Madras, India » City Info » Visa Requirements

Chennai (formerly known as Madras), India Visa:
All visitors must carry a passport valid for the next six months and a valid Indian Visa. Visa on arrival is not available, but there is a provision of granting TLF (Temporary Landing Facility) / TLP (Temporary Landing Permit) for emergencies to allow entry of foreigners without a visa. However, the provision of TLF/TLP is not available for countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Algeria.

The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs can issue visas to foreign nationals. A fee for a visa is not refundable and also subject to change without notice. Application forms are available at the office of the Indian Embassy.

Visa exemptions include:

1. Bhutanese and Nepalese visitors staying for less than three months.
2. Nationals from the Maldives, if staying for a maximum of 90 days (this includes any periods they may have spent in India up to six months before the visit in question)
3. Transit passengers who have a follow-on ticket within 72 hours of arrival as long as they will not leave the airport.

Documents for visa:

1. Two passport-size photos
2. Validity of passport at least for six months
3. Fee for visa
4. The application form must be properly filled in and signed
5. Special forms for Pakistan and Bangladesh citizens

Visa for NRI (Non-Resident Indians):

The NRIs and PIOs who have PIO cards or OCI (Overseas Indian Citizenship) are allowed to visit India without a visa at any time. But if NRIs and PIOs don't have OCI or PIO cards, they have to apply for an Indian visa.

Types of Visa:

1. Tourist Visa: - Valid for six months. Documents supporting the applicant's financial standing are required.
2. Student Visa: - Valid for five years or less depending upon the academic course duration of the study. Documents of admission to recognized Universities/Institutions in India are required.
3. Business Visa:- Valid for one or more years. A letter from the sponsoring organization is required.
4. Transit Visa: - Valid for 15 Days. Proof of onward travel to a destination outside India.
5. Conference Visa: Valid for the duration of the conference. Letter of invitation from the organizer of the conference.

Please note:The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Please get in touch with your nearest embassy for accurate, up-to-date information..
For list of Indian embassies abroad, visit Indian Embassies & consulates