FAQ
Visa
As the service requested by me takes too much time, can I have my passport back while the Embassy processes my application?
Yes. Kindly address a letter to the Consular Officer of the Embassy explaining your precise reason for seeking passport back while your application at the Embassy is under process. [Typical acceptable reasons are when applicants need the passport back to apply for, say, some other visa at another Embassy, or, to just possess it as a document establishing your identity],. Please also bring a photocopy of all the relevant pages of your passport (including Japanese visa thereon, in case of non-Japanese visa applicants). The Embassy would return the original passport after checking the photocopy against the original. On pick-up date, the applicant will have to come at 12:00 PM along with the passport for affixing the visa sticker and to enable delivery of serviced passport.
Who has to register with FRO / FRRO (Foreigners Registration Office / Foreigners' Regional Registration Office)?
All visitors holding any category of visa intend to stay continuously for more than six months should register with the FRO/FRRO within 14 days of arrival in India. This registration is required during the first visit after the visa is issued. Subsequent travels using the same visa do not require registration. Children below the age of 16 years are exempt from this requirement.
Can Japanese nationals apply for Indian visa only in Japan and not in other Indian Embassies/Consulate in other countries?
No. They can apply at any Indian Embassy or Consulate, though time required and fee charged would be different.
Can I take my personal pet such as dog, cat and bird to India?
Yes. Please send a separate e-mail request for details (cpv@indembjp.org)
Do I have to carry health certificate certifying that I am free from AIDS, etc. when I go to India?
No, you need not.
What kind of currency should I carry when I go to India?
All hard currencies like US$, Pound Sterling, French Frank, Japanese Yen are exchangeable in India.
Is urgent issue of visa possible?
Yes, but is decided based on the merits of the case.
Tourist Visa
I am an ordinary foreign citizen. Do I need a visa to go to India?
Yes. All foreign nationals barring those from Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives need visa to visit India.
What kind of visa do I need to go to India for sightseeing?
Tourist visa
What are the requirements for applying for tourist visa?
Please refer to list of Documents Required.
Can I extend tourist visa while staying in India?
No.
What will happen if I have to stay longer due to illness or some other unavoidable reason?
Please report your problem to the nearest Foreigners' Registration Office. List of Foreigners' Regional Registration Offices may be seen at addresses of FRROs
RAP/PAP
Can I go anywhere in India if I have a valid tourist visa?
No. Even with a valid Indian visa, you will not be allowed to enter areas such as Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, part of Sikkim, part of Himachal Pradesh, part of Uttar Pradesh (now Uttaranchal), part of Jammu & Kashmir, part of Rajasthan, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
What will I do to enter these areas?
In addition to the Indian visa, you need Restricted/Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP) to enter these areas.
Can I enter all these areas with the RAP/PAP?
With RAP/PAP, you can enter only some parts of Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Nagaland, and Sikkim. (Please note that only tourist group of 4 and above can enter Manipur, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. Individual tourist, i.e. one member tourist, can enter Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Sikkim.)
What is the permissible period of stay in these areas where tourists are allowed to enter with Permit?
Manipur: 10 days; Mizoram: 10 days; Arunachal Pradesh: 10 days; Nagaland: 10 days; Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 30 days; and Sikkim: 15 days. Please note here that the period of stay covers date of entry into the area and date of exit from the area.
Do I have to pay fee for special Permit?
No. It is free but applicants must pay handling charges, if applied in Japan.
Do I need to fill any special form for RAP/PAP?
Yes. Form is available at Forms. RAP/PAP.pdf
Can I take my video camera or big camera to India for my personal use? What will I tell to the customs at the airport?
Yes, you can. Declare your video camera at the customs counter at the airport, that it is for your personal use and that you are going to bring it back when you return from India.
Business Visa
What are the requirements for getting Indian business visa?
Please refer to list of Documents Required.
What are the usual validities of business visa one can get?
One year multiple entries. (For Japanese only)
Can I work in India if I enter India with business visa?
No
Can I convert my Indian business visa into Employment visa, student visa or any other visa after entering India?
No
Can I extend my business visa if it expires while I am in India?
No
Student / Research Visa
What are the requirements for getting student or Research visa?
Please refer to list of Documents Requried.
Is there any difference between Student Visa and Research Visa?
Yes. For student visa, you may directly approach Visa & Consular Section. For a Research Visa, you should first go to the Education Wing in the Indian Embassy and seek clearance from them (writing to First Secretary Education at indembjp@gol.com). With the clearance from the Education wing, you can approach India Visa Application Center for to apply for the visa.
Can I change my college, institution or university on my own after reaching India with Student visa or Research visa?
Exceptions apart, no
Can I extend my visa in India and join another course after completing the course for which I have initially obtained student/research visa?
You may clarify this from the educational authorities concerned and the nearest Foreigners' Registration Office in India
Passport
If I don’t get passport service (like renewal / extension of validity etc), what else can I get?
An Identity Certificate can be issued which is valid for a specific period and establishes the Indian nationality of the applicant.
Miscellaneous
Can I send someone else to apply and pick up my VISA / Passport / Documents?
Yes. However, the one picking up the document on your behalf should carry the receipt issued at the time of application plus a written authorization from you i.e. the applicant
What do I do if I have lost my receipt?
You will have to appear in person in front of the Counter staff, declare in writing you have lost your receipt, produce some identity (like a driver’s license). If the Counter staff is satisfied, your documents would be given to you.
Can I get service before the normal time?
We don’t guarantee but if your requirement (to be projected in writing) so merits, we will try to expedite the process.
