India Visa Information: All that Nigerians Should Know

India is a popular country in the Southern part of Asia.  It is the second most populous country in the world. The capital of India is New Delhi but the largest city in India is Mumbai. The Indians are mostly Hindus. The most spoken languages are Hindu and English.
India is known for its outstanding medical facilities and personnel. Little wonder why many individuals want to study in India.

India Visa Types

India visas are in two major categories. They are the long term and short term visas. The short term visas are valid for 90 days from the day of issuance, and the long term visas are for persons who are going to stay for a longer time in India.
The short term visas are majorly for visitors, tourists, persons needing medical attention or persons on short official visits. The long term visas are for persons who intend to study or gain permanent residence in India.
The various types of short and Long term India visas include:

India Visitor Visa

This visa is for persons intending to travel to India for tourism, holidays, or to visit family members in India.

India Transit Visa

The India Transit visa is given to persons who are intending to travel through India to another country. The visa is valid for 72 hours.  A confirmed airline booking for the onward journey must be shown when applying for the visa.

India Student Visa

The India visa is a long term visa that is issued to individuals who want to study in India. The main document required is student admission/registration papers from the institution. Student visas are issued for up to five years, depending on the duration of the course. The visas can also be extended.

India Employment Visa

The employment visa is for foreigners who have gotten a job offer at a registered Indian Organization. There are several kinds of work visas for both permanent and temporary employments. This visa is issued based on applicant’s vocational qualification or a concrete offer of a contract of employment.

India Business Visa

Business visas are available for people who wish to explore business opportunities or conduct business in India. Business visa applicants will require a letter from the organization that they intend to do business with, stating the nature of the business, duration of stay, places to be visited, and proof that expenses can be met. Business visas are valid for up to five years, with multiple entries.

India Medical Visa

Medical visas are issued to individuals seeking urgent medical treatment in India at recognized and specialized hospitals, and treatment centers. Medical Attendant visas are usually issued to persons accompanying the patient.

Entry X Visa

This visa is issued to persons who do not fall under any other visa category.

India Visa Requirements

There are certain requirements that should be in place before the application process can be valid. Some of these requirements apply to some specific visa types. All visa applicants need to get a valid Nigerian passport if they don’t already have or renew the passport if it has expired.
The documents needed for an Indian visa application include:

1. A properly filled and signed India visa application form.
2. A valid Nigerian passport with two blank passport pages – valid for 6 months.
3. A coloured copy of the data page of the international passport.
4. Photocopies of the Nigerian Passport visibly showing the applicant’s passport number, picture and bio-data pages.
5. One(1) recent passport-photograph of the applicant.
6. Visa Processing fees.
7. An Introduction letter
8. Invitation letter from Indian host.
9. Proof of Oral Polio and Yellow Fever vaccination

Applicants need to note that other supporting documents would need to be presented. These documents vary according to the visa type.

India Visa Application

After certifying that you need an Indian visa, and you have gotten an international passport, follow the following steps.

Steps to Apply for an Indian Visa

1. It is advised that you be very clear on your ‘purpose of travel’
2. Download and fill the visa application form
3. Affix your passport photograph
4. Book an appointment
5. Visit the Indian application center to submit your application form and the other supporting documents at the Visa application center.
6. Pay the visa application fee at the Visa application center.
7. Provide your biometric information
8. Track the application online

Where to Get an Indian Visa Application Form

India Visa application forms are available for download on the India visa website. The form should be printed on two pages, and both pages should be signed. The applicant must sign under the photo on the first page, and at the bottom of the second page.

How and Where to Pay India Visa Fees

India visa fees can be paid at the Visa application center with cash or via debit cards.
It is important to note that the visa processing fee is non-refundable.

India Visa Processing Time

The India visa processing time is not always certain. However, it does not take too long.

Where to Collect India Visa upon Approval

If your Indian visa application is approved, you can collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre.

Address and Location of India Embassy in Nigeria

Indian High Commission, Lagos
15 Walter Carrington Crescent (formerly Eleke Crescent),
Victoria Island,
Lagos,
Nigeria
Phone:+00234-1-280-9966
Fax:+00234-1-280-9969
Email: info@lago.diplo.de
Indian High Commission, Abuja
364, Cadastrial Zone,
Central Business Area, (CBD), FCT Abuja
Telephone: +234-7080622800-4,
Fax: +234-7080622805