The standard Indian tourist visa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue and is good for two entries, which means you can leave India and return within the duration of the visa, but only once. Americans are eligible for a special 10-year visa with unlimited entries and exits because of a special treaty, but this visa can only be issued in the United States. Americans applying in Nepal, for example, cannot get a 10-year visa. To apply, a Indian Visa Application (see Additional Resources) must be filled out and submitted with the following: a passport with at least six months remaining validity, two passport photos and proof of residence (such as a utility bill). Processing takes about two weeks. In the United States, nonemergency visa handling has been outsourced to Travisa. Others should check with the Embassy of India in their country. The 2009 fees were $73 for the 6-month visa and $163 for a 10-year visa.
The required documents for a Business Visa are the same as for a Tourist Visa, but two additional supporting documents are necessary: sponsorship letters from the parent company in the applicant's home country and from a partner or sponsor in India. These letters should be on company letterhead. These visas are available for 1, 5 and 10 years and have unlimited entry and exit but with a peculiar stipulation: no visit may exceed 180 days. Even on a 10-year business visa, a visitor to India must leave before six months. They may immediately return to India, but departure is required. The 2009 fees were $173 for a 1-year visa and $253 for 5- and 10-year visas.
The Student Visa requires the same documents as the Tourist Visa, plus one more: the admission letter from the school in India to be attended. If this letter does not also provide information regarding how the student will support himself while in India (such as a stipend or scholarship), then supplementary proof that the student has the means for self-support is necessary as well. This proof can be a bank statement showing sufficient funds. This visa is a 1-year multiple entry visa, and in 2009 the fees were $108.
The application process for a Journalist Visa is the same as for a Tourist Visa, but the fees and visa terms are much different. Journalist Visas are for only three months, cover only one entry and the 2009 was $113.
Missionaries have the same process as a Tourist Visa but with the additional required document of a sponsorship letter from an Indian organization. There are six-month, one-year, and five-year multiple entry visas available. In 2009, the fees were $113 for six months, $153 for one year and $233 for five years.
