When it comes to tourism, India is certainly on top of the list. Besides their strong history, the country is known for delicious cuisines and unmatchable landscapes. However, due to the pandemic, many tourists who traveled to India got captured there and faced many issues.
For this reason, the Indian government allows tourists to get a visa extension. A Visa extension allows a traveler to stay in the country for a little longer until they can go back to their homeland. In this article, we have provided a complete guide explaining how to extend an Indian visa without facing any issues.
So, without further ado, let's get into it!
India Visa extension
The Foreigner Registration Office (FRO) or the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is responsible for handling all immigration-related issues, including the visa extension. Fortunately, you don’t need to visit offices to get your visa extension. The FRRO offers all of its visa-related services online, meaning you don’t need to schedule an appointment with immigration officials.
All types of Indian visas can be extended, except the e-Visa. If you have a valid e-visa, you can stay in the country for only the indicated duration. Afterward, if you don’t want to leave India, you can apply for a traditional visa.
How to Get an Indian Visa Extension?
Extending an Indian visa is a straightforward procedure. You don’t need to schedule an appointment or go to the embassy. You can complete the entire process on your own from the comfort of your home.
Here's a step-by-step guide explaining how to apply online for an Indian visa extension:
Login to India's e-FRRO Portal
First of all, you'll need to create an account for India's FRRO. You'll need to use your active e-mail address to create a User ID and Passport. Keep in mind that an Indian phone number and a valid email are mandatory for obtaining OTP for your FRRO registration.
Once you signup, simply use your valid credentials to log into the FRRO portal.
Submit Your Visa Extension Application
In the FRRO portal, you can select an appropriate service to submit an application. To extend your visa, you'll need to fill out the visa extension applicant form using your personal details and contact information. In addition, you'll have to submit some supporting documents as well: as discussed below!
You'll need to be extra careful while filling out the application form. Make sure all the provided information is correct and error-free. Also, upload all the documents in the designated format.
Pay the Online Visa Extension Fee
You'll need to pay the visa extension fee using the FRRO portal. You can use credit and debit cards to pay the fee through the Axis bank payment gateway added to the FRO portal. If the transaction fails but the applicants' card account is debited, they can ask for a refund. Afterward, you might have to upload the proof of payment on the portal as well!
Checking the Application Status
After each step, you'll get an email or SMS on your added Indian phone number or email address. You can also track the status of the visa extension application from the dashboard.
The processing time for visa extension is different for different applicants. On average, foreign nationals can extend their visas within 3-4 working days. On approval or rejection, you'll be informed. Nonetheless, you can always check the status by logging into the dashboard on the FRRO portal.
Required Documents for Visa Extension
Besides e-visa holders, all foreigners can apply for an Indian visa extension. Although the best approach for you is to apply online, you can still visit the FRRO/FRO office to extend your visa.
Depending on your visa type, you'll need to submit some important documents alongside your visa extension application form. These documents include:
Business Visa
Visa and valid passport
Balance sheet
Income tax paper
DIN Number page
Memorandum of Articles
Incorporation Letter
AIESEC Letter
Undertaking Letter
RC/RP
Business Proof
Proof of Residency
Missionary Visa
Proof of GOI Approval
Proof of Missionary
Undertaking Letter
Registration
Request Letter
RC/RP
Proof of Residency
Project Visa
Undertaking Letter
RC/RP
Income tax paper
Contract paper
Proof of residency
Passport and visa
Conference Visa
RC/RP
Invitation letter
Proof of residency
Passport and visa
Research Visa
RC/RP
Financial resource proof
Bonafide certificate
Proof of residency
Passport and visa
Employment Visa
RC/RP
Income tax paper
Undertaking letter
Request letter
Contract paper
Proof of residency
Visa and passport
Student Visa
Financial guarantee
RC/RP
Form S
Bonafide certificate
Proof of residency
Visa and passport
Medical Visa
RC/RP
Medical certificate
Proof of residency
Passport and visa
All visa holders, including Indian tourist visa holders, need to provide a passport-type photograph as well. Your photo must be in .jpg format and less than 1MB. Also, scan all your required documents and assemble them in PDF format.