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India entry (X) visa for family

Entry visa (X) for family members, PIOs and spouses of Indian citizens

In short

India's entry (X) visa is given to spouses and dependants of foreigners holding long-term visas such as employment or business visas, to foreign spouses and children of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders, and to persons of Indian origin. Dependants of long-term visa holders receive it for the same period as the principal visa. The fee depends on nationality and the Indian mission where you apply.

Apply on Indian Visa Online (Government of India) checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Fee
The entry visa fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply, which also states how to pay; it is not refunded if the visa is refused.
Processing time
Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
Work
No employment on an X visa
Where to apply
Online form on indianvisaonline.gov.in, then submission with passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, in the way that mission specifies

Who qualifies

Eligible are: the spouse and dependent family members of a foreigner on a long-term visa such as employment, business or research (only an X visa, not a tourist visa, co-terminous with the principal visa); persons of Indian origin with their spouse and dependent children; foreign nationals married to an Indian passport holder or to an OCI or PIO cardholder, and their dependent children; family members of diplomatic households not qualifying for diplomatic visas; seamen inspecting or visiting a vessel; and foreigners coming for training.

Documents

Besides the standard documents, submit documentary evidence for the X visa: a marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificates for children, proof of PIO status, or a copy of the principal visa holder's passport and visa.

Required documents

Identity

  • Original passport valid at least six months beyond departure from India, with a photocopy of the first pages
  • Proof of residence in the country where you apply; non-nationals add their residence permit

Money

  • Proof of payment of the visa fee, as the mission requires

Family

  • Marriage certificate (spouses) or birth certificate (children)
  • Copy of the principal visa holder's passport and Indian visa, or the Indian spouse's passport or OCI card

Other

  • Online visa application form from indianvisaonline.gov.in with uploaded photo, printed and signed
  • Two recent passport-size photographs

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Family

  • Proof of Indian origin, if applying as a PIO

Arrival card and FRRO registration

Foreigners complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival on boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app. Holders of student, employment, medical or missionary work visas valid for more than 180 days must register with the jurisdictional FRRO or FRO within 14 days of arrival; holders of other visas, including business visas, must register if they stay more than 180 days continuously or within a calendar year. Children under 12 are exempt. Extensions and conversions are requested on indianfrro.gov.in while you are in India and before your visa expires.

OCI for persons of Indian origin

Persons of Indian origin and foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders may be eligible for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, which is not a visa but gives long-term multiple-entry rights and exempts the holder from FRRO registration. OCI applications are handled by the consular services of Indian missions.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Gather the marriage or birth certificates and copies of the principal visa holder's or Indian spouse's documents.
  2. Fill in the regular visa application on indianvisaonline.gov.in well before travel and upload your photo; handwritten forms are not accepted.
  3. Pay the visa fee in the way the Indian mission where you apply specifies; the amount depends on your nationality and is not refunded if the visa is refused.
  4. Submit the printed, signed form with your passport and documents at the Indian mission responsible for your place of residence, or where it directs you, on your appointment day; biometrics may be taken.
  5. Collect the passport once the mission has decided.
  6. Submit the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arriving in India and register with the FRRO if your visa requires it.

Frequently asked questions

I am married to an Indian citizen. Which visa should I get?

An entry (X) visa, on production of the marriage certificate and your spouse's Indian passport; you may also be eligible for an OCI card.

Can the spouse of an employment visa holder get a tourist visa instead?

No. Dependants of long-term visa holders are granted only X visas, not tourist visas.

Can I work on an X visa?

No. Employment requires an employment visa.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for India

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Medical treatment visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Culture, sports and events visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 15 days, single or double entry

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Work

  • Work visa Processing time: Set by the Indian mission where you apply; its website gives current processing times

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: e-Tourist 30 days, 1 year or 5 years (max. 180 days per calendar year for 1- and 5-year visas); e-Business up to 180 days per visit

India visa guide