A broad visa category covering Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), spouses and dependents of visa holders, Auroville residents, property owners in India, spiritual workers at temples and ashrams, and miscellaneous purposes not covered by other visa types.
Broad category for Persons of Indian Origin, dependents of visa holders, spiritual/ashram residents, property owners, sports participants, and miscellaneous purposes.
✅ Who Can Apply
Persons of Indian Origin, dependents of Indian citizens/OCI/PIO, Auroville/ashram residents, property owners, sports participants
❌ Not Eligible
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| X-1 (PIO) | 5 years, multiple entry |
| X-2 (Dependents) | 5 years, multiple entry, co-terminus option |
| X-3 (Ashrams/Auroville) | 1–5 years depending on category |
| X-4 (Property Owners) | 1 year, multiple entry; extendable yearly |
| X-Misc | Single entry, non-extendable, non-convertible |
| Extension After 5 Yrs | Via MHA clearance + FRRO |
| Code | Sub-Type Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| X-1 | X-1 | Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) not holding an OCI card |
| X-2 | X-2 | Spouse and children of an Indian citizen, PIO, or OCI cardholder (other than those themselves registered as OCI) |
| X-3 | X-3 | Auroville Foundation — long-duration: 5 years, 3 entries/year (Secretary Auroville recommendation); Auroville Foundation — short-duration: 1 year, 3 entries/year (interns, consultants, probation); Auroville Foundation — volunteers: 3 months, single entry, non-extendable; Sri Aurobindo Ashram Puducherry: 1 year, multiple entry; extendable yearly up to 5 years by FRRO Chennai; Missionaries of Charity Kolkata: multiple entry; renewable up to 5 years by FRRO concerned; Temples for genuine spiritual training: multiple entry; renewable up to 5 years |
| X-4 | X-4 | Foreign nationals who own property in India |
| X-5 | X-5 | Diplomats/Officials on personal (non-official) visit to India |
| X-5D | X-5D | Ordinary passport holding dependents of diplomats/officials assigned to India (including UN and non-UN international organizations) |
| X-SP | X-SP | Participants in international sports events and team officials (coaches) NOT engaged in commercial sports events with remuneration |
| X-Misc | X-Misc | Visa purposes not specifically covered under any other category; cultural event participants without remuneration |
| X-Double_Entry | X-Double_Entry | Bangladesh nationals only — Double Entry Visa |
Proof of Indian origin (for X-1: previous Indian passport, proof of ancestry)
Marriage/birth certificate (for X-2 dependents)
Recommendation letter from institution (Auroville/ashrams/temples for X-3)
RBI permission and property registration documents (for X-4)
Valid passport with 6+ months validity
Eligible Nationalities / Applicants
Persons of Indian Origin, dependents of Indian citizens/OCI/PIO, Auroville/ashram residents, property owners, sports participants
Restrictions / Not Eligible
Passport Validity Required
Minimum 6 months beyond your travel date, plus at least 2 blank pages
Apply How Far in Advance
e-Visa: 4–7 days minimum · Embassy visa: 4–6 weeks before travel
Prior India Visit Required?
No — first-time applicants are eligible under all standard categories
Number of Entries
Multiple (X-Misc: Single only) — each entry allowed only at designated ports
Verify Eligibility
Check that your nationality qualifies for Entry (X) Visa. Review any bilateral restrictions between your home country and India. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from India.
Compile Your Documents
Collect all required documents: valid passport, passport-size photographs, completed application form, and purpose-specific supporting documents such as employment letter, conference invitation, admission letter, or hospital documents, plus proof of financial means.
Fill the Application Form
Download the Indian visa application form from the Indian Mission's website or via indianvisaonline.gov.in. Complete the form in BLOCK LETTERS. Ensure all details precisely match your passport. Date and sign as instructed.
Book Appointment or Submit via VAC
Book an appointment at the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission, or authorised Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. Check the specific Mission website for current procedures, fees, and processing times.
Biometrics & Interview
Some categories require biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC. A personal interview at the Mission may be required for first-time applicants or certain nationalities. Attend with originals and copies of all documents.
Collect Visa & Verify
Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the Mission or VAC. Immediately verify your name, passport number, visa validity, and number of entries on the sticker. Report any discrepancies before leaving the counter.
No Visa Conversion Inside India
You cannot change your visa category after entering India. If you need a different type, exit India and apply at an Indian Mission abroad.
FRRO Registration for Long Stays
If your stay exceeds 180 days, you must register with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of crossing that threshold. Registration is done online at ivfrt.gov.in.
Overstaying is a Serious Offence
Overstaying your authorised period results in fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans on future India travel. Always depart on or before the last day of your authorised stay.
Always Carry Your Visa Document
e-Visa holders should carry a printed colour copy of the ETA throughout the trip. Sticker-visa holders must present their passport at all checkpoints. Always keep copies of supporting documents.
FRRO Helpline for Issues Inside India
For visa queries while inside India, call the FRRO helpdesk at +91-11-26711443 or email foreigners.india@gov.in. Online services at ivfrt.gov.in.
⚠️ This information is sourced from official Indian government documents (MHA, December 2025). Visa rules change — always verify at indianvisaonline.gov.in.