India visa for Iranian citizens
Iranian citizens can apply online for an Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical or conference categories) on the official Government of India site before travelling.
Check the official site before you travel. imptpune.in is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas. Visa rules change: confirm on indianvisaonline.gov.in.
| Status | e-Visa available |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical, conference), applied for online |
| Where to apply | indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa) |
| Processing | Set by the Government of India: check the official site |
| Arrival | At an airport or seaport designated for e-Visa arrivals |
Iranian passport holders can obtain an Indian e-Visa for tourism, business, or medical visits. The e-Visa is applied for entirely online, before departure. You must travel to an e-Visa-designated airport or seaport. On arrival, biometrics are taken. All visa rules and fees change; always confirm on the official Indian e-Visa website.
What the e-Visa means for you
The Indian e-Visa allows Iranian citizens to enter India for short stays without visiting an embassy. It covers tourism, business, and medical visits. The application is submitted online, and the approved visa is sent by email. You must print the electronic travel authorisation and carry it with your passport.
The e-Visa is not a sticker in your passport but a digital record linked to your passport number. Immigration officers verify it on arrival. The visa is tied to the passport you apply with. If you renew your passport before travel, you need a new e-Visa. Check the official site for any changes to eligible passport types.
Before you travel and on arrival
Apply online at least a few days before departure. The official site is indianvisaonline.gov.in. Complete the form, upload a photo and passport scan, and pay the fee online. The approved e-Visa is sent by email. Print it and carry it with you.
On arrival at an e-Visa-designated airport, proceed to the e-Visa counter. Immigration officers take your fingerprints and a photograph. They verify the e-Visa against your passport. Keep a copy of the e-Visa in your hand luggage. Do not put it in checked baggage.
Travelling between Indian cities
Once inside India, you can travel freely between cities and states. The e-Visa does not restrict internal movement. You must carry your passport and a copy of the e-Visa at all times. Hotels and domestic airlines may ask to see your visa. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
Internal flights, trains, and buses are open to all foreign visitors. No additional permits are needed for most destinations. However, some areas near international borders require a special permit. Check with the Indian authorities if you plan to visit states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, or parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Staying longer, working, or studying
The e-Visa is for short stays only. If you want to work, study, or stay longer than the e-Visa allows, you must apply for a regular visa from an Indian embassy or consulate before travel. The e-Visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type inside India.
For employment, you need an Employment Visa. For study, a Student Visa. For long-term medical treatment, a Medical Visa. Each category has separate requirements and processing times. Visit the official Indian visa website or contact the nearest Indian mission for details. Overstaying your visa can lead to fines and deportation.
How to apply for the e-Visa
- Go to the official Indian e-Visa website: indianvisaonline.gov.in.
- Fill in the online application form with your personal and passport details.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a scan of the passport's bio page.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Wait for the electronic travel authorisation to be emailed to you.
- Print the authorisation and carry it with your passport when you travel.
- On arrival at an e-Visa-designated airport or seaport, go to the e-Visa counter and give biometrics.
Documents to carry
- Valid Iranian passport with at least six months' validity from the date of arrival
- Printed copy of the e-Visa approval email
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Hotel booking or address of where you will stay
Iranian citizens: questions
Can Iranian citizens get a visa on arrival in India?
No, there is no visa on arrival for Iranian citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa online before travel. The e-Visa is processed before departure and approved electronically.
Is the Indian e-Visa valid for all airports in India?
No, the e-Visa is only valid at designated airports and seaports. Major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi are included. Check the official site for the full list.
Can Iranian citizens extend their e-Visa while in India?
No, the e-Visa cannot be extended or converted to another visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must leave India and apply for a regular visa from an Indian mission abroad.
Do Iranian children need a separate e-Visa for India?
Yes, each traveller, including infants and children, needs their own e-Visa. You must apply separately for each person, using their own passport.
Can you work in India with an e-Visa?
No, the e-Visa does not permit employment. For work, you need an Employment Visa obtained from an Indian mission before travel. Working on an e-Visa is illegal.
Where will you stay in Pune?
Koregaon Park for a first visit, Viman Nagar for the airport, Hinjewadi or Kharadi for work. Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app.
Photo credits: Photo on Pexels.