The India Entry Visa (X-Visa) is a non-tourist visa for foreigners of Indian origin, spouses and children of Indian citizens or OCI holders, and dependents of Employment or Student Visa holders. Unlike the e-Tourist Visa, the Entry Visa is not available online – applicants must apply through an Indian embassy, consulate, or Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC).
If you have Indian heritage, are married to an Indian citizen, or are accompanying a family member who holds an Employment or Student Visa, the Entry Visa may be the right category for you. This guide explains who qualifies, what documents you need, how the application process works, and how the Entry Visa compares to other Indian visa types.
What Is the Entry Visa (X-Visa)?
The Entry Visa, historically known as the X-Visa, is a category of Indian visa designed for non-tourist purposes tied to Indian origin or family connections. It is not the same as the Tourist Visa or Business Visa. Instead, it serves a specific group of travelers who have a personal or familial link to India.
The Entry Visa allows multiple entries and can be granted for up to five years, depending on the applicant’s eligibility and the discretion of the issuing consular officer. Holders can stay in India for extended periods, though registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is mandatory if the stay exceeds 180 days.
For a complete overview of all Indian visa categories, see our India Visa Types guide.
Who Is Eligible for an India Entry Visa?
The Entry Visa is available to a specific set of applicants. You may qualify if you fall into one of these categories:
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO): Foreign nationals who were born in India, whose parents or grandparents were Indian citizens, or who held an Indian passport in the past. This includes individuals who have since acquired foreign citizenship.
Spouses of Indian Citizens or OCI Holders: If you are married to an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder, you can apply for an Entry Visa to live with your spouse in India.
Children of Indian-Origin Parents: Minor children whose parents are of Indian origin, even if the children themselves hold foreign passports.
Dependents of Employment or Student Visa Holders: Spouses and minor children of foreign nationals who hold a valid Indian Employment Visa or Student Visa can apply for an Entry Visa to accompany their family member.
Other Eligible Cases: In some situations, the Entry Visa may be granted to people coming to India for long-term stays connected to charitable work, voluntary activities, or other non-commercial purposes at the discretion of the Indian mission.
Who Does NOT Qualify
If your purpose is tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, or attending a conference, the Entry Visa is not the correct category. For tourism, you should apply for an India Tourist e-Visa. For business purposes, see our India Business e-Visa guide.
Entry Visa vs Tourist e-Visa: Key Differences
Understanding how the Entry Visa differs from the Tourist e-Visa helps you choose the right category:
| Feature | Entry Visa (X-Visa) | Tourist e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Family ties, Indian origin | Tourism, sightseeing |
| Available Online | No – embassy/consulate only | Yes – fully online |
| Validity | Up to 5 years | 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years |
| Entry Type | Multiple entry | Double or multiple entry |
| Max Stay | No fixed annual limit (registration after 180 days) | 180 days per calendar year |
| Convertible | Yes (to Employment, Student) | No |
| Fee | Varies by nationality | $25 to $80 |
| Processing | 5-15 working days | ~72 hours |
The Entry Visa offers more flexibility for long-term stays and can be converted to certain other visa types while in India. However, it requires an in-person application and takes longer to process.
Documents Required for Entry Visa Application
The documents you need depend on your eligibility category. Here is the general checklist:
For All Applicants:
– Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
– Completed online visa application form (filled at indianvisaonline.gov.in, then printed)
– Two recent passport-size color photographs (2 inch x 2 inch, white background)
– Proof of current citizenship (copy of passport)
For Persons of Indian Origin:
– Previous Indian passport (surrendered), or
– Birth certificate showing birth in India, or
– Parents’ or grandparents’ Indian passport or birth certificate
– Evidence of renunciation of Indian citizenship (if applicable)
For Spouses of Indian Citizens:
– Marriage certificate (apostilled or attested)
– Spouse’s Indian passport copy
– Proof of current address
For Dependents of Employment/Student Visa Holders:
– Copy of the principal visa holder’s valid Indian visa
– Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificate for children)
– Letter from the principal visa holder’s employer or educational institution
For a detailed checklist, see our India Visa Requirements guide. For photo specifications, refer to our India Visa Photo Requirements.
How to Apply for an Entry Visa
The Entry Visa application process is different from the e-Visa because it cannot be completed entirely online. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
Visit indianvisaonline.gov.in and select “Apply here for Regular/Paper Visa.” Fill in the application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Select “Entry” as the visa type. After completing the form, print and sign it.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Collect all required documents based on your eligibility category (see the documents section above). Make photocopies of all originals and have any foreign-language documents translated into English.
Step 3: Submit at the Indian Embassy, Consulate, or IVAC
Take your printed application and documents to the nearest Indian embassy, consulate, or Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC). Some countries allow submission by mail or through a third-party visa processing agency. Check with your local Indian mission for their specific submission procedures.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Fees vary by nationality and the validity period requested. Payment methods depend on the location – some missions accept cash, others require bank drafts or online payment. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing times range from 5 to 15 working days, depending on the mission and the completeness of your application. Some missions offer expedited processing for an additional fee. You can track your application status on the IVAC website.
Step 6: Collect Your Visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy, consulate, or IVAC. Verify that all details (name, passport number, validity dates, entry type) are correct before leaving.
Entry Visa Validity, Fees and Conditions
The Entry Visa can be issued with varying validity periods. Here are the key conditions:
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 5 years (at consular officer’s discretion) |
| Entry Type | Multiple entry |
| Maximum Stay Per Visit | No fixed limit, but registration required after 180 days |
| Fee | Varies by nationality and validity requested |
| Bank Processing Fee | 2.5% on top of visa fee |
| Extendable | Yes, subject to FRRO approval |
| Convertible | Yes – can be converted to Employment or Student Visa |
Important: The 5-year Entry Visa is not guaranteed. The issuing officer determines the validity based on your eligibility, supporting documents, and the specific Indian mission’s guidelines. Some applicants may receive a shorter validity initially.
For a breakdown of all Indian visa fees, see our India Visa Fees guide.
FRRO Registration for Long Stays
If your Entry Visa allows a stay exceeding 180 days, or if you plan to stay in India for more than 180 consecutive days, you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival.
FRRO Registration Requirements:
– Valid passport with Entry Visa
– Completed registration form (available at the FRRO office or online at frro.gov.in)
– Four passport-size photographs
– Proof of address in India (rental agreement, hotel booking, or host’s address letter)
– Registration is free of charge
Failure to register within the 14-day window can result in fines, visa cancellation, or difficulties with future Indian visa applications. The FRRO also handles visa extensions and conversions.
FAQs About Entry Visa India
Can I apply for an Entry Visa online?
No. The Entry Visa is not available through the e-Visa system. You must apply in person at an Indian embassy, consulate, or Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC). The online application form is filled at indianvisaonline.gov.in, but it must be printed and submitted physically.
What is the difference between an Entry Visa and an OCI card?
An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card grants lifelong visa-free travel to India and nearly all the rights of an Indian citizen except voting and agricultural land ownership. The Entry Visa is a temporary visa for shorter or one-time visits. If you are eligible for OCI, it is generally the better long-term option.
Can I convert my Entry Visa to an Employment Visa while in India?
Yes. The Entry Visa can be converted to an Employment Visa or Student Visa through the FRRO, subject to meeting the requirements of the target visa category and obtaining approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
How long does it take to get an Entry Visa?
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days, depending on the Indian mission and the completeness of your application. Some missions offer faster processing for an additional fee.
Do I need an Entry Visa if I already have a tourist e-Visa?
If you are eligible for an Entry Visa (due to Indian origin or family ties), you can still use a Tourist e-Visa for tourism purposes. However, the Entry Visa offers advantages such as longer stays, convertibility, and no annual stay limits. Choose based on your travel purpose.
What happens if I overstay my Entry Visa?
Overstaying an Indian visa is a serious offense. Penalties include fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on future entry to India. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension through the FRLO/FRLO before your visa expires.
Can my children apply for an Entry Visa based on my Indian origin?
Yes. Minor children of persons of Indian origin are eligible for the Entry Visa, even if the children hold foreign passports. Provide the child’s birth certificate and evidence of the parent’s Indian origin.
Is there a fee difference between a 1-year and 5-year Entry Visa?
Yes. Fees vary by nationality and the validity period requested. Longer-validity visas generally cost more. Contact your local Indian embassy or check the IVAC website for current fee schedules.
