The first step in obtaining a visa to travel India is to complete the application form. Anyone applying for a visa to India from inside the United States must do so through a third party company called Travisa Outsourcing; a company privately contracted by the Indian Embassy and Consulates to handle all visas initiated from within the US. Visa applications can be obtained on Travisa Outsourcing's website. Applications may be submitted via Travisa Outsourcing's website, at one of its offices or through the mail. Travisa Outsourcing has locations in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston and Washington DC that collectively handle visa applications for all 50 states. For applicants wishing to submit applications in person or through the mail, the appropriate office can be determined by visiting Travisa Outsourcing's website.
Travellers to India must hold a valid passport with at least six months left before expiration. In addition, there must be at least two blank visa pages left; the visa will be stamped in the passport.
Two identical passport-size photographs must be attached to the application form. Visa applicants should pay careful attention to the requirements of the photos (i.e. no glasses may be worn). The specific requirements can be found on the visa application.
Applicants must submit a photocopy of either a state issued identification card, driver's license, or current utility bill to obtain a visa. No other bills, apartment leases, etc. will be accepted as proof of address.
All U.S. citizens must supply a copy of their birth certificate. Those born outside of the United States may supply any government document from their countries of origin that includes date of birth, nationality and their parents' names.
Travellers from certain countries may have additional restrictions. Citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are all required to fill out additional paperwork. United States citizens can be granted five- and 10-year visas, while citizens of all other nations are required to leave after six months for at least two months before they can return.
As of April 2010, the fee for US citizens is $73 for a six-month multiple-entry visa, and $163 for either a five-year or 10-year multiple-entry visa.
