FAQs for Sri Lankan and other foreign nationals regarding Tourist, Business and Employment visas

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATING TO TOURIST VISAS

 1.   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.

2.    It has come to the notice of the Government that there has been abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa.  With a view to curb the abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa, instructions have been issued by the Government imposing the following restrictions:-

(a)    In respect of foreign nationals holding Tourist Visas with multiple entry facility, there should be a gap of at least 2 months between two visits to the country on such a Tourist Visa.

(b)    If any foreign national is required to visit the country again within a period of 2 months of his last departure, 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.

(d)    If a foreign national applies for Tourist Visa frequently i.e within one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa, the Indian Missions/Posts abroad would refer such cases to MHA (Foreigners Division) for clearance before grant of fresh Tourist visa.

3.    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 a gap of two months between two visits on a Tourist Visa is to curb the abuse/misuse of the Tourist Visa.   With a view to ensure that the genuine tourists are not affected by the recent guidelines, the following clarifications are furnished:

(I)    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.

(II)    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).

(III)    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.

(IV)    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 2 months before he/she can come again to the country.

(V)    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 2 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.  The Mission/Post will have to examine each case on merits before grant of requisite permission subject to the following conditions:-

(a)    The applicant should furnish an undertaking on the following lines:-

(i) That the purpose of his/her visits is because of emergency situation.
(ii)    That he is not engaged in Business activities, nor in Employment or  pursuing studies/research etc.

(b) In all such cases i.e. those covered by sub-para V above, the foreign national 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.

(VI)    If a foreign national applies for Tourist Visa frequently i.e. within one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa, the Indian Missions/Posts abroad should scrutinize the application thoroughly and refer such cases to MHA (Foreigners Division) for clearance before grant of fresh Tourist visa.

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 2 months in respect of 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.  Intimation about the grant of permission may be furnished to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) and to the Mission/Post from where the original Visa was issued.

Q.5:    Whether the requirement of reference to the Ministry of Home Affairs in respect of those foreign nationals who apply for Tourist Visa within one month of expiry of the previous Tourist Visa would apply in respect of nationals of all countries?

Ans.:        Yes.

Q.6:    Are there any standard guidelines for the Indian Missions/Posts to decide the requests for re-entry within the stipulated gap of two months? 

Ans.:    The re-entry within the stipulated gap of two months, as mentioned in sub para (V) in reply to Question (2),  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.  The Mission/Post will have to examine each case on merits before grant of requisite permission.

Q.7:    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.8:    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.9    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.10    Whether any fee is required to be charged for making the requisite endorsement on the Passport.

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

Q.11 :    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.12:    How will the 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.13:    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.

4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATING TO BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT VISAS :

In recent weeks, several queries have been raised about the type of Visas issued by India to foreigners for work related visits. It is clarified that basically there are two (2) types of work related Visas, namely:-

1.    Business Visa designated as 'B' Visa
2.    Employment Visa designated as ‘E' Visa

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. What is a Business Visa?

Ans. Business Visa is granted to a foreign national who wants to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture, or wants to purchase/sell industrial products in India . This Visa is granted subject to following conditions:-
(i)     The applicant is a person of assured financial standing and expertise in the field of the intended business.
(ii)     The applicant is not visiting India for the business of money lending or petty trading, or for a full time employment in India involving payment of salary in India etc.
(iii)   The facility of Business Visa will also be extended to senior executives of firms, experts, tour conductors and travel agents, etc., visiting India in connection with work related to projects of national importance, including those undertaken by public sector undertakings, and conducting business tours of foreigners or business relating to it, etc.
(iv)   A foreign national will have to comply with all other requirements like payment of tax liabilities etc.
(v) The grant of Business Visa is subject to any instructions issued by the Government of India on the basis of reciprocity with other foreign countries from time to time.
(vi) The Business 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.

Q.2. 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 fairs, 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

Q.3. 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 as per the requirement. A stay stipulation may be prescribed for each visit by the concerned Indian Mission.

Q.4. What documents are required to be submitted alongwith application for a Business 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) Proof of financial standing and expertise in the field of intended business.
         
Q.5. What is an Employment Visa?

Ans. Employment Visa is granted to foreigners desiring to come to India  for 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.

Q. 6. Who are eligible for Employment Visa?
Ans. Subject to the conditions enumerated in Question 85 above, the following will be eligible for Employment Visa:-
(i)     Foreign nationals coming to India for execution of a project/contract [irrespective of the duration of the visit].  (ii)     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.
(iii)  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.
(iv)    Foreign experts coming to India for imparting training for the personnel of the Indian company.
(v)     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.
(vi)   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).
(vii)  Foreign artists engaged to conduct regular performances for the duration of the employment contract given by Hotels, Clubs and other organizations.
(viii)  Foreign nationals who are coming to India to take up employment as coaches.
(ix)    Foreign sportsmen who are given contract for a specified period by the Indian Clubs/organizations.
(x)     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.

Q.7. What is the duration of an Employment Visa?

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.

Q.8. 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 .
(iii)     The foreign national must submit documentary proof of his educational qualifications and professional expertise.
(iv)     The Mission may seek additional documents on a case to case basis.

Q.9 Can foreign nationals coming to execute projects in India be granted Business Visas?

Ans. No. A foreign national coming for executing projects/contracts will have to come only on an Employment Visa.

Q10 Can foreign nationals already in India for executing projects on Business Visas be allowed to extend their Business Visas beyond 31.1 0.2009?

Ans. No. A foreign national who is already in the country on Business Visa and engaged in executing project/contract should leave the country by 31.10.2009.

Q11 Can foreign nationals already in India for executing projects on Business Visas be allowed to convert their Business Visas to Employment Visas without leaving the country?

Ans.   No.

Q12  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.

Q13  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.

Q14 Whether a foreign company/organization that does not have any Project Office/subsidiary/joint venture/branch office in India can sponsor a foreign national/employee of a foreign company for Employment Visa?

Ans. No.

Q15 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.

Q 16 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.

Q.17 Which category of Visa will be granted to the foreign language teachers/interpreters?

Ans.  Employment Visa.

Q 18 Which category of Visa will be granted to the foreign specialist Chefs?

Ans.  Employment Visa.

Q.19 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

Q.20 Do I need a visa for India ? 
 Ans. Yes, All foreign nationals entering India are required to posses a valid international travel document in the form of national passport with a valid visa for India .

Q.21. How do I make an application for a visa to visit India ?
Ans. Contact VFS Lanka Pvt Ltd located at 433 Galle Road Colombo 03 Srilanka. Call Centre: +9411 (2) 4505588

Q.22 Will the High Commission of India accept documents which are not in English?
Ans. No, the application form should be filled in English only.

Q.23 What supporting documents are needed?
Ans. Please view - www.hcicolombo.org/passport_visaserv.shtml

Q.24 How long does an application take to process?
Ans. Please view - www.hcicolombo.org/passport_visaserv.shtml

Q.25 My application and passport have been submitted and it has been a while, how can I enquire about the status of my application?
Ans. You can inquire by online tracking through VFS tracking system.

Q.26. Can my friend in India apply for my a visa for me?
Ans. No. the visa has to be obtained by the applicant from the High Commission of India in the country in which applicant is residing.

Q.27. Can I study in India ?
Ans. Yes. With a valid Student Visa.

Q.28. Can I work in India ?
Ans. Yes with a valid Employment Visa.

Q.29. How long will my visa be valid for?
Ans. Tourist visas are normally valid for a period of 6 months. Validity of visa is subjected to the discretion of the High Commission of India

Q.30. Will the visa fees be refunded?
Ans. No refunds. Fees once received not be refunded, even if the application is withdrawn or service denied.

Q.31. How do I know when my passport is ready for collection from the India Visa Application Centre?
Ans. Please check the VFS tracking on the website.

Q.32. Can I collect my passport from the High Commission of India ?
Ans. No, passport is to be collected from the place where the application is made.

Q.33. Do I have to submit my passport and Visa application with the India Visa Application Centre only?
Ans. Yes. However Student, research visa, Diplomats, official of foreign diplomatic Mission , UN and other international organization personnel can submit the visa application to the High Commission of India directly.

Q.34. Can I mail my visa application and passport to the High Commission of India ?
Ans. No.

Q.35. How do I make the payment for visa charges?
Ans. By Cash ONLY.