Eligibility Quiz
Are you a national of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan?
The Entry Visa (X-Series) is a specialized visa for people of Indian origin and the family members of foreigners living or working in India. Unlike a standard tourist visa, this allows for longer stays and can often be extended while you are still in the country.
Application Process
You must apply for this visa through a two-stage process: an online registration followed by a physical submission of your documents at a designated visa center in your country of residence.
Step 1: Online Registration
Visit the official Government of India portal to complete your digital application.
- Select the Indian Mission (Embassy or Consulate) that has jurisdiction over your home address.
- Choose the specific sub-category that fits your situation (e.g., X-1 for persons of Indian origin, X-2 for spouses/children of Indian citizens, or X-Misc for dependents of foreign workers).
- Upload a digital photo and save the temporary application ID. Once finished, print the completed form and sign it.
Step 2: Book an Appointment
India outsources its visa collection to private agencies. Depending on where you live, you must schedule an appointment with the relevant service provider:
- VFS Global (Common in the US, UK, and parts of Europe)
- BLS International (Common in the UAE and parts of SE Asia)
- Alankit (Specific regional jurisdictions)
Step 3: Document Preparation
Gather your physical document file. Every applicant needs:
- A Passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages.
- Two recent 2" x 2" (51mm x 51mm) photos with a white background.
- Category-Specific Proof:
- For X-1: Your Renunciation Certificate (proof you surrendered your Indian citizenship) or your parents' Indian birth certificates.
- For X-2: Your Marriage or Birth Certificate. These must be Apostilled (a specialized international legalization) if issued outside of India.
- For Dependents: A copy of the "principal" family member's Indian visa and an invitation letter from their employer.
Step 4: Submission and Biometrics
Attend your appointment to submit your printed form and supporting documents. During this visit, the center will capture your Biometrics (fingerprints and a facial scan). You will pay your visa and service fees at this time.
Step 5: Verification and Collection
The Indian Mission will review your file. They may call you for a brief interview or request more proof of your relationship to an Indian citizen. Once approved, your passport will be returned with a physical visa sticker.
Step 6: Registration (If staying >180 days)
If your visa is valid for more than 180 days and you intend to stay in India for more than 6 months in a single stretch, you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) within 14 days of your arrival in India.
Fees
Fees are determined by your nationality and the requested duration of the visa. The following are estimates for US, UK, and EU citizens.
| Item | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee (Up to 6 Months) | $80 – $100 |
| Visa Fee (1 to 5 Years) | $200 – $250 |
| Outsourcing Service Fee (VFS/BLS) | $15 – $30 |
| ICWF (Welfare Fund) Fee | $3 |
Total Estimated Cost: $100 – $285 depending on visa length. Note: This does not include costs for document Apostille, courier services, or travel to the application center.
Processing Time
Processing times vary based on your background and the workload of the specific consulate.
- Standard Processing: 3 to 10 working days for most applicants.
- US, UK, and Canada: Typically 5 to 7 business days if all documents are correct.
- Referral Cases: If you are of Pakistani origin or from a "Prior Reference" country (such as Bangladesh or Afghanistan), processing takes 45 to 60 days as it requires clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi.
Document Validity: Your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of application. Most X-visas are issued for 1 year or 5 years with Multiple Entry privileges.