FAQs on Visa

Q. Do I need a visa to go to India?

A. Yes, all foreigners need a visa to enter India.

Q. I want to visit India for tourism/to attend a friend's marriage/ to meet my friends. Which visa should I apply for?

A. You apply for a tourist visa. As long as you are not transacting any business or participating in any commercial activity for profit or taking part in any major meeting conference you could apply for a tourist visa. Usually Tourist Visas are approved for 90 days stay and six months up to 1 year validity with double/multiple entry facility on case to case basis.

Q. Can I study in India?

A. Yes. With a valid student visa for a recognized university/educational institution.

Q. Can I work in India?

A. Yes. With a valid employment visa.

Q. I travel to India frequently for business meetings/to explore opportunities for partnerships with Indian companies. Which visa should I apply for?

A. You may apply for a business visa valid for multiple entries for either six months or one year along with the requisite documents as per the checklist. Kindly note that a Business Visa does not permit you to work in India. In case you wish to work in India, you should apply for an Employment Visa.

Q. I will be changing flights/airports in India to travel to my final destination (say Nepal, Thailand etc.) Do I need a visa to change flights/airport terminals?

A. Please note that if you are required to exit the area designated for transit passengers any time at an Indian International Airport, transit visa will be required to be obtained before departure from the Consulate General of India, Saint Denis (Reunion Island). You need to apply for a transit visa if you are going to change from an international terminal to a domestic terminal of any Indian airport or if you are going to stay in an airport hotel even for a few hours. Note that you can stay for a maximum period of 72 hours in India on a transit visa. You should have a confirmed air ticket for the onward journey.

Q. I have to participate in a Conference/Seminar/Workshop in India. Which visa should I apply for?

A. You should apply for a Conference Visa to enable you to participate in the Conference/Seminar/ Workshop along with invitation letter, details of the Conference etc. Clearance from the competent authority in India is required.

Q. I will travel at a much later date. Can my visa be issued to coincide with the date of travel?

A. No. Post - dated visas are not issued. The validity of the visa begins from the date of issue.

Q. I had applied for a visa for India but I have changed my mind about visiting the country. Can I claim a refund of the visa fee?

A. Visa fees are non-refundable. Once the visa application is accepted, fee cannot be refunded even if the visa is refused/not granted.

Q. I will be going to India for work/employment along with my family. Which visa should I apply for? Would my children be able to study in India?

A. You must apply for an employment visa along with the requisite documents. Once your visa application is approved, your spouse and children may apply for entry visas in case they are accompanying you on your stay in India. Your children will be able to secure admission in schools/colleges in India once they have been granted entry visas. Kindly note that you have to undergo mandatory registration formalities at the nearest office of the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of your arrival in India if you are planning to stay in the country for a period longer than 180 days.

Note: For any other questions besides the ones mentioned above, the request may be made on following emails:-cons.reunion@mea.gov.in and cons2.reunion@mea.gov.in and at following telephone no. (+262) 262 41 75 47 between 09:00AM to 05:30PM on working days.