Frequently Asked Questions On VISAS

General Information on Indian Visa
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  • Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice.
  • The High Commission reserves the right on granting and deciding type/duration of visa irrespective of the fees tendered at the time of making application.
  • Granting of visa does not confer the right of entry to India and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
  • Visa can be applied for in person or by post at the High Commission in Kuala LUmpur. (Kindly note that with effect from 1 August 2007 the visas can be applied only at the India Visa Centres at Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru managed by M/s. Grandlotus Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd. For details you may visit their website www.indiavisa.com.my)
  • Normally the processing of visa applications at the High Commission Of India takes two working days. However, incases of applications from persons not ordinary residing in Malaysia or from people of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan origin it may take one week or in some cases much longer.
  • Applicants not ordinary resident in Malaysia and Sri Lankan nationals are required to complete an additional form. Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals have to file special visa application forms. Please note that each application is examined individually and the time taken for issuing Visa will vary from case to case.
  • Visitors to restricted/protected areas need special permits and for this purpose an additional form has to be completed. Please contact the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur, if you wish to ascertain whether any of the places you intend to visit fall in the category of restricted/protected areas.

Q1. What types of Visas can be obtained to visit India and what are their requirements?
A1. Specific Visas are granted for a variety of purposes. THe principal types of Visa issued are mentioned below.

Tourist visa:
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Tourists wishing to visit India will normally be granted tourist visa, for a maximum period of six months effective from the date of issue. Tourist visa are non-extendable and non-convertible.

Fees: RM152

Business Visa:
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Business Visa are normally granted for a period up to 6 months. However, multiple-entry Business Visa for up 5 years validity may be granted to technicians/experts going to India in pursuance of bilateral agreements or joint venture projects having Government approval.

Fees: ( i) Up to 1 year RM456

Business Visa can ONLY be applied by foreign nationals residing in Malaysia for more than 2 years.

Student Visa:
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Student Visa can be obtained on furnishing proof of admission to recoqnized University/institutions in India. Student visas are granted for duration of the course or uptp 5 years whichever is less.

Fees: RM285

Employement Visa:
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Employment Visa can also be obtained on furnishing of proof of employment with companies in India. It may however be noted that applications for employment visas are considered only for managerial/highly skilled jobs.

Fees: ( i) Up to 1 year RM456

Transit Visa:
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Transit Visa are valid for halts of up to 72 hours in India within 15 days from the date of issue of the visa and must be obtained before departure. Transit Visa cannot be obtained from immigration counters at ports of entry in India. Evidence of onward travel to a destination outside India is required.

Fees: RM76

Entry / Medical / Journalist visa:
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Fees: ( i) Up to 6 months RM304
(ii) Up to 1 year RM456

Requirement for Visa:
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( i) Original passport valid for at least 6 months
( ii) Correct visa fee
(iii) Two passport size photographs (5 photographs in case of Pakistani nationals)
( iv) Supporting documents, where necessary
( v) Duly completed application form (Pakistani and Bangladesh nationals need to apply on special application form)

Please Note:
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(i) Persons holding long term Visa (having validity exceeding 6 months) are normally not expected to stay in India more than 6 months during each visit. For visits for a period longer than 6 months, the visa holder is required to register with the Foreigners' Registration Office (FRO)/Foreigners' Regional Registration Office (FRRO)

(ii) Visa Exemption Letters previously granted to children of Indian origin (for a maximum validity of 90 days from the date of issue) have been discontinued since 1 July 1999. Visa Exemption Letters issued in the past are hence no longer valid. All children holding separate passports are now required to obtain regular visa.

Q2. Can I apply visa for a family member who is not in Malaysia?
A2. No, the applicant has to be in Malaysia while applying for visa.

Q3. How many photographs are required for visa?
A3. 2 latest passport size (3 X 5cm) colored photographs.

Q4. What is the procedure to apply for visa for Malaysia Passport holders?
A4. Malaysian passport holders have to submit application forms duly filled and signed at Visa counter with 2 latest colored photographs, necessary documents, passport and requisite fee. Processing time - 2 working days. The passport must be valid for more than 6 months and should have at least two blank pages.

Q5. What is the procedure to apply for visa for holder of foreign Passport?
A5. Applicant holding any passport other than Malaysia can apply for visa if resident in Malaysia. On day 1 submit application forms with 2 colored photo, necessary documents and verification fee of RM40/-. (To show the original passport at the counter). On day 5 submit the passport and requisite fee in between 9.30 AM - 12.00 PM and collect the visa in between 4.30 PM and 5.30 PM on the same day. The passport must be valid for more than 6 months and should have at least two blank pages. (Not applicable for prior reference cases and persons going to restricted/special permit areas.)

Q6. What if I hold a Valid visa in an expired Passport?
A6. The Visa is to be transferred from old passport to new passport.
Fee : RM19

Q7. Can the visa be transferred from old passport to new passport?
A7. Yes, if the existing Visa is still valid. If the visa is issued in Malaysia it will take 2 working days with 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. Additional charges of RM40/- will be charged for verification.

Q8. If I have to register myself in India, where do I go and register?
A8. The registration is to be done at any Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or at Foreigners cell at district police headquarters.

Q9. Can my visa be extended in India if I have to stay longer than required?
A9. If the visa is 'X' category, employmetnt visa or student's visa, it could be extended by the FRRO subject to local checks. However tourist Visa cannot be extended under any circumstances.

List of FRRO's office in India
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1) Delhi - Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,
Level - 11, East Block VIII,
R.K.Puram Sector - I,
New Delhi

2) Mumbai: Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,
Annexe - II, Commissioner of Police,
Crawford Market,
Mumbai - 400001

3) Kolkata: Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,
237, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Road,
Kolkata - 700020

4) Amritsar: Foreigners Regional Registration Officer,
Additional Deputy Director,
Bureau of Immigration,
Ranjeet Avenue, Amritsar.

5) Chennai: Chief Immigration Officer,
Bureau of Immigration,
Shastri Bhavan Bhavan Annexe No.26,
Haddows Road, Chennai - 600006.

Q10. What is the procedure to apply for Students visa and procedure for extension of student visa?
A10. This visa is issued to students who are enrolled for regular academic courses in India. The documents required are as follow; proof of admission to an educational institution recoqnized by the Government of India, application forms duly filled and signed, two photos and requisite fee.

Q11. What is the procedure to apply for journalist Visa?
A11. This visa is issued to applicants going to India for journalism purposes. Applicants may contact First Secretary (PIC) & Head of Chancery at 2093 3520, Fax: or Email: fspol.kl@streamyx.com with the letter from their company giving details of their visit.

Q12. Can I bring Indian currency with me to India or do I have to get them converted only when I land in India?
A12. Bringing Indian currency by any foreign national is prohibited. Only Indians who travel overseas frequently can bring small amoutn of Indian Rupees. Hence please bring any hard currency and get it exchanged into Repees in India.

Q13. How much foreign exchange can I carry to India?
A13. Any person can bring in to India from a place outside India foreign exchange without any limit. However, declaration of foreign exchange/currency is required to be made in the prescribed Currency Declaration Form in the following cases:
(i) Where the value of foreign currency notes exceeds US$5,000.00 or equivalent, and
(ii)Where the aggregate value of foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveler's chaques etc) exceeds US$10,000.00 or its equivalent.

Q14. How do I get the information about Tourism offices in India and abroad?
A14. Please visit:
http://www.incredibleindia.org/tourofficeindia.htm for India tourism Officials and
http://www.incredibleindia.org/tourofficesabroad.htm for India tourist offices abroad.