India entry visa: Overview
#The India Entry Visa, officially the Entry Visa (X Visa), is issued by the Bureau of Immigration.
It’s designed for foreign nationals entering India for long-term personal and family-based reasons.
Unlike short-term options such as the e-Tourist Visa or e-Business Visa, this visa is for extended stays tied to Indian origin or close family relationships.
Purpose and scope
The Entry Visa (X Visa) permits entry for long-term settlement or family-based residence.
It’s not for tourism, study, or commercial activity.
You typically use this visa when your purpose doesn’t fit categories like Tourist Visa, e-Tourist Visa, Business Visa, e-Business Visa, or Student Visa, but you have a qualifying personal connection to India.
This visa supports:
- Long-term stay in India
- Residence with Indian family members
- Settlement based on Indian origin
The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) manages entry and exit at the border.
If you remain in India for an extended period, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) handles registration requirements and any in-country extensions.
| Feature | Entry Visa (X Visa) |
|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Long-term personal or family-based stay |
| Suitable for tourism? | No |
| Suitable for business? | No |
| Registration inside India | Handled by FRRO |
| Entry/exit control | Bureau of Immigration |
Don’t use this visa as a substitute for employment, business, or academic study unless specifically permitted.
Who it is intended for
The Entry Visa (X Visa) targets individuals with a specific personal connection to India.
You may qualify if you are:
- A person of Indian origin
- The spouse of an Indian citizen
- The child of an Indian citizen
- Seeking long-term settlement based on family ties
This visa isn’t for general travelers.
If your purpose is short-term tourism, commercial meetings, or formal academic study, you should apply under the appropriate category, such as the e-Tourist Visa, Business Visa, or Student Visa.
Eligibility depends on proving the qualifying relationship or origin.
Authorities expect clear documentation that supports your claim.
Without this connection, you won’t qualify for an Entry Visa and must select another visa type.
How the form is used
You apply for the Entry Visa (X Visa) using the official Form Online Visa Application system.
Submit the required form titled Entry Visa (X Visa).
The process generally follows these steps:
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Complete the Online Visa Application.
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Select the appropriate visa category (Entry Visa / X Visa).
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Submit the form and required supporting documents.
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File your application through the designated submission channel.
Application collection centers such as BLS or VFS may accept and forward your application.
They don’t make visa decisions.
The Bureau of Immigration determines admissibility at entry.
If you stay in India beyond the initial permitted period, complete registration or extension procedures with the FRRO.
Always confirm current procedural details and fee amounts in ₹ through official government sources before submitting your application.
Application Process
#
Prepare your documents, complete the Form Online Visa Application accurately, and submit the required materials either electronically or in person, depending on your visa type.
Follow the official instructions for your specific category and keep copies of everything you submit.
Before you start
Review the current entry rules and detailed instructions published by the Bureau of Immigration before you begin.
Check the eligibility criteria for your specific category, such as e-Tourist Visa, Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, Business Visa, or Student Visa.
Make sure you have:
- A valid passport
- A recent photograph (if required in your category instructions)
- Supporting documents relevant to your visa type
- A working email address for application updates
Some visa types, such as e-Tourist Visa and e-Business Visa, rely primarily on online processing.
Others, including Tourist Visa, Business Visa, and Student Visa, may require submission of physical documents at an Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly at an Indian Mission.
| Visa Type | Application Mode | Physical Submission Required |
|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | Online | Usually not required |
| e-Business Visa | Online | Usually not required |
| Tourist Visa | Online form + physical file | Yes |
| Business Visa | Online form + physical file | Yes |
| Student Visa | Online form + physical file | Yes |
Complete every section carefully.
Errors or missing information can delay processing.
Filling and submitting the form
Access the Online Visa Application and complete all mandatory fields.
Enter your personal details exactly as shown in your passport.
Follow these steps:
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Select the correct visa category.
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Fill in all required sections.
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Upload documents if your category requires it.
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Review the full application before submission.
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Pay the applicable fee in INR (₹) as instructed.
Use accurate information and consistent spelling throughout the form.
Even minor discrepancies can create complications during review.
After you submit the application and payment, you’ll get a confirmation email at the address you provided.
Keep this confirmation for your records.
If your visa category requires physical submission, print the completed form and sign it where indicated.
After submission and appointment
If your visa requires in-person processing, schedule an appointment at the designated Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or the relevant Indian Mission.
Bring:
- Printed and signed visa application form
- Supporting documents
- Your passport
- Appointment confirmation
Submit the full physical file on your scheduled date.
The IVAC or Indian Mission accepts your documents but doesn’t make the final decision.
For matters inside India, such as registration or visa extensions, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) handles those processes.
The Bureau of Immigration manages entry and exit at Indian borders.
Monitor your email for updates.
Respond promptly if authorities request additional documents or clarification.
Fees and Processing Times
#You pay a fixed government fee and should plan for a standard decision window of several weeks.
Costs and timelines can shift based on visa type and where you apply.
Confirm details with the issuing authority before you submit your Form Online Visa Application.
Application fees
As of February 2026, the government fee for an India entry visa is ₹8,300.
This amount is the base application charge.
| Item | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry Visa – Government fee | ₹8,300 |
You pay the fee when you submit your Online Visa Application or through the authorized submission center handling your file.
BLS or VFS centers may collect service charges, but they do not decide your case.
The fee can differ for other categories such as the e-Tourist Visa, Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, Business Visa, or Student Visa.
Always confirm the exact amount with the official Government of India visa portal before payment.
If you later apply for registration or extension inside India, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) manages that process and may charge separate fees.
Standard processing window
Under standard processing, expect a decision in 2 to 4 weeks.
This timeframe applies to entry visa applications as of March 2026.
| Processing Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | 2–4 weeks |
The clock typically starts after you properly submit your application and supporting documents.
Incomplete forms or missing documents delay review.
You cannot assume faster handling unless the issuing authority confirms it.
If you face travel deadlines, apply well in advance and monitor your application status through the official system.
Once approved, the visa allows you to seek entry at an Indian port of entry, where the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) controls admission.
Variations by category/location
processing times vary by visa category and processing location.
An e-Tourist Visa or e-Business Visa may move on a different timeline than a regular Tourist Visa, Business Visa, or Student Visa submitted through a consular channel.
Your place of application also matters.
Applications lodged in different countries or jurisdictions can move at different speeds due to workload and local procedures.
If you apply from inside India for registration or an extension, the FRRO handles that stage, not the original overseas issuing post.
Each authority works within its own queue.
Always verify current timelines directly with the official Government of India visa authority before you finalize travel plans.
Required Documents
#You must submit documents that prove your relationship to India, confirm your identity, and support the purpose of your entry.
The exact set depends on whether you apply for an e-Tourist Visa, Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, Business Visa, or Student Visa through the Form Online Visa Application system.
Relationship evidence
If you claim eligibility based on Indian origin, you must prove that connection with clear civil records.
Provide the following where applicable:
- Cancelled Indian passport, if you previously held one
- Surrender certificate, if you gave up Indian citizenship in or after 2010
- Birth certificate showing parental details
- Marriage certificate, if your eligibility is based on marriage
Names, dates of birth, and other personal details must match across all documents.
Any discrepancy can delay processing or lead to refusal.
Use the table below to identify what applies to your situation:
| Situation | Required Evidence |
|---|---|
| Former Indian citizen | Cancelled Indian passport + Surrender certificate (if surrendered in or after 2010) |
| Person of Indian origin | Birth certificate showing Indian parentage |
| Spouse of Indian national | Marriage certificate |
Submit legible copies as required in the Online Visa Application system or by the visa submission center handling your case.
Sponsor and identity documents
You must prove your identity with official records matching the details in your visa application.
Your personal documents should show:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Marital status (if relevant to your visa category)
If your visa category relies on a family relationship, your sponsor’s details must align with your birth or marriage certificate.
For example, your parent’s name on your birth certificate must match their official identity records.
Ensure consistency across all forms submitted through the Online Visa Application portal.
Even minor spelling differences can cause delays.
If you plan to stay in India for a period requiring registration, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) will rely on the same identity documents you used in your visa application.
What to bring to the appointment
If you attend an in-person appointment at a visa submission center, bring original documents along with copies.
Prepare the following:
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Printed Online Visa Application confirmation
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Original cancelled passport, if applicable
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Original surrender certificate, if required
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Original birth or marriage certificate used to support your case
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Photocopies of all supporting documents
Organize documents in the same order listed in your application.
This speeds up document review and reduces the risk of missing items.
The visa submission center collects and forwards your documents, but it doesn’t decide your case.
The competent Indian authorities review and assess your application.
Eligibility Requirements
#Your eligibility depends on the purpose of your visit and the visa category you select.
India offers both electronic visas and regular sticker visas, and each applies to specific travel activities.
Who may be eligible
You may qualify for an e-Visa if your trip fits within approved short-term purposes.
Eligible activities include:
- Recreation and sightseeing under the e-Tourist Visa or Tourist Visa
- Short-term courses
- Short-duration voluntary work
- Medical treatment under the appropriate e-Visa category
- Business visits under the e-Business Visa or Business Visa
- Attending a conference
- Traveling as an attendant to an e-Medical Visa holder
You must apply through the Form Online Visa Application system when seeking an e-Visa.
The table below summarizes common eligibility categories:
| Visa Type | Permitted Purpose |
|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa / Tourist Visa | Recreation, sightseeing |
| e-Business Visa / Business Visa | Business-related activities |
| Student Visa | Study programs |
| e-Medical Visa | Medical treatment |
| Conference Visa (e-category where applicable) | Attending conferences |
| Attendant (e-category) | Accompanying e-Medical Visa holder |
If your purpose doesn’t match one of these categories, select the correct visa type before applying.
Special eligibility notes
Your visa category must match your actual activity in India. Entering on a Tourist Visa when your purpose is business, study, or medical treatment isn’t allowed.
Planning to study? Apply for a Student Visa, not an e-Tourist Visa.
Traveling for commercial meetings or business discussions means you’ll need an e-Business Visa or a Business Visa.
Inside India, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) handles registration and visa extensions. The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) manages entry and exit at ports.
Application submission centers like BLS or VFS only collect your documents—they don’t make eligibility decisions. Indian authorities decide on all applications.
Choose the visa category that actually reflects your travel purpose before completing the Online Visa Application.
Relationship Scrutiny Red Flags
#Indian authorities look for accuracy and consistency in your application. Any mismatch in your Form Online Visa Application can result in refusal, even if you qualify for an e-Tourist Visa, Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, Business Visa, or Student Visa.
Common reasons for refusal
Applications get refused if they contain incomplete or inconsistent information. Authorities check every field in your application against your passport and supporting documents.
Common red flags:
- Spelling your name differently than in your passport
- Incorrect passport number or expiry date
- Leaving mandatory fields blank
- Conflicting answers in different sections
Even minor discrepancies can raise doubts about your credibility. Filing an entry visa application doesn’t guarantee approval.
This review standard applies to all visa types:
| Visa Type | Risk if Information Is Inconsistent |
|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa | Refusal before travel authorization |
| Tourist Visa | Refusal during application review |
| e-Business Visa | Rejection due to mismatched identity details |
| Business Visa | Delays or denial during scrutiny |
| Student Visa | Refusal based on conflicting personal data |
FRRO manages registration and visa extensions in India. Discrepancies in your records can cause complications if your information doesn’t match previous submissions.
How to avoid inconsistency issues
Enter your details exactly as they appear in your passport and official documents. Don’t shorten names, rearrange surnames, or leave out middle names.
Before submitting your Online Visa Application:
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Compare every field with your passport line by line.
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Confirm passport number, issue date, and expiry date match exactly.
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Review all answers for consistency.
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Make sure no required fields are blank.
Stick to one format for dates and names throughout the form.
Accuracy matters more than speed. Taking time to review helps avoid refusal and later issues with FRRO records after you arrive in India.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application feeApplication fee: $100 (as of 2026-02). Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing. | $100 |
Fees change; always verify on FRRO.
Required forms
#Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Do you need to register with the FRRO on a Student Visa?
Your visa sticker or approval letter will indicate if you need to register.
If registration is required, you have to complete it with the FRRO within the timeframe mentioned.
Procedures and any applicable fees are determined by the FRRO based on your specific case.
What is the Entry Visa (X Visa)?
The Entry Visa (X Visa) is an official Bureau of Immigration form used by applicants filing with the Bureau of Immigration for family-related entry, including persons of Indian origin, spouses and children of Indian citizens, or long-term settlement contexts.
How do I apply for the Entry Visa (X Visa)?
Download the current entry instructions from the Bureau of Immigration website and review eligibility for your category, then complete all required sections of the form, sign, and submit with the required evidence. Submit documents at an Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly at the Indian Mission and follow the appointment instructions. After payment you'll receive a confirmation email.
What documents should I prepare?
Prepare relationship evidence such as birth or marriage certificates and any specific identity documents required (for persons of Indian origin, a cancelled/surrendered Indian passport with surrender certificate if applicable). Bring the physical copy of your application, supporting documents and your passport to the IVAC or Indian Mission appointment. Download current instructions to confirm the full list.
How much does the application cost?
The application fee is $100 (as of 2026-02).
How long does processing take?
Standard processing is 2 to 4 weeks (as of March 2026). processing times vary by category and processing location, so verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
Does filing the form guarantee approval?
No. Filing the entry form does not guarantee approval.
What are common mistakes that lead to rejection?
A common rejection reason is incomplete or inconsistent information across the form and documents. Avoid this by using exact passport and document details and reviewing all answers before submission.
Can I review or edit my application before submission?
You can (and should) review the entire application form before submission. Complete all sections accurately and review your answers; follow secure submission procedures.
Who is eligible under related e-Visa categories?
International travelers whose objectives include recreation, sightseeing, short-term courses, short-duration voluntary work, medical treatment, business purposes, or attending a conference — and attendants to e-Medical visa holders — are eligible under e-Visa categories.
Official sources referenced
Last reviewed: 2026-03-13
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
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