicable to PIO / OCI card holders and foreigners holding business, employment, student and other categories of visa?

Ans. No. The two months gap is applicable only to Tourist visa holders.

Q.(8) Whether any fee is required to be charged for making the requisite endorsement on the Passport.

Ans. Miscellaneous Consular Service may be charged for making an endorsement.

Q.(9) How will medical tourists who return regularly to India for onward treatment be handled?

Ans. For persons coming for medical treatment, there is a separate category of Medical visa. Foreign nationals coming for medical treatment will have to come only on Medical visa and not on Tourist visa.

Q.(10) How will family members of diplomatic households who do not qualify for diplomatic visas (e.g. older children or domestic partners) be handled?

Ans. The family members of diplomatic households who do not qualify for diplomatic visas may have to come on an `Entry(X)’ visa if eligible. If they come on Tourist visa, the restrictions as laid down will be applicable.

Q.(11) How will individuals who come to India to volunteer for various charity organizations be treated? Many of them travel around the region while volunteering in India for extended periods on Tourist visas.

Ans. Tourist visa is not the appropriate visa in such cases. A person coming for voluntary work can apply for `Entry (X)’ visa.