Foreign visitors to India can stay in the country for up to six months, subject to extensions, in some cases. Common examples of short-term Indian visas are business, medical and tourist.
India tourist visas, commonly known as visit visas or travel visas, are intended for foreigners who intend to visit friends or relatives or travel to tourist destinations in India. The maximum period of residence allowed by this type of India visa is six months. A tourist visa can be issued individually or for a group, ‘collective visa’.
To qualify for this type of India visa, applicants must have a valid passport issued by their country of residence. A transit visa may be issued to foreigners who are arriving in India as part of long-term travel to another country. This type of India visa grants 15 days of residence and requires applicants to prove their intention to leave the country within the prescribed period.
A business visa grants five-year residence and the right to engage in key business activities, such as negotiating contracts and attending conferences. However, business visa holders are not allowed to work as employees of Indian based companies.
To qualify for a business visa, applicants must have a valid passport and letters from their sponsoring Indian company and employer, which indicate the purpose of the visit, date of departure and sources of income while residing in India.
A medical visa allows foreign patients to undergo treatment in India for six months, with the possibility of a six-month extension. Depending on the medical condition of the patient, this type of visa can be extended again, up to a maximum of 12 months.