Visa Types & Requirements Visa Types & Requirements

Visa Types & Requirements

 

VISA TYPES AND REQUIREMENTS

 

TYPE OF VISA

DOCUMENTS REQUIREMENT

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

TOURIST VISA

Documents Requirement

  1. Visa application form duly filled on line and signed Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  2. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months
  3. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  4. Old passport, if any
  5. Two recent photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light background. Photos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  6. Introduction Letter
  7. Invite from the Indian host with contact details and scanned copy of PAN/Aadhar card to be mailed to HCI email cons1.abuja@mea.gov.in and cons.abuja@mea.gov.in (For Lagos: consvisa@hcilagos.org and fs1@hcilagos.org) with copy to the applicant. Applicant is to attach a printout of the invitation and the email with the visa application form.
  8. Travel and Hotel Bookings (Detailed itinerary of places to be visited in India)
  9. Bank Statement for last six months
  10. Local profile of the applicant as applicable (Letter from employer, professional documents, businessman to attach basic business documents)
  11. Any one address proof (Nigerian national ID or Driver’s License or Voter Card)

 

 

BUSINESS VISA

Documents Requirement

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater)
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light background Photos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online. Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 - Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.
  6. Letter of invitation by name (of the applicant) from Indian company. Invite from the host/company with contact details to be mailed to HCI email: cons1.abuja@mea.gov.in  and cons.abuja@mea.gov.in  with copy to the applicant. Invitation is to be forwarded from the official email id of the company on company letterhead with mobile number of contact person. Applicant is to attach a printout of the invitation and the email page with the visa application form.
  7. Scanned copy of PAN/Aadhaar card of the host/company to be mailed to HCI email: cons1.abuja@mea.gov.in  and cons.abuja@mea.gov.in  with copy to the applicant. Applicant is to attach a printout of the invitation and the email with the visa application form.
  8. Work ID (Copy is to be attached with application form. Original ID card to be brought when coming for visa interview)
  9. Applicant’s Identification Document
  10. Introduction letter from local (Nigerian) company, explaining nature of business and period of existence.
  11. Local company’s documents:
  1. Certificate of Incorporation
  2. Memorandum and Article of Association
  3. Latest Tax Clearance Certificate
  4. TIN number allotted to the company by TAX Office.
  5. Statement on Local company’s financial status/ Bank statement

 

  1. Copy of provisional return airticket and reservation of accommodation

NOTE:

  1. Documents at S. No. 9 to 11 to be produced in original at the time of interview by the Consular Officer.

 

CONFERENCE VISA

 

  1. Conference visa will be granted for international conferences held to discuss a particular subject or for a seminar or workshop on a specific subject. Conference visa will also be issued for business meetings, to discuss business matters of a particular company/ organization and Board meetings.
  2. Conference visa will be granted to delegates on production of an invitation letter from the organizer(s), a copy of Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) clearance for holding the conference and a copy of the communication from the Ministry of External Affairs conveying political clearance

 

Documents Requirement

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater)
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light background Photos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online. Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 - Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.
  6. Letter of invitation by name (of the applicant) with an e-mail copy to the Mission by the organizers at cons1.abuja@mea.gov.in and cons.abuja@mea.gov.in. Invitation is to be forwarded from the official email id of the organizer on company letterhead with mobile number of contact person. Applicant is to attach a printout of the invitation and the email page with the visa application form.
  7. A brief summary of paper proposed to be presented
  8. Copies of the professional degree as well original should be presented.
  9. A letter in original from the Employer
  10. Employment Record
  11. Certified bank statement for the last three months
  12. Copy of provisional return air ticket and reservation of accommodation
  13. Necessary clearances from Government of India (Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs and concerned nodal Ministry) for International Events.

 

NOTE: Additional documents may also be required of you at the time of interview by the Consular Officer.

 

EMPLOYMENT VISA

An Employment Visa is granted by the Indian to a foreign national as mentioned below :-

 

  1. A foreign technician/expert coming to India in pursuance of a bilateral agreement between the Government of India and the foreign government, or in pursuance of a collaboration agreement that has been approved by the Government of India
  2. In the case of highly skilled foreign personnel being employed in the IT software and IT enabled sectors.
  3. All invitations from India to be forwarded with an e-mail copy to the Mission at cons1.abuja@mea.gov.in  and cons.abuja@mea.gov.in. Invitation is to be forwarded from official email id on company letterhead with mobile number of contact person. Applicant is to attach a printout of the invitation and the email page with the visa application form.
  4. For hiring of foreign coaches/players. Further, family members /dependents of a foreigner who is granted Employment Visa, can be granted ‘X’ Visa co-terminus with the validity of the visa of the principal visa holder or for such shorter period as may be considered necessary by the Indian Mission.

 

Documents Requirement

 

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater)
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light background Photos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online. Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 - Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.
  6. The original proper Employment Contract of the applicant (this document will be retained by the Embassy)(This contract should show a minimum annual salary of $ 25 000/- . However, the minimum benchmark for salary is exempted in cases of ethnic cooks, foreign language teachers other than English, diplomatic missions’ employees.
  7. Letter of recommendation from Nigerian football / sport’s association with contact details in original.
  8. Letter of Invitation on letterhead with contact details in original from Indian Football Club. A copy directly to be sent by the Indian Football Club to High Commission to facilitate the visa. AIFF’s approval would be required for football players.
  9. Certificate of Incorporation of the Indian company and in case of an NGO, copy of registration
  10. The Employment Visa Proforma (this is a 3-page document)
  11. Income Tax Payment Undertaking on company’s letterhead with contact details as per the standard model in original
  12. Applicant’s CV
  13. Photocopies of the diplomas or professional certificates justifying the applicant’s expertise in the proposed field of work along with the originals duly attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Education.

NOTE:

 

  1. Internship in the fields of cinema, television, media, writing, publishing, press, photography, communication and advertising falls under Employment Visa category.
  2. Additional documents may also be required of you at the time of interview by the Consular Officer.
  3. All invitations from India to be forwarded with an e-mail copy to the Mission at cons1.abuja@mea.gov.in and cons.abuja@mea.gov.in. Invitation is to be forwarded from official email id on company letterhead with mobile number of contact person. Applicant is to attach a printout of the invitation and the email page with the visa application form

 

ENTRY VISA

Entry visa is generally issued in the following cases:

 

  1. A person of Indian origin; spouse and children of a person of Indian national or origin;
  2. Dependent of a person holding an Employment visa;
  3. Applicant seeking visa for Auroville Foundation;
  4. Applicant seeking admission in yoga, Vedic culture or Indian systems of dance and music;
  5. Applicant, who has purchased property in India with the approval of Reserve Bank of India and registered his/her property in India.
  6. Members of sports teams and sports persons
  7. Applicants travelling to India under ITEC or any other Government of India Scholarship Programme.

 

Documents Requirement

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater)
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light background Photos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online. Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 - Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.

a. In case, the applicant is of Indian-origin, official proof of Indian origin of the applicant i.e. copies of the data page of the passport and birth certificate. These documents must clearly mention place of birth in India. In case, the applicant is of Indian origin by descent, Copies of official documents proving both the relationship and the Indian nationality or origin of the parent or grand-parent, copy of the birth certificate and copy of the Indian passport In case, the applicant is spouse of Indian national or person of Indian origin, Official document proving the matrimonial link between the applicant and the person of Indian nationality or origin and copy of the registered marriage certificate If the spouse is an Indian national: photocopy of the first and last pages of the passport of the Indian spouse. The Indian passport must have the name of the foreign spouse printed/endorsed. If the spouse is of Indian origin: please provide documentary proof thereof.

 

b. In case, the applicant is dependent of an Employment visa holder, official documentary evidence proving the dependence:, copy of the birth certificate, copy of the marriage certificate and photocopy of the valid Employment visa.

 

c. In case, applicant wishes to join the Auroville Foundation, official invitation letter issued by the Secretary of Auroville Foundation. This document must be provided in its original sealed envelope.

 

d. In case, the applicant wishes to pursue a course in yoga, Vedic culture/Indian system of dance and music, (i) letter of admission on letterhead duly stamped and signed from the recognised institution specifying the exact purpose of the visit and its duration, (ii) an official document attesting that the Institution is recognised by Ministry of Home Affairs and is authorised to enrol foreigners

 

e. In case of property purchased in India, copies of approval of Reserve Bank of India and registration of property.

 

f. In case of sports teams and sports persons, the requisite approval of the Indian Ministry of sports and Youth Affairs is required.

 

g. In case of Pilots and crew members of the operating scheduled Airlines, copy of valid licence, letter from the Airlines concerned, copy of Identity Card.

 

 

NOTE:

  1. Additional documents may also be required of you at the time of interview by the Consular Officer.

 

MEDICAL VISA

A medical visa (MED Visa) is granted to a foreigner whose sole purpose of visiting India is to seek medical treatment in specialized /recognized/ established Hospitals/treatment centres in India.

 

Documents Requirement

 

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light backgroundPhotos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online. Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.
  6. Typed Referral letter in original on letterhead with contact details, duly stamped and signed from a well reputed hospital/medical institute after examination of the patient’s condition specifying the nature of the patient’s illness and the reason for referring the patient for medical treatment to the established/specialized/recognised medical Institute/hospital concerned in India.

 

[Such a Referral letter should also be issued from the recognized and verifiable domain E-mail ID of the hospital/medical institute and sent to HCI Abuja/CGI,Lagos at Email IDs listed in Para 7 below. While the applicant is free to choose any well reputed hospital/medical institute of his/her choice, some such suggested hospitals, for ease of reference, are (i) Abuja: University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Primus Super specialty Hospital, Nizamiye Hospital, Tulsi Chanrai Eye Care Hospital, Defence HQ Medical Centre Abuja, and Lagrent Dental Clinic; and (ii) Lagos: Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Mainland Hospital Yaba, Vedic Life Care Hospital, Eurocare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Family Dental Care, Skipper Eye-Q Super Specialty, Medical Consultant Group, St. Nicholas Hospital and Gleneagles Medical Healthcare Services. This list only suggestive in nature, for background reference of the applicants, if and as required, and we do not verify or vouch for or validate the list for our visa processing purposes, which is subject only to checks and procedures as specified by the concerned Indian authorities from time to time].

 

  1. Typed Invitation letter on letterhead, duly stamped and signed with contact details, from the hospital/medical Institute in India specifying the nature of the medical treatment to be undertaken along with the start and end date of this treatment. Indian hospital to email invite to HCI email cons1.abuja@mea.gov.in and cons.abuja@mea.gov.in (For Lagos: visa.lagos@mea.gov.in and  cons.lagos@mea.gov.in). Detail of attendant/ attendants is to be indicated with mobile number of contact person at the hospital. Applicant is to attach a printout of the invitation and the email page with the visa application form.
  2. A certified bank statement of last three months/guarantee letter issued by the bank in the name of the applicant, testifying his/her ability to meet expenses to cover medical and living expenses in India for the duration of the medical treatment. In case of sponsorship, an affidavit from the sponsor along with a copy of his/her Identity Card/Passport copy is to be attached.
  3. In case of follow up treatment, previous medical papers and discharge summary from Indian hospital is to be attached to the application (original to be verified by Consular Officer).
  4. Patients need to attach copies their treatments in Nigeria including copies of CT Scan/MRI/X-ray reports (as applicable) (original to be verified by Consular Officer)
  5. Transplant patients to produce compatibility report of donor and patient.
  6. Indian hospital to undertake responsibility of the patient and attendant including immigration till his departure from India. This undertaking is to be included in the invitation letter.

NOTE:

  1. Additional documents may also be required of you at the time of interview at the discretion of the Consular Officer.

 

PROJECT VISA

It is issued to foreign nationals visiting India for execution of projects in the power and steelC sectors, which is project specific.

 

Documents Requirement:

 

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater)
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light background Photos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online. Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.
  6. Copy of proper contract in original/certified copy of contract
  7. CV of the applicant
  8. Copies along with original of Degrees, Diplomas etc. duly attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Education of Federal Republic of Nigeria or the Embassy concerned as the case may be.
  9. Letter from the employer in Nigeria in original with contact details
  10. Letter from the Indian company in original with contact details
  11. Income tax undertaking on letterhead with contact details from the Employer in India in original
  12. Copy of Certificate of Incorporation of Indian company or registration certificate

 

NOTE:

  1. Additional documents may also be required of you at the time of interview by the Consular Officer.

 

RESEARCH VISA

This visa allows research professors or scholars to conduct research work in India.

 

Documents Requirement:

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater)
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light backgroundPhotos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online _ Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.
  6. Subject/Topic of the research project
  7. Details of previous visits to India.
  8. Details of places to be visited during the research project in India.
  9. A letter in original from a Nigerian institution acknowledging that the applicant is a bona fide researcher in their institute.
  10. Letter of admission and Certificate of Affiliation in original from the recognised Indian University/Institution in token of having secured admission for the research purpose.
  11. Government of India political clearance as applicable, and in cases of Medical field, Medical Council of India’s clearance is required.
  12. A detailed summary written in English by the applicant regarding the research work to be done in India. In case the research proposal relates to the applicant’s own country, a brief synopsis (150 words) and justification for doing research in India should also be submitted alongwith the application.
  13. A bank guarantee letter issued by the bank in the name of the applicant, testifying their ability to meet expenses of a minimum of US$700 per month to cover accommodation and living expenses in India for the duration of the stay.

 

NOTE:

  1. Additional documents may also be required of you at the time of interview by the Consular Officer.

 

STDENT VISA

Documents Requirement:

 

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater)
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light background Photos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online _ Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.
  6. Admission letter in original duly signed and stamped with contact details from an Indian university/school or higher education establishment to follow a full-time course.
  7. Copies with originals of applicant’s previous educational qualifications i.e. Jr. & Sr. Secondary certificates, Mark Sheets, Diploma, Birth Certificate duly attested either by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Education.
  8. A letter of support with contact details from the parent/guardian accompanied by a bank guarantee/certificate with a copy of Identity Card. In case of sponsorship of higher education from the State Government, a letter in original duly stamped and signed with contact details of the officer concerned.
  9. Evidence of transfer of adequate funds for at least 4 months sustenance in India or production of traveller’s cheques for a similar amount.
  10. Indian university/ college/ school to email following to HCI email cons1.abuja@mea.gov.in and cons.abuja@mea.gov.in from their official email id with copy to the applicant. Applicant is to attach a printout of the invitation and the email with the visa application form.

 

a. Offer /admission letter

b. Undertaking by Indian university/ college/ schoolto be responsiblefor the student during his stay in India and undertake regular FRRO verifications.

c. Undertaking by Indian university/ college/ school to reside student in hostel on campus.

 

  1. Student visas would be considered only for regular academic courses from renowned Indian Universities.
  2. Foreign students already sought admission in India and have completed first year of their studies should ensure that they get their visas extended well before time while in India before returning to their country of origin on vacation. In emergency situations, they are advised to visit the nearest FRRO/FRO’s office for extension of visa with prior permission obtained from the University/educational institution.

NOTE:

 

  1. In case of provisional admission, registration required within 14 days of arrival in India and then again, on confirmation of admission, within 90 days of arrival with the requisite documents.
  2. Additional documents may also be required of you at the time of interview by the Consular Officer.

 

JOURNALIST VISA

The “Journalist” visa is a term given to a visa category grouping up multiple sectors of activity. Regardless of the purpose of visit (tourism, personal or professional), applicants working in the following fields of activity are obliged to apply exclusively for a “Journalist” visa: cinema, television, media, writing, publishing, press, photography, communication, advertising… (non-exhaustive list).

 

Please note that a 'journalist' travelling to India for tourist or personal purposes must apply for a Journalist visa and not for a Tourist visa.

 

 

Documents Requirement:

 

  1. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months (or for the validity requested, if greater)
  2. A photocopy of the data page of the passport
  3. Two photographs of the size of 50mm X 50mm i.e. 2 inch x 2 inch with light backgroundPhotos should be glued on your forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2 of the online form.
  4. Visa application form duly filled in online. Your form should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2 - Your signatures should match with the signature printed on your passport.
  5. APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE HIS/HER OWN CONTACT DETAILS INCLUDING E-MAIL ID. IF FOUND SOMEBODY ELSE’S/FALSE, VISA MAY BE REFUSED.
  6. In case of a professional travel: letter from your employer specifying the exact purpose of your visit and the expected start and end dates. This letter should be on company’s letterhead and written in English with contact details.
  7. Certified copy of bank statement for last three months
  8. Copies of provisional return air ticket and hotel accommodation
  9. In case of film-shooting in India : authorisation letter from the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs in India or Consular Section of the High Commission of India, Abuja.

 

 

NOTE:

 

  1. An Employment visa would be required to do an internship in a company working in the fields of cinema, television, media, writing, publishing, press, photography, communication and advertising.

 

  1. Additional documents may also be required of you at the time of interview by the Consular Officer.