FAQs - VISA

Q.1.
What is a visa?
Q.2.
How do I apply for a visa?
Q.3.
What type of visa should I apply for?
Q.4.
What are the different kinds of visas available?
Q.5.
Where should I apply for my visa?
Q.6.
Do I need a visa to go to India?
Q.7.
I am applying for a visa, but I live in a country other than the USA, can I use your website?
Q.8.
I was (or my parents/grandparents were) born in Pakistan, is that a problem?
Q.9.
I am traveling through India to another country, do I need a visa?
Q.10.
Are there specific vaccinations required to travel to India?
Q.11.
I am a student currently enrolled in a university that is in another state away from my permanent address. How do I find out which jurisdiction to apply to?
Q.12.
What if I do not appear on the given appointment date?
Q.13.
Can I cancel my appointment?
Q.14.
Can I apply for OCI and Visa together?
Q.15.
When does one book or make travel arrangements?
Q.16.
How long can I stay in India with my current visa?
Q.17.
Do children require a visa to visit India?
Q.18.
I have a visa, but I am now traveling for a purpose that is not covered under my current visa. Should I travel on my visa anyway, or should I apply for a new visa?
Q.19.
Can I hold two active Indian visas at the same time?
Q.20.
Can I extend a currently active visa?
Q.21.
I would be changing flights/airports in India in order to travel to my final destination (say Nepal, Thailand etc.) Do I need a visa to change flights/airport terminals?
Q.22.
My visa page has faded now and numbers are not clear, can I travel on it?

Q.23. How do I make or change an appointment?

You will only need an appointment if you are planning on applying in person at a CKGS Application Centers. It is highly recommended to ship your application as this helps avoid driving and waiting times, parking charges and traffic as well as helps with easy tracking.

If you are a NEW APPLICANT, you would have to complete the full application process and the ‘Appointment’ page is within the online flow on the CKGS website.

It is very important that you apply on the CKGS website and follow the process as defined.

Do not go directly to the Government of India website to fill the online application form but you must go via the links on the CKGS website provided below. You will be guided to the Government of India website to fill your online form/s at the appropriate step via the CKGS website.

For USA applicants, the CKGS website has been customized so that the supplementary documents, forms and letters requirements are as per the instructions of the Embassy of India in USA. Simply fill in the widget and it will guide you through the entire application process.

The rules on the CKGS website will identify your visa category, type, duration, fees and help avoid errors. Further to assist you, many forms and letters that have repetitive information will get auto populated and you only have to fill in the missing fields.

Visa Application – How to Apply?	www.in.ckgs.us/visa/howtoapply
Visa Application – Get Started	www.in.ckgs.us/visa/

If you are an EXISTING APPLICANT and you wish to cancel / reschedule or do a follow up appointment, then you may click on www.in.ckgs.us/appointment/

Q.24.
Can I apply for Visa if I have applied for OCI already?
Q.25.
Who decides if I will get a visa?
Q.26.
I was issued a visa for a different length of time than I originally applied for, why?
Q.27.
What date is my visa valid from?
Q.28.
Is there a limit on how many times can I travel to India with my multiple Entry visa?
Q.29.
My name has changed or is changing and I have an Indian Visa. Do I need a new visa?
Q.30.
How do I answer 'Any other valid Passport / Identity Certificate (IC) held'?
Q.31.
What do I enter if I do not have a 'Citizenship or National ID number'?
Q.32.
I am not comfortable disclosing my religion. What can I do?
Q.33.
There is no place for me to enter my middle name. Where do I type it in?
Q.34.
I am an unemployed adult. What can I enter under 'Profession'?
Q.35.
I am completing a form for my child who does not have a profession. What can I enter?
Q.36.
The options under 'Profession' does not include my job. What can I do?
Q.37.
I am just not comfortable with the online application. Can you fax or email the application to me?
Q.38.
If I made a mistake on my visa application, how can I correct it?
Q.39.
We do not have a reference person or address in India because we are going on a cruise which ports in India for a few days and we will be staying on the vessel overnight. What information can I enter on the visa application under 'Reference in India'?
Q.40.
How will CKGS communicate with me?
Q.41.
What do I choose for Indian Mission?
Q.42.
I am NOT a US citizen but have not lived in my home country for many years. What address should I enter as 'Permanent Address' on the online visa application?
Q.43.
Do I need a Visa for my pet that I wish to take to India?
Q.44.
Can I travel anywhere within India if I have a valid Tourist Visa?
Q.45.
Does the gap of two months between two visits apply to all Tourist Visa holders?
Q.46.
Does the gap of two months between two visits apply to all OCI card holders and foreigners holding business, employment, student and other categories of visa?
Q.47.
I have received my VISA and there is an error in the spelling of my name.
Q.48.
Can I apply for Visa and Renunciation together?
Q.49.
Code of Conduct for Unregistered Third Party Agencies
Q.50.
Rules for Chinese Nationals
Q.51.
Are Satellite phones allowed in India?
Q.52.
I am traveling to India and I want to know if it is permitted to import Indian rupees into India. I am able to exchange the currency at the airport here in the USA
Q.53.
Do I need to send my original passport along with the Visa application form?
Q.54.
Who are granted short term visas?
Q.55.
Do I need to go through you or can I go to the consulate directly?
Q.56.
I selected the wrong visa type on the application form.
Q.57.
My visa is valid for another five years, can I travel or do I need to apply for a new visa?
Q.58.
I am going on a cruise, do I need a visa?
Q.59.
My son is going to be 21. Can he travel on the same visa?
Q.60.
Can I apply for a Visa, if I have applied for a Renunciation Certificate already?
Q.61.
Can I apply through a Third Party agent?
Q.62.
I have already purchased my ticket and wanted to know if I can go to the consulate directly and apply for the visa?
Q.63.
Can I come to CKGS directly and get the visa?
Q.64.
I am getting married and I have an Indian Visa? Do I Need a new visa?
Q.65.
I am visiting India on the Fulbright Nehru Scholarship. Can you give me information on how to get my visa?
Q.66.
My US passport has got less than 18 days validity so can I still send it for the visa?
Q.67.
Do you work on Saturdays?
Q.68.
What visa do I need to apply if it is an emergency?
Q.69.
I have applied for a visa for 10 years duration and have been granted a visa for only 6 months?
Q.70.
I have already applied for renunciation and can I apply for a visa now?
Q.71.
Can I apply for a PIO card?
Q.72.
Now since the PIO card scheme is canceled and I already have a PIO card, can I travel on the same?
Q.73.
What is the duration and validity of a Tourist Visa?