Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Kolkāta, India

Kolkāta, India, Kolkāta, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, Visa & Entry Requirements by Country

Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Kolkāta, India

1. Tourist Visa

A standard option for sightseeing and visiting family or friends in Kolkāta, this visa allows travelers to explore India for leisure. It is generally valid for 6 months but can vary depending on your country. Remember to apply in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
  • Duration: Typically up to 6 months.
  • Purpose: For leisure and tourism.
  • Fees: Varies by nationality.

2. E-Visa for India

Travelers from over 160 countries can apply online for the e-Visa, making trips to Kolkāta easier and faster. It is valid for tourism, business, or medical purposes and allows for multiple entries in one year. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
  • Online Application: User-friendly process.
  • Validity: One year with multiple entries.
  • Eligible Countries: List of approved countries available online.

3. Conference Visa

For those attending conferences and events in Kolkāta, the Conference Visa is essential. It requires an invitation from the conference organizer and is valid for the duration of the event. This visa simplifies entry for professional gatherings.
  • Event Invitation: Necessary for application.
  • Validity: Length of the conference.
  • Applicant Type: Delegates and speakers.

4. Employment Visa

Individuals moving to Kolkāta for work must obtain an Employment Visa. Proof of employment and additional documentation is necessary. This visa helps ensure legal and compliant work status in India.
  • Employer Sponsorship: Required for processing.
  • Documentation: Includes employment proof.
  • Duration: Typically issued for 1-2 years.

5. Business Visa

For business-related activities like meetings or negotiations in Kolkāta, a Business Visa is recommended. It usually allows multiple entries and is valid for up to five years. Prepare to provide documentation proofing your business intentions.
  • Multipurpose: For meetings and trade.
  • Multiple Entries: Often permitted.
  • Documentation: Required for business activities.

6. Medical Visa

Designed for those seeking medical treatment in Kolkāta, this visa requires proof of treatment necessity. It is issued for major or minor procedures but requires an invitation from a medical institution. A Medical Attendant Visa may also be needed for companions.
  • Hospital Invitation: Essential for application.
  • Treatment Purpose: Proof of necessity required.
  • Companion Visa: Available for assistants.

7. Student Visa

Essential for individuals looking to study in Kolkāta's institutions. Students must have admissions proof and sufficient financial resources for the duration of their study. This visa ensures focus on education without legal issues.
  • Validity: Matching course duration.
  • Admission Confirmation: Must be shown.
  • Financial Proof: Demonstration required.

8. Film Visa

Aimed at film industry professionals shooting movies in Kolkāta, requiring authorization from appropriate authorities. It covers crew members and is usually valid as long as filming lasts. Careful planning and clearances are necessary.
  • Crew Coverage: For entire film units.
  • Approval: Necessary from authorities.
  • Duration: Length of film project.

9. Transit Visa

For travelers passing through Kolkāta en route to another destination, this visa is valid for a short duration. It is particularly useful for layovers or transfers. Ensure onward travel proof is ready.
  • Short Duration: Useful for layovers.
  • Proof of Travel: Requires onward plans.
  • Applicability: Limited to transit only.

10. Journalist Visa

Media personnel visiting Kolkāta for work-related assignments must apply for this visa. It's necessary for documentaries, news stories, or interviews. This visa simplifies the legal working framework for journalists.
  • Media Projects: Allows specific access.
  • Assignment Proof: A necessity.
  • Approval: Guided by media dealings.

11. Research Visa

Required for professors or researchers conducting studies in India. Applicants must provide proof of research purpose and institutional backing. It permits focus on academic activities without immigration issues.
  • Institution Approval: Needed for entry.
  • Research Focus: Justification required.
  • Duration: Based on research timeline.

12. Intern Visa

For individuals interning in Kolkāta, this visa supports professional experience acquisition. Accepted candidates need official internship documentation and financial backing. It's suitable for students enhancing practical skills.
  • Internship Proof: Application necessity.
  • Validity: Matches internship duration.
  • Financial Security: Must be assured.

13. Missionary Visa

For religious workers engaging in mission-based work in Kolkāta. This visa requires evidence of affiliation and purpose, often granted for specific projects or missions. It supports legal religious engagements.
  • Religious Affiliation: Must be verified.
  • Project Details: Clearly outlined.
  • Validity: According to mission scope.

14. Entry (X) Visa

Common for non-Indian nationals with Indian family ties, facilitating family visits or settling into Indian life. Requires proof of family connection or Indian spouse status. It's mainly for family-oriented stays.
  • Family Connection: Documentation needed.
  • Validity: Long-term family visits allowed.
  • Spousal Use: For partners of Indians.

15. Diplomatic Visa

Reserved for official government representatives visiting Kolkāta on diplomatic work. It ensures exemptions from standard visa protocols, allowing smooth diplomatic engagements. Provides hassle-free processes for dignitaries.
  • Official Use: For government-related visits.
  • Exemption: From normal procedures.
  • Validity: Corresponds with mission length.

16. Crew Visa

Specifically for crew members of airlines or ships stationed temporarily in Kolkāta. This visa is essential to adhere to immigration regulations during layovers or transits. Ensure employment proof is included in the application.
  • Transport Sector: For air and sea crew.
  • Employment Proof: Needed for approval.
  • Validity: Short-stay specific.

17. Conference Visa on Arrival

Delegates with last-minute conference participation can sometimes obtain a visa upon arrival in Kolkāta, if pre-approved. Reduces the stress of advance applications under tight schedules. Ensure pre-approval is confirmed before traveling.
  • Last-Minute Solution: For sudden entries.
  • Pre-Approval: Mandatory confirmation.
  • Event-Specific: Conference-based purpose.

18. Entry (X-Misc) Visa

Used for emergent, compassionate situations where tourists or those on other visas require extended stays in Kolkāta. Family emergencies often necessitate this visa. Offers flexibility in unforeseen circumstances.
  • Emergency Use: For compassionate grounds.
  • Documentation: Proof of necessity.
  • Flexibility: Duration based on need.

19. Pilgrimage Visa

For individuals or groups visiting Kolkāta for religious pilgrimages. Facilitates entry primarily for spiritual and religious purposes. This visa supports spiritual journeys and cultural exchange.
  • Religious Purpose: Motivation proof required.
  • Group Travel: Often grouped for ease.
  • Validity: Tied to pilgrimage duration.

20. Journalist Visa Extension

Journalists needing longer stays due to extended assignments can apply for extension services, allowing thorough reportage. Ensures compliance while extending deadlines. Plan ahead to accommodate processing times.
  • Assignment Length: Documentation necessary.
  • Extended Coverage: For lengthy projects.
  • Application Timing: Crucial for assignments.