Overview of Visa Types

1) AYUSH VISA

Government of India has introduced a new category of Ayush (AY) visa for foreign nationals for treatment under Ayush system/Indian system of medicine like therapeutic care, wellness and Yoga viz. Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy etc. Foreign nationals wanting to travel to India for this purpose should apply for Ayush (AY-1). Their attendants should apply for Ayush AY-2 (co-terminus with AY-1 visa holder).

Requirements: Accredited Hospital registration (NABH/NCH/NCISM), proof of financial standing, and medical documents/prescription.

Fee: GBP 101/-

2) Business Visa

Issued for establishing industrial/business ventures, long-term business activities, investors, and sports persons/coaches on contract. Family members are granted Business Dependent visas.

3) Conference Visa

Granted for international conferences, seminars, or workshops. Prior MHA clearance is required for participants from specific countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, etc.) or for visits to Protected/Restricted areas.

4) Entry Visa

For Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), foreign spouses/children of Indian citizens/OCI holders, and those joining approved organizations like Auroville Foundation or Missionaries of Charity.

5) Employment Visa

For highly skilled professionals with a gross salary exceeding Rs. 16.25 lakhs per annum (exemptions apply to ethnic cooks, language teachers, artists, and sports coaches). Family members are granted Employment Dependent visas.

6) Film Visa

For cast and crew shooting feature films, TV shows, or web series. Approval must first be obtained from the Film Facilitation Office (FFO) via www.ffo.gov.in.

7) Journalist Visa

Issued to professional journalists and photographers. Valid for up to three months (single entry). Documentary filming requires prior authorization from the Indian Government; processing can take up to 15 weeks for sensitive issues.

8) Medical Visa

For individuals seeking treatment in recognized specialized hospitals in India. Attendants are granted Medical Attendant visas. Minor children may apply for an Entry Visa.

9) Mountaineering Visa

Applicants must contact the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, C/O Ministry of Defense, New Delhi.

10) Missionary Visa

For missionary work in approved organizations not involving preaching.

11) Student Visa

For full-time courses in recognized institutions. Includes research scholars and those under the Study in India (SII) program.

Study in India (SII): All foreign students must register at studyinindia.gov.in to generate a unique SII-ID before applying for the visa.

12) Transit Visa

For traveling through India to a destination outside India. Valid for 15 days from issue for a single journey. Not required if staying within the airport precincts during direct transit.

13) Tourist Visa

For recreation, sightseeing, or casual visits to friends/relatives. Non-extendable and non-convertible.

14) Visa to Afghan Nationals

Special category: e-Emergency X-Misc. Visa. All previous physical visas stand invalidated. Applicants must register with FRRO/FRO within 7 days of arrival.

15) Visa for Diplomatic / Official / UN Passport holders

Applications accepted directly at the Consulate General of India, Birmingham (10:00 - 12:30 hrs) without appointment. Requires an Official Note Verbale.