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Visitor & short-stay visas

Indian India Regular (Sticker) Visa

The traditional sticker visa for purposes and durations the e-Visa does not cover, such as employment or longer study, applied for through an Indian mission.

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official India government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Regular / sticker visa
Route type
Regular visa
Format
Physical sticker or stamp placed in your passport
Where to apply
Indian embassy, consulate or Indian Visa Application Centre (VFS)
How to start
Online form on the official Indian visa application portal, then in-person submission
Covers
A wider range of purposes than the e-Visa, including long-term and specialised stays

Who can apply

  • Travellers whose purpose or stay is not covered by the e-Visa
  • People travelling for employment, longer study or other specific categories

What you can do

  • Travel to India for a purpose covered by a regular (sticker) visa category

Requirements

  • A passport valid for the required period with blank pages for the visa sticker
  • A completed online visa application form printed for submission
  • Supporting documents appropriate to your visa category (for example employment, study, or long-term purposes)
  • Attendance in person at an Indian mission or Visa Application Centre, where biometrics may be captured
  • The regular sticker visa is used where the e-Visa is not available for your nationality or purpose, or where a longer or specialised stay is needed

How to apply

  • Complete the online visa application form on the official Indian visa application portal
  • Print the completed form and gather the required supporting documents
  • Book and attend an appointment at your nearest Indian embassy, consulate or Indian Visa Application Centre (VFS)
  • Submit your passport, form, documents and photograph, and give biometrics if required
  • Pay the applicable visa and service fees
  • Collect your passport with the visa sticker once processing is complete

Documents you may need

  • Your passport plus the printed online application form
  • Recent passport-style photographs to the mission's specification
  • Category-specific supporting documents (for example invitation, admission, or employment letters)
  • Proof of residence or status in the country where you are applying

Frequently asked questions

  • A regular sticker visa is used when the e-Visa is not offered for your nationality or travel purpose, or when you need a longer-term or specialised visa. It is applied for through an Indian mission or Visa Application Centre rather than fully online.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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