Entry Visa (X-Series)

The Entry Visa (X-Series) is a versatile, long-term visa category designed for individuals with a personal or familial connection to India. Unlike a Tourist Visa, which is strictly for recreation and has limited stay durations, the X-Series is intended for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), their spouses, and their children. It also serves as the primary pathway for the family members of foreign nationals who are living in India on work, study, or research visas.

While the Indian government often encourages eligible individuals to apply for an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card for lifetime benefits, the X-Series remains the essential alternative for those who need a long-term stay but do not yet have OCI status or are not eligible for it.

The X-Series is governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. A critical distinction of this visa is the 180-day rule. While the visa may be issued for one to five years, if you intend to stay in India for more than 180 days in a single visit, you must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) within 14 days of your arrival.

Unlike Tourist visas, which often require you to leave the country every 90 or 180 days, an X-Series visa holder who has registered with the FRRO can often remain in India continuously for the duration of the visa.

• Multiple Entry: You are permitted to enter and exit India as many times as you wish during the validity of your visa.
• Long-Term Residency: You have the right to reside in India long-term, provided you comply with FRRO registration requirements for stays exceeding 180 days.
• No Work Rights: You cannot engage in any form of employment, business, or professional occupation in India. To work, you must apply for a specific Employment Visa or obtain OCI status.
• Education Access: Children on an X-Series visa are generally permitted to attend school in India, though specific institutional requirements may apply.
• Path to OCI: For many, the X-1 and X-2 visas serve as a legal bridge while they complete the longer application process for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), which grants lifelong residency and work rights.
• Domestic Travel: You have the right to travel freely throughout India, except for "Protected" or "Restricted" areas (such as parts of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, or the Andaman Islands), which require a separate permit.