Chandigarh - The City Beautiful welcomes international visitors to experience its world-renowned urban design, modern architecture, vibrant culture, and scenic natural spaces. From the serenity of Sukhna Lake to the creativity of the Rock Garden and the elegance of Le Corbusier’s planning, Chandigarh offers a unique blend of nature and modernity.
We look forward to hosting you and ensuring your visit is comfortable, memorable, and enriching.
Below are a few essential details foreign visitors should know before planning their trip:
Visa Rules
The following information is general in nature. Foreign tourists are advised to check the latest and country-specific guidelines on the official Indian Mission/Embassy website of their place of residence.
Basic Passport Requirement
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of return.
Foreign nationals applying from a country other than their own must show proof of long-term (minimum three years) or permanent residence.
Additional fees and processing time may apply if verification is required from the applicant’s home country.
Types of Visas Available for Travel to India
Tourist Visa
Issued normally for up to 6 months (may vary by country). Proof of financial standing may be required. Group tourists (minimum four people) traveling through a recognized travel agency may apply for a collective tourist visa.
Business Visa
Valid for one year or more with multiple entries. Requires a sponsorship letter from the host organization in India, outlining purpose, itinerary, and financial responsibility.
Student Visa
Issued for the duration of the academic course or up to 5 years. Requires confirmed admission from a recognized Indian institution. Change of institution or purpose is not permitted.
Transit Visa
Granted to genuine transit passengers for up to 15 days (single or double entry).
Missionary Visa
Issued for single entry as permitted by the Government of India. Requires a detailed letter from the sponsoring organization.
Journalist Visa
Granted to professional journalists and photographers. Upon arrival, they may need to report to the External Publicity Division, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, or the Press Information Bureau, depending on the city.
Conference Visa
Issued to delegates attending conferences, seminars, or meetings in India. An invitation letter from the event organizer is required. Tourism may be combined with conference travel.
Employment Visa
Issued to qualified professionals working in India. Requires documentation such as employment contracts or proof of engagement by the hiring organization.
e-TOURIST VISA (eTV)
For visitors traveling to India for tourism, recreation, casual visits, short-term medical treatment, or casual business.
Apply online at:
indianvisaonline
Fees
Visa fees vary by nationality and type/duration of visa. Approximate standard fee categories:
Transit Visa: US$ 5
Visa up to 6 months: US$ 30
Visa up to 1 year: US$ 50
Student Visa: US$ 50
Visa 1–5 years: US$ 100
Fees are payable in local currency. Visa fees are non-refundable except when a visa already issued is cancelled afterward.
Processing Time
Visa processing duration depends on visa category and nationality of the applicant.
Important Information
Each stay on a tourist or business visa is limited to 6 months, even if the visa validity exceeds that period.
Visa validity is counted from the date of issue, not from the date of arrival.
Applicants cannot be issued a visa longer than the validity of their passport.
Tourist visas up to 5 years may be considered for professionals connected with the tourism sector.
Foreigners holding visas for more than 180 days must register within 14 days of first arrival in India.
Visa extensions (in select cases) can be obtained from:
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Foreigners Division,
Lok Nayak Bhawan, Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003.
