Information, Applications and Procedures for:
India Business, Conference, Employment, & Tourist Visas

IMPORTANT PROCESSING TIME NOTICE: While the average visa processing time for most jurisdictions falls within 3-7 business days for US citizens, longer processing times may be required due to new regulations. Furthermore, persons of Indian origin are subject to longer processing times which the embassy/consulate determines on a case by case basis. The delays can be significant and applicants are advised to plan accordingly.

Due to high call volume, a dedicated toll-free number for India visas has been established. Please call 1-800-417-4023 for an Indian Visa Specialist.

A Briggs specializes in securing Indian visas. We are 9 blocks from the Indian Embassy and process visas for India every day for residents of all 50 states.

Please select the appropriate India visa type and receive step-by-step instructions and applications.

A Briggs works directly with the Embassy of India daily to assist you in securing your Indian visa. If you are in a hurry, we can secure your India visa in as quickly as five hours. Normal processing requires four business days. Our Indian specialists have 39 years of experience. If you need to talk to them, give us a call at 1-800-417-4023.

During business hours, our specialists answer 97% of calls live within three rings - no voice mail, options, or phone trees.

Indian Facts
Conventional long form: Republic of India
Conventional short form: India

U.S. Embassy In India
Chief of mission: Ambassador David C. Mulford
Embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Telephone: [91] (11) 419-8000
Fax: [91] (11) 419-0017
Consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)

Note: Americans living in or visiting India are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in India and obtain updated information on travel and security within India.

Indian Medical Facilities
Adequate to excellent medical care is available in the major population centers, but is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

Health Insurance in India
U.S. citizens should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Dowry/Visa Demands
A number of U.S. citizen men who have come to India to marry Indian nationals have been arrested and charged with crimes related to dowry extraction. Many of the charges stem from the U.S. citizen's inability to provide an immigrant visa for his prospective spouse to travel immediately to the United States. The courts sometimes order the U.S. citizen to pay large sums of money to his spouse in exchange for the dismissal of charges. The courts normally confiscate the American's passport, and he must remain in India until the case has been settled. There are also cases of U.S. citizen women whose families force them against their will into marriages to Indian nationals.

Religious and Missionary Activity
Foreign visitors planning to engage in religious proselytizing are required by the 1956 Foreigners Act to have a "Missionary" visa. A 1995 Central Government order defines "inappropriate" religious activity to include speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible prosecution. The states of Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have additional legislation regulating conversion from one religious faith to another. U.S. citizens intending to engage in missionary activity may wish to seek legal advice regarding this legislation.

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