Embassy of India, Oslo, Norway : Checklist for Visa

Checklist for Visa

Diplomatic Visa / Official Visa

All applicants must first apply online https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ and then submit the printout of the completed Visa application form at the Embassy/Consulates.

Documents required:

Official Note Verbale

In case official Note Verbale is not available, a request from Ministry/department of Government of India;

Two Passport sized photographs (one pasted on the application, and one separately attached with the application);

Passport of the applicant valid for at least next 180 days and carrying two consecutive blank pages.

Tourist Visa

General requirements:

Passport to be valid for a minimum period of six months.
Duly filled in and signed application form to be submitted in person. Incomplete application will not be accepted.
The usual processing time for a Visa application is 3-7 working days after the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

Documents Required
Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

Copy of the Passport and original for verification.
Copy of the air ticket for return /onward journey.
Undertaking from the applicant regarding financial standing stating that he/she has sufficient funds for the visit.
Detailed itinerary duly signed by the applicant.
Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000,
Copy of a confirm return ticket.
Note: Tourist visa stands valid for entry into India from the date of issuance of the visa.

It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

Re-entry on Tourist Visa

There should be a gap of at least 2 months between two visits to India on a Tourist Visa on re-entry of nationals of Afghanistan, China, Iran, Sudan, foreigners of Pakistan origin.

In case of requirement to visit India within 2 months, special permission should be sought from the concerned Indian Embassy / Consulate.

Such applications will be permitted only in emergency conditions like death/serious illness in the family, non-availability of connecting flights to return to his/her country of origin or travel to another country or any other exigent situation which can be duly justified with proper documentation.

Where permission is accorded in such cases, registration with the local FRRO/FRO (Foreigners Registration Office) would be required within 14 days of arrival in India. The registration should be done with the FRRO/FRO concerned preferably at the first place of visit on re-entry.

Business Visa / Sports Visa

Business Visa is granted to a Foreign National for the following purposes:
1. Foreign National who wish to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture in India.
2. Foreign nationals coming to India to purchase/sell industrial products or commercial products or consumer durables.
3. Foreign Nationals coming to India for technical meetings/discussions, attending Board meetings, general meetings for providing business services support.
4. Foreign Nationals coming to India for recruitment of manpower.
5. Foreign Nationals who are partners in the Business and/or functioning as Directors of the company.
6. Foreign Nationals coming to India for consultations regarding exhibitions or for participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, business fairs, etc.
7. Foreign buyers who come to transact business with suppliers/ potential suppliers at locations in India, to evaluate or monitor quality, give specifications, place orders, negotiate further supplies etc., relating to goods or services procured from India.
8. Foreign experts & specialists on a visit of short duration in connection with an ongoing project with the objective of monitoring the progress of the work, conducting meetings or to provide technical guidance.
9. Foreign Nationals coming to India for pre-sales or post-sales activity not amounting to actual execution of any contract or project.
10. Foreign Trainees of multinational companies/corporate houses coming for in-house training in the regional hubs of the concerned company located in India.
11. Foreign nationals coming as tour conductors and travel agents and /or conducting business tours of foreigners or business relating to it.

2.Documents Required for Business Visa:

a. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

b. Original (or copy) of the dispatch letter from the Company of the applicant
c. Business license of applicant’s company and its authenticated English translation and Registration Certificate of Incorporation
d. A letter of request from any of the duly authorised state organisation) [This is applicable for applicants who are working with State Owned Enterprise (SOE)]
e. Certification of incorporation or registration of the Indian company or PAN of Indian company
f. Itinerary of visit
g. Sponsorship letter issued to the applicant by the Indian company for the grant of Business Visa under any specific schemes of the Government of India.
h.Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000

Note: It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

3. Additional Information:
1. Visa to family members of a Foreign nationals granted Business Visa . Family members/dependents of a foreign national who is granted Business Visa also needs to apply for a Business Visa and choose the option accompanying family member of the Business Visa applicant

2. Conversion of Business Visa

Business Visa cannot be converted to any other kind of visa during the stay of the Foreign national in India except in the following circumstances and with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government to India.

1. Business visa may be converted to ‘X’ (Entry) Visa if a Foreign National who has come to India on Business Visa marries an Indian National during the validity of his/her Business visa and does not intend to continue on Business Visa.

2. Business visa of a foreigner who falls ill after his/her entry into India rendering him/her unfit to travel and requiring specialized medical treatment, may be converted to a Medical visa if he/she is eligible for grant of the Medical Visa and a medical certificate is obtained form a government/government recognized hospital.

Issue of Visa to Sports team and Sports Person

Business Visa is issued to members of the Sports teams visiting India to participate in the International Sports competitions organized in India.

2. Documents Required

1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
2. Copy of the Passport and original for verification.
3. Invitation letter from the Indian Sports body/organization.
4. Dispatch letter from the organization of applicant

Note: It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

Employment Visa/Project Visa

Employment visa is only granted to an applicant who is highly skilled and / or qualified professional and is not granted for unskilled, routine, ordinary or secretarial / clerical jobs. The foreign national being sponsored for an Employment Visa in any sector should draw a salary of more than INR 16.25 lakhs per annum.

Employment Visa may be granted to the following categories of foreign nationals:

1. Foreign nationals coming to India for employment in a company/firm/organization registered in India or for employment in a foreign company /firm/organization engaged for execution of some project in India.
2. Foreign engineers/technicians coming to India for installation and commissioning of equipments/machines/tools in terms of the contract for supply of such equipment/machine/tools.
3. Foreign personnel deputed for providing technical support/services, transfer of know-how/ services supplies for which the Indian company pays fees/royalty to the foreign company.
4. Foreign nationals coming to India as consultant on contract for whom the Indian company pays a fixed remuneration (this may not be in the form of monthly salary).
5. Foreign artists engaged to conduct regular performances for the duration of the employment contract given by Hotels, Clubs, and other organizations.
6. Foreign nationals who are coming to India to take up employment as coaches of national/state level teams or reputed sports clubs.
7. Foreign sportsmen who are given contract for a specified period by the Indian Clubs/organizations.
8. Self-employed Foreign nationals coming to India for providing engineering, medical, accounting, legal or such other highly skilled services in their capacity as independent consultants provided the provision of such services by foreign nationals is permitted under law.
9. Foreign language teachers/interpreters.
10. Foreign specialist Chefs.

2. Documents Required
Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
Letter of Appointment from Indian company
Original copy of the contract signed between two parties explicitly stating annual income of more than INR 16.25 lakh per annum.
Curriculum Vitae of the applicant.
Documentary proof of the educational qualification.
Professional expertise certificate
Registration certificate of the employing company under the Companies Act / Proof of registration of the firm in the State industries department or the Export Promotion Council.

Note: It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

Visa to family members of a Foreign nationals granted Employment Visa
Family members /dependents of a Foreign national who is granted Employment Visa will also need to apply for E-X visa under the Employment Visa category. Its validity shall be co-terminus with the validity of the visa of the principal visa holder.

Conversion of Employment Visa

Employment Visa cannot be converted to any other kind of visa during the stay of the Foreign national in India except in the following circumstances and with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs:

a. Employment visa may be converted to X-Visa (Entry) if a Foreign National who has come to India on Employment Visa marries an Indian National during the validity of his/her employment visa and does not intend to continue on Employment Visa.

b. Employment visa of a foreigner who falls ill after his/her entry into India rendering him/her unfit to travel and requiring specialized medical treatment, may be converted to a Medical visa if he/she is eligible for grant of the Medical Visa and a medical certificate is obtained form a government/government recognized hospital.

3. Conversion of business visa or any other type of visa into employment visa is not permitted. Foreign nationals desiring to do so must return to their country of permanent residence and apply to the Indian Embassy/Consulate for Employment Visa furnishing all relevant papers required for grant of employment visa.

4. Employment visa is issued only after approval from concerned authorities in India, the processing of which may take at least 6-8 weeks.

Project Visa ( E4 Visa)

Visa may be granted to foreign nationals coming to India for execution of projects in the power and steel sectors, subject to the following conditions:
1. Visa will be issued only to highly skilled / skilled persons and not to semi-skilled/ un-skilled workers.
2. Visa holder cannot engage in another project either of the same company or of a different company.
3. Employment / Work of the Project visa holder would be restricted to the location of the project.
4. Validity of visa would be initially for the duration of the project/contract with multiple-entry facility. It cannot exceed one year.
5. A person coming for Project Visa cannot take employment in the same Indian company for a period of two years from the date of commissioning of the project.
6. Project Visa would be issued based on the submission of the relevant documents clearly establishing that the project / contract hasbeen assigned to the particular foreign company by the Indian company / organization concerned.
7. Project Visa can be issued to 2 chefs and 2 interpreters per project.
8. Indian company engaging the foreign national for executing the project / contract would be responsible for the conduct of the foreign national during his / her stay in India and also for the departure of such foreign national upon expiry of visa.
9. Project Visa holder would have to register with the FRO/FRRO concerned within 14 days of arrival if the validity of visa is more than 180 days.
10. All decision in respect of Project Visas will be evaluated by the Embassy.

1. Documents Required
1. Letter (original / Email from the Indian Company awarding the contract to the foreign company specifying the following details:
i. Name of the foreign Company
ii. Registered address of the foreign company
iii. Name of the project awarded as per the tender document
iv. Location of the project in India (village/town/district/state)
v. Duration of the contract (number of days)
vi. Total number of foreign workers likely to be sent by the foreign company (category wise)
a) Highly skilled
b) Skilled technicians with diploma/polytechnic degree
c) Skilled workers with school level education
2. Letter (original / Email) from the Indian company addressed to the Indian Mission explicitly stating that:
i. It guarantees the conduct of the foreign company and the foreign personnel involved in the execution of the project/contract.
ii. It would be responsible for ensuring that the applicant (name of the applicant, passport number and date of birth shall be mentioned) will abide by Indian rules and regulations.
iii. It will be liable to ensure departure of the applicant from India before expiry of Visa.
3. Three sets of duly filled application forms. Each application should have one photograph pasted on it and one photograph attached to it.
4. Letter from the foreign employer providing brief description of the nature of its project in India and a brief description of the job which the applicant is required to perform in India.
5. Curriculum Vitae of the applicant.
6. Documentary proof of the educational qualification.
7. Professional expertise certificate
8. Registration certificate of the employing company under the Companies Act / Proof of registration of the firm in the State industries department or the Export Promotion Council.

Conference Visa/Seminar visa

Conference Visa is to be obtained if the purpose of the visit is participation in symposium, seminar, summit, workshop, congress, etc. Application for Conference Visa has to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date of travel.

1. General requirements:
1.1 Passport to be valid for a minimum period of six months.
1.2 Duly filled in and signed application form to be submitted in person . Incomplete application will not be accepted.
1.3 The normal processing time for a Visa application is 3-7 working days after the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

2. Documents Required
1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with photograph pasted at the designated space.
2. Copy of the Passport.
3. Original/Fax/Scanned copy of invitation letter from the host organization in India.
4. Original letter from the company/organization of applicant with official seal and signature.
5. Conference clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs of India.
6. Political Clearance for the Conference from Ministry of External Affairs of India.
7. Copy of confirmed air ticket.
8. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000

Note: a. It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

b. A foreign National intending to attend an International Conference/Seminar/workshop while already in India on business/Employment/Student/Research Visa may seek prior permission of the FRRO/FRO concerned.

Journalist Visa (J visa)

Journalist Visa is issued to a professional journalist, a press person, a film- person (other than commercial), a representative of a radio and television organization and similar personnel in the field of information such as travel writers, travel journalists, travel promotion photographers, television producers, advertising, commercial persons and those who write on fashion, costumes and sports.

1. General requirements:

1.1 Passport to be valid for a minimum period of six months.
1.2 Duly filled in and signed application form to be submitted in person. Incomplete application will not be accepted.
1.4 The normal processing time for a Visa application is 8-10 weeks after the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

2. Documents Required
2.1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
2.2. Copy of the Passport and original for verification.
2.3. Proof of identity as a journalist.
2.4. All relevant supporting documents for the assignment.
2.5. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000
2.6. Copy of a confirm return ticket.

b. The applicants are required to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and in other places, the Office of the Government of India's Press Information Bureau, so that they could be given necessary assistance in various matters including planning their itineraries.

c. There is no requirement for accreditation for journalists on brief professional visits to India, but temporary accreditation may be extended for journalists from reputed media organizations, if so requested by them. However, all journalists on long-term assignment in India are obliged to apply compulsorily for accreditation with Press Information Bureau (PIB), when they are based in Delhi. This can only be done after arrival in India.

d. J visas are extendable after arrival in India, for representatives of established media organizations, on the basis of letters of nomination specifying the duration of assignment and provided they hold valid PIB accreditation. Extensions are issued for upto one year at a time. Visa extensions are issued by the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in the city where the journalist is based.

Student Visa / Research Visa / Intern Visa

Applicable for students intending to study on-campus, full time courses at educational institutions duly recognized by statutory regulatory body.

1. General requirements:
1.1 Passport to be valid for a minimum period of six months.
1.2 Duly filled in and signed application form to be submitted in person . Incomplete application will not be accepted.
1.4 The normal processing time for a Visa application is 8-10 weeks after the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

2. Documents Required
2.1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
2.2. Copy of the Passport and original for verification.
2.3. Original Letter of Admission from the Indian Institute / University
2.4. Proof of finances to cover traveling expenses to and fro from India and all expenditure in India in connection with his / her education and stay.
2.5. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000.

b.. Students after their arrival in India will be required to register in the nearest FRRO/FRO within 14 days from the date of arrival. Student Visa holders are required to open NRO account (Non Resident Ordinary) in India and the details of it needs to be furnished to FRROs/FROs during Visa extension.

Research Visa
1. Applicable for foreign research scholars who desire to undertake research in India.
2. Applicable for Professors, teachers and scholars who are invited as visiting faculty by an Indian Institute/University.
3. Applicable to the members of Botanical, Scientific, Anthropological etc. expeditions
4. The normal processing time for a Visa application is 8 weeks after the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

Documents Required
1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
2. Copy of the Passport and original for verification.
3. Original Letter of Admission from the Indian Institute / University
4. Recommendation Letter from the Institute / University of the applicant
6. Six sets of duly completed Form for Research Visa
8. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000.

For Internship in India

Applicable for those who intend to pursue internship in Indian companies, Educational Institutions and NGOs.

The intern visa will be granted to those who have completed their graduation/post-graduation. The gap between the completion of graduation/post-graduation and the commencement of the internship should not be more than two year;

In case the internship is in a Company, the foreign national being sponsored by internship should draw a minimum remuneration of INR. 3.60 lakhs per annum.
The normal processing time for a Visa application is 8-10 weeks after the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

Documents Required
1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
2. Copy of the Passport.
3. A letter from the Indian company/educational institution/NGO concerned sponsoring internship programme which enter-alia includes the following information;
1)Name of company/institute/NGO in India
2)Address
3)Phone/Fax
4)Email
5)Duration of internship in months
6) Annual remuneration to be received in INR
5. An undertaking from the company/organization concerned that they will ensure departure of the intern on completion of the internship;
6. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000.

Note: a. Interns after landing in India will have to register themselves with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreign Registration Officer (FRO) concerned within 14 days of arrival in India if continuous stay is for more than 180 days.

Medical Visa (M visa)

Medical visa would be admissible to all foreign nationals seeking Medicare in recognized specialty hospitals or treatment centers in India.

2. Documents Required
2.1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
2.2. Copy of the Passport and original for verification.
2.3. Original Recommendation of the doctor attending on the patient in resident country.
2.5. Original/ letter from the hospital in India confirming appointment/ acceptance for treatment
2.7. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000.
2.8. Copy of a confirm return ticket.

Note: a. It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

b. The applicant should seek preliminary medical advice from resident country and should have been advised to go for specialized medical treatment.
c. Foreigners visiting on 'M visa' will be required to get themselves registered mandatorily within the period of 14 days of arrival with the concerned FRROs/FROs.
d. Attendant/family members of the patient coming to India for medical treatment shall be granted Medical attendant visa, co-terminus with the 'M Visa' of the patient.

Transit Visa

Transit Visa is granted for the sole purpose of enabling the holder to travel through India to reach his/her ultimate destination. If the holder intends to perform some work or business in India, irrespective of the duration of his/her proposed stay, he /she should obtain a visa of appropriate category.

Transit Visa is not required in the following cases (for PRC nationals):
a. If he/she is in direct transit by air and traveling through India by the same flight.
b. If he/she makes a halt at an Indian airport to catch a connecting flight but does not remain at the airport for a period exceeding 24 hours (In case the person desires to visit the town during this period, he/she may be allowed to do so on a landing permit). If the person desires to make a stopover in India for a period exceeding 24 hours, he/she will need a regular transit or entry visa.

1. General requirements:
1.1 Passport to be valid for a minimum period of six months.
1.2 Duly filled in and signed application form to be submitted in person. Incomplete application will not be accepted.
1.4 The normal processing time for a Visa application is 3-7 working days after the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

2. Documents Required
1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
2. Copy of the Passport and original for verification.
4. Copy of air-ticket booking from India to place of final destination or evidence of joining a sea vessel from the Indian port to port of final destination (in the form of letter from the shipping company)
5. Copy of the Valid Visa of the final destination country
7. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000
8. Copy of a confirm return ticket.

Note: a. It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

b. Visa is valid only for direct transit, which is not more than 3 days for each visit. For a stay in India beyond 3 days, a visa of the appropriate category should be obtained.

b. Visa is ordinarily valid for a single journey and for entry within 15 days from the date of issue.
c. If the journey is not performed within the period of validity of the visa, a fresh transit visa would be required.

Film Visa

1. A foreign team may be allowed to shoot a feature film, wholly or partially, subject to the following conditions:-

(a) Four copies of the detailed shooting script in case of feature film and detailed concept in case of TV show/ TV serials, details of visiting film crew and location of film shooting shall be submitted by the foreign team to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Copies can either be forwarded directly or through an Indian Embassy / Consulate. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, New Delhi may levy a fee for examining of the application. The details of the fee will be intimated by the Consulate separately.

(b) The film has to be shot according to the script, as approved by the Government of India. In case any material deviation is considered necessary, prior permission of the Government of India has to be obtained by the foreign team.

(c) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will attach a liaison officer to the foreign team to assist them in the shooting, wherever it is felt necessary to do so by the Script Evaluator. He/ she will stay and travel with the team. The actual expenses on the boarding, lodging and travel of the liaison officer, in connection with the shooting of the film, will be met by the Government of India as admissible under rules.

(d) The shooting of the film must be done in the presence of the liaison officer (where liaison officer has been attached on the recommendation of the Script Evaluator) who will, as part of his/ her duties, ensure that nothing detrimental to the image of India or the Indian people will be shot or included in the film. Should a disagreement arise in this respect, the matter shall be referred to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting whose decision shall be final.

(e) The foreign team must show the complete film to a representative of the Government of India, in India or abroad (i.e. an Indian Mission abroad), before its actual release anywhere in the world. In case the foreign team desires to show the film to an Indian Mission abroad, the name of the Mission must be specified by the foreign team in advance. No portion of the film should be shown in the open forum without prior approval of the Government of India.

(f) Local permission, wherever required, must be obtained by the filming team from the local authorities. The list of equipment to be temporarily imported in connection with the shooting is required to be submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in advance, who will issue recommendations to the Customs authorities to exempt such temporary import from Customs Duty.

(g) If the film is a joint venture (Indo-foreign collaboration), the detailed agreement between the Indian and foreign party shall be furnished to the Government of India for specific clearance.

(h) After the shooting is completed in India, a report giving the details of actual shots taken shall be provided, in duplicate, to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting by the Liaison Officer, in cases where a Liaison Officer has been attached with the filming unit.

(i) An undertaking (in the form given in Appendix II) will be required to be given to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in case any assistance is sought from any Ministry of Government of India or from any State Government/ UT. Separate agreements, as stipulated by these Ministries will, however, have to be signed with them by the foreign team.

2. The maximum number of crew for a specific film being shot by an international production company that can be allowed under this visa regime will be 125, unless the project is of such scale that it necessitates the presence of a larger international crew in India which will be allowed on case to case basis. The Production company requesting for issuance of such visas may be permitted to submit the visa applications in batches depending upon schedules and requirements instead of submission of complete list of crew.

3. The international cast and crew coming to India on a Film Visa for the film shoot shall be employed by the Foreign Company seeking permission to shoot the film in India and the company shall take the responsibility for the cast and crew coming to India for filming. The foreigners coming on Film Visa will have to register himself/ herself with the FRRO/ FRO concerned irrespective of the duration of the Film Visa/ stay of the foreigner in India.

4. The foreigners being given the Film Visa may need to demonstrate that they have adequate means to support themselves in India and may need to demonstrate that they have incentive to return to their place of residence when the said Visa expires.

1. General requirements:
1.1 Passport to be valid for a minimum period of six months.
1.2 Duly filled in and signed application form to be submitted in person. Incomplete application will not be accepted.
1.3 The normal processing time for a Visa application is 8-10 weeks after the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

2. Documents Required
2.1 Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
2.2. Copy of the Passport and original for verification.
2.3. Approval of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for shooting the film.
2.4. Additional information to be provided :
(i) Type of production, Feature Film, Reality TV s, Commercial TV serial
(ii) Complete address of shooting location
(iii) Phone/Fax
(iv) Email
2.5. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000

Note: a It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

b. Foreigners being given Film Visa should refrain from commenting on any issues relating to insurgency (if any) in the areas, participating in missionary activities, meeting banned outfits or its over ground/ underground functionaries.

c. The foreigners should strictly adhere to the norms and regulations of foreigner’s guidelines during their stay in the country and visit only the areas permitted for their visit. They should not visit any restricted/ protected area or prohibited place without prior permission of the competent authority.

d. Money transaction for shooting of film should be done as per RBI guidelines.

e. Notacit agreement should be made by any foreigner (on Film, Journalist/business/employment visa or otherwise) to engage or open Indian company, registered under ROC or NGOs to involve in film/documentary making, not commensurating with national interest.

Entry Visa

A. Entry Visa is issued to Person of Indian Origin (who does not possess an OCI card), Foreign Spouse/children of the Indian nationals/person of Indian Origin/OCI cardholder. The following documents, in addition to the Visa application form, are required for applying for visa under this category:

Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with recent photograph pasted at the designated space. Please also upload your recent photograph on the website while filling up the form.It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background for pasting in the application form. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.
Copy of Indian passport,
Copy of foreign passport valid for a minimum period of six months.and original for verification,
Letter from the Indian national with full contact details (name, telephone number, email), copy of passport and details of parentage
Notarised copy of Marriage/Notarised Birth Certificate as applicable.

B. Foreign nationals coming to joing Auroville Foundation/Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry/Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata/ similar approved organisation, temples and (b) foreign Buddhist Monks coming to join Buddhist Monasteries/other Buddhist organisations for charity work may apply for Entry Visa.

1. General requirements:

b. Copy of foreign passport valid for a minimum period of six months.and original for
verification,
c. Passport to be valid for a minimum period of six months.
d. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of NOK 1,50,000 or last 6
months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of NOK 1,50,000.

Note: It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

Consular and Visa