The principal types of visa issued are mentioned below:
     
Please note: Change of purpose is not permitted once you have reached India. Apply for the correct category of Visa before departure according to your requirement.

TOURIST VISA: Valid upto a max of SIX months from the date of issue. It can be for single/double/multiple entry. Documents like copy of air-ticket and itinerary would be helpful.

TRANSIT VISA: This is granted for the sole purpose of enabling the holder to travel through India to reach his/her ultimate destination. Change of purpose is not allowed. The visa will be valid for a single journey and for entry within fifteen days from the date of issue. The Transit visa is valid for direct transit only for a maximum period of 03 days of stay in India. Confirmed Air Ticket for onward journey and valid visa for final destination are required. For a stay in India beyond 03 days an appropriate visa should be obtained.

ENTRY VISA: Valid for six months to five years stay with multiple entry. This is given only to persons of INDIAN origin. However, members of the family of a person employed in India are also eligible for an entry visa.

BUSINESS VISA: Valid for upto one/more years with multiple entries. However, the stay in India during each visit under this category is limited to SIX months only.

Documents from the sponsoring organization indicating the nature of applicant's business, duration of stay, validity of visa sought, places and organizations to be visited and a guarantee to meet expenses should be enclosed with the application.

An invitation letter from the company/agency in India indicating name, passport no., purpose of visit to India, duration of visit to India etc. to be faxed directly to the Embassy of India. Business visa valid for ten years with multiple entries is available to foreign businessmen who have set up or intend to setup joint ventures in India.

EMPLOYMENT VISA: Letter of signed contract/appointment, applicants resume and proof that the organization is registered in India are required. Duration of the visa will depend on the period of employment/contract. It may however be noted that applications for Employment Visas are considered only for managerial/highly skilled jobs. Employment Visa can be issued only from the country of origin.

STUDENT VISA: For bona fide students to pursue regular studies at recognized institutions in India. A letter of confirmed admission (original letter) from the institution along with evidence of financial support from parents etc for the duration of stay in India should accompany the applications.

RESEARCH VISA: Validity of the visa would normally depend upon the research period. The applicants should produce original letters of admission from the approved Indian universities/Institutions.(e-mails or photocopies of admission letters will not be accepted.) along with evidence of financial resources for the duration of stay in India should accompany with the applications.

JOURNALIST VISA: This visa is given to professional journalists and photographers for upto THREE months stay in India. (If you intend to make a  FILM or DOCUMENTARY in India, please contact the Embassy of India, Hanoi ).