Travel Advisory

IT  IS CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT FOR INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION  WITH THE EMBASSY OF INDIA, BUDAPEST FOR PERSONS TRAVELING TO INDIA.

For latest updates on travel to India, please seehttps://boi.gov.in and https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesforInternationalarrivalsupdatedon10thFebruary2022.pdf 

All passengers traveling to India are required to fill in the self-reporting form / apply for exemption from institutional quarantine at the Air Suvidha portal at https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration. Please also follow requirements of the airlines for travel to India.

VISA SERVICES

There are two ways of applying Indian visa:

1. E-VISA (Electronic Visa) 

2. REGULAR VISA (Paper visa on Passport)

Below you can find general information about both types of visa and the process for applying visa:

Government of India has launched e-Visa for ease of travel. Now you can apply for e-visa from wherever you are. Applications are processed within 72 hours by Bureau of Immigration, India (BOI/MHA). E-visa is called Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). ETA is issued to applicants electronically (i.e. e-mail) on the basis of which travel to India can be made. The applicants can apply and see instructions for e-visa here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

Some important information about the e-visa facility is provided below:

• e-Visa has 5 sub-categories viz. e-Tourist Visa (30 days, one year and 5 years), e-Business Visa (1 year multiple entry), e-Medical Visa (60 days), e-Medical Attendant Visa (60 days) and e-Conference Visa (30 days Single Entry).
• A foreigner (other than those applying for e-Conference Visa) will be allowed to club activities permitted under these categories. Foreigners applying for e-Conference visa will be permitted to club the activities permitted under e-Tourist visa only (validity co-terminus with e-Conference Visa only i.e. 30 days). Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted against one e- Medical Visa.
• e-Tourist Visa fees (excluding bank charges) is USD $10 for 30 days period (April-June); USD $25 for 30 days period (July-March); USD $ 40 for 1 year; and USD $80 for 5 year. e-Visa fees for other categories can be checked here:https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/eTV_revised_fee_final.pdf
• This facility is in addition to the existing Regular Visa services.
•  The instruction on eligibility, requirements, filling-up of the e-Visa forms, etc. are mentioned in detail on Bureau of Immigration and Ministry of Home Affairs webpage: www.indianvisaonline.gov.in
• e-Visa is non-extendable , non-convertible & not valid for visitingProtected/Restrictedand Cantonment Areas. Passport of traveler should have validity of atleast six month from date of arrival in India and it should contain atleast two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer. You must travel on the passport which you have applied for e-Visa. Entry will be allowed into India on the new passport even if ETA has been issued on the old passport, however in such cases a traveler must carry the old passport on which ETA was issued.
• e-Visa is valid for entry through designated 28 Airports and 5 seaports (the list can be checked here:https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html). However, the foreigner can take exit from any of the authorized Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) in India. For more details please visit the following webpage: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html 

Note: You are not required to visit Embassy of India for E-visa as Embassy of India does not have any role in issuance of E-visas as it is issued directly by Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Its confirmation or otherwise will come to you directly in your e-mail. Kindly take a print along while travelling. For all your queries regarding E-visa, contact details of helpdesk are provided here:

E-visa helpdesk :

+91-11-24300666 (24x7)

indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in

Payment Helpdesk :

SBIePay:+91-22-2752-3816;   +91-1800-22-1401 (24 x 7)

Axis Bank : +91 1800-419-0073 (24 x 7)

2.1 Three Step Regular Visa (Paper Visa On Passport) Application Process:

Step1 : Apply online (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html). From 26 January 2022, the visa applicants are required to directly upload the visa supporting documents 'Online' at the time of the filling the application. The applicants will be unable to complete visa applications without the uploading of visa supporting documents. Applicants need to take the print out of the application form and also submit the hard copy of all the supporting documents to the Embassy during the submission of the application. It is informed that without the print out of the application form and other mentioned documents the visa application will not be accepted.  

Step2 :Take appointment (https://www.eoibudapest.gov.in/page/appointment-for-visa-consular-passport/) for submitting your application with original passport and other required documents at Embassy. Bio-metrics, viz capture of facial and finger print data, will also be taken at this time. Appointments are given on Wednesdays between 1000hrs to 1200hrs (except Embassy holidays)

Step3 :Receive visa from Embassy, Monday to Thursday between 1600 hrs to 1700hrs (except embassy holidays)

2.2 General Information about Regular Visa is provided below:

The application form for regular visa is online, there is no physical paper form. The details should be carefully entered correctly in the online application form without withholding any information. While filling in the online application form, applicant is also required to upload his / her recent photograph.  After submitting the online application: (i) take out the printout of the application; (ii) affix (not to staple) one colour photograph (5 cm x 5cm)  in the prescribed box and give another photograph separately(photograph should be identical to the one uploaded online); (iii) sign the application (on the 1st page below the photograph and on the 2nd page at bottom); and (iv) other documents required vary as per the visa category, which can be checked under each visa category mentioned below.

• Biometric Enrolment at Embassy is mandatory for Regular Visa Applicants. It will involve capture of facial and finger print data. Exemptions from Biometric enrolment will be allowed in the following cases only:

      (i) Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Service passports

      (ii) Age of applicant is under 12 years or more than 70 years.

    Personal presence of applicants for all the visa categories would be mandatory at the time of submission of visa application at Embassy of India, Budapest.

• The passport of the traveler should have validity of minimum of six months and it should contain at least two blank pages for affixing visa/stamping by the Immigration Officer.
• Visas are valid from the date of issue and not from the date of entry into India. Applicants may take this into account while specifying the duration of visa required.
• Processing of Tourist/Business Visas application of Hungarian nationals normally takes 03 working days, provided all documents are complete. Tourist/Business Visas will be granted the same day to Bosnia & Herzegovina nationals, provided all documents are complete. For nationals of country, other than Hungary and Bosnia & Herzegovina, applying for Tourist/Business Visa it will take another 5-7 working days. However, in certain cases it may take longer time as well. For other visa categories processing time varies on case to case basis. Nationals of countries other than Hungary and Bosnia& Herzegovina hare advised to apply visa from their native country in case they have been resident in Hungary/Bosnia & Herzegovina for less than two years.
• Purpose of visit declared while submitting the visa application should be strictly adhered to. However, for all types of visa there is no restriction for doing activities permitted under Tourist Visa.
• All fees should be paid in cash (in Hungarian Forints) at the time of submission of visa application, cheques or credit cards are not accepted. Fees once received will not be refunded, even if  visa application is withdrawn by the applicant or visa is not issued.
• Acceptance of visa application does not automatically guarantee grant of a visa. The issue of visa, its type and duration are determined on the merits of each case. No claims and correspondences shall be entertained in this regard.
• Foreign national granted any type of visa is not permitted to engage themselves in Tabligh work. There will be no restriction in visiting religious places and attending normal religious activities like attending religious discourses. However, preaching religious ideologies, making speeches in religious places, distribution of audio or visual display/ pamphlets pertaining to religious ideologies, spreading conversion etc. will not be allowed.
• Use of any kind of satellite telephone in India is permissible only after obtaining a prior license from Department of Telecommunications (DOT-Government of India). Persons arriving in India and importing satellite telephones through baggage are required to declare these on arrival. Satellite phones declared to Indian customs will be allowed clearance only after production of a license issued by the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.
  Unauthorized use of satellite phones in India attracts penal provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act and Indian Wireless Act. Persons found using their satellite phones without license will be prosecuted and such unauthorized satellite phones found in their possession will be seized.
• A person holding Diplomatic and Official passport of Hungary is exempted from visa requirements for a period of stay upto 90 days.
• Visa enquiries may be addressed at 0036-1-325 7742/43 or at cons[dot]budapest[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in/sscons[dot]budapest[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.

2.3 Information about Various Categories of Regular Visa and Documents required:

1. Mandatory Documents for each category of visa (in addition to specific documents as per visa category)
   Following general documents are mandatory for all visa categories (additional documents, if any, are mentioned under the different visa categories below):
          
   

   1. Print out of online application form filled.
   2. Two photographs (5×5 cm, one to be pasted in VISA Application form, and one attached with the Application. Please ensure that photographs are of good quality on hard paper photo card).
   3. Original passport with Photocopy of it.
   4. Photocopy of Identity card and Address Card.
   5. The application in case of minors (below 16 years) needs to be submitted along with documents in original and self attested copy of the following: Marriage certificate, Birth certificate (full version), Consent form duly signed by both the parents and self attested copies of their current passport. The application form may be signed by either of the parents or both. A custody order from the Court is required in required in respect of children, whose parents are legally separated.
   6. Photocopy of Confirmed Hotel Booking in India. (If the person will stay in India  with friends/family members then Invitation letter and Copy of passport/Address certificate of Indian person should be enclosed.)
   7. Proof of availability of sufficient funds to meet expenses during his/her stay in India (bank statement/letter from the applicant’s bank to the effect will be acceptable). 
   8. Flight Bookings

Regular Visa Categories

                                                 Tourist Visa

A tourist visa is granted to a foreigner whose sole objective of visiting India is: Recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives; Attending a short term yoga programme (not issued with a qualifying certificate/diploma etc); Short duration medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine;

Documents required:

• Document(s) supporting the purpose of visit, if purpose is other than recreation, sightseeing.
• Mandatory documents (mentioned in red above).

For those coming to establish an industrial/business venture, those required to travel frequently on long-term business activities and for investors.For all other business activities.

For sports persons and coaches including those engaged in commercial sports events on contract with remuneration and those coming for International Sports Events in India.

Documents Required:

• Letter from employer in Hungary/Bosnia&Herzegovina introducing the applicant with passport details, designation in the company, and stating the purpose of visit to India, duration of visit, number of visits envisaged etc. Also, the letter shall give details of the nature of business in which the company is involved.
• Invitation letter from the Indian entity stating the purpose, duration and number of visits for which visa is required. Also, the Indian company shall email a scanned copy of such invitation letter to the Embassy at cons[dot]budapest[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.
• Mandatory documents (mentioned in red above)

Player, coach engaged with commercial sports events: 

• Requisite clearancesfrom the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports of India.
• Security clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs and Political Clearance from Ministry of External Affairs
• Same documents as required for Employment Visa, please see down below

Sports persons coming to India to participate in an international sports events: 

• Invitation letter to sports teams and sports persons to visit India from the concerned Sports Federation/Association in India.
• Letter from the concerned Sports Federation/Association in Hungary/Bosnia & Herzegovina.
• Requisite clearancesfrom the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports of India.
• Security clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs and Political Clearance from Ministry of External Affairs
• Mandatory documents (mentioned in red above).

A medical visa (MED Visa) is granted for an individual whose sole purpose is to seek medical treatment in established/recognized/specialized hospitals/treatment centers in India.

Applicant should submit the medical documents establishing the need for and the bonafides of taking medical treatment in India.  

Documents required: 

• Medical case history of the patient with recommendations of local doctor attending on the patient.
• Letter from hospital in India for Medical visa (in prescribed format).
• Copy of the Certificate of Accreditation of the hospital by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare providers (NABH).
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)
• Letter from doctor/hospital certifying the requirement of an attendant (for medical attendant)
• Mandatoy Documents (mentioned in red above)

A Conference visa is granted to attend a conference/seminar/workshop being held in India.

Documents required :

• Invitation Letter for conference from organizers in India.
• Letter in support of attending the conference from the Employer/Organisation in Hungary/Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Security Clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs and Political Clearance from Ministry of External Affairs Clearance, if applicable.
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

For intra company transferees, for employment with NGO’s, for those coming to execute projects in Power & Steel sectors.

Anyone who wishes to come to India for honorary work (without salary) with NGOs registered in India will be granted Employment Visa

The applicant should be highly skilled and/or qualified professional, who is being engaged or appointed by a company/ organization/ industry/ undertaking in India on contract or employment basis.

Applicant must submit proof of his/her employment or contract or engagement by the company/firm/organization in India.

Applicant must submit documentary proof of his educational qualifications and professional expertise.

Documents required :

• Documentary proof of applicant’s educational qualifications and professional expertise
• Letter of Appointment and offer of employment of the applicant from the Indian company. 
• Letter from employer in Hungarian/Bosnian & Herzegovina.
• In respect of Indian organisation, copies of: i) Certificate of Incorporation, ii) GST Registration Certificate, iii) PAN card, iv) Copy of Income Tax Returns filed by Indian organisation in India for the previous three financial years. organisation.
• Employment Contract giving detailed terms and conditions of the employment, should be signed by both the employer and the applicant. The contract should clearly mention (i) salary and allowances, and (ii) all other perquisites which would be taken into account for the purpose of working out the income tax payable by the employee. All amounts must be mentioned in Indian National Rupee (INR). 
• Letter addressed to the Consular Officer, Embassy of India, Budapest by the Indian organisation introducing the applicant with passport details, and giving justification for offering employment to the applicant. Also, the Indian company shall email a scanned copy of such letter to the Embassy at cons.budapest[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

For those coming to execute projects in Power & steel sectors :

• Documentary proof of applicant’s educational qualifications and professional expertise.
• Letter from employer in Hungary/Bosnia&Herzegovina providing brief description of the nature of its projects in India and a brief description of the job which the applicant is required to perform in India.
• Letter from Indian company taking full responsibility for the conduct of foreign company and applicant
• Letter from Indian company awarding the contract to a foreign company specifying the following details:

1. Name of foreign company 
2.  Registered address of a foreign company
3. Name of project awarded as per the tender document Location of project in India (Village/ Town/ District/ State)
4. Duration of contract (in days)
5.  Total number of foreign workers likely to be sent by the foreign company- category wise (i) highly skilled (ii) skilled- technician with diploma/polytechnic degree; and (iii) skilled workers with school level education.

• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

A Student visa is granted to an individual who produces proof of admission to a full-time course in a recognized educational institution in India. 

For school education, for higher education (including in South Asian University and Nalanda University), provisional student visa for short term courses and for those coming under Student Exchange Programme.

For studies in Yoga, vedic culture and Indian systems of music and dance and for Buddhist studies. For Theological studies.

For Research scholars, visiting research faculty, research scholar on bilateral exchange programme, members of botanical scientific anthropological etc., expeditions.

For those coming for Internship in India (including those coming under French VIE programme).

Note :  

1)  No Student Visa will be issued if it is sponsored by franchise Educational Institutes running off-campus centres, Study Centres of Open Universities offering distance learning programmes, Educational Institutes running “outreach” programmes and offering courses without any statutory sanction from regulatory authorities.

(2) Student Visa will not be issued for pursuing ‘Short Term Courses’ which are not recognized. 

(3) List of recognised institutions are available on, www.ugc.ac.in , 

http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/alluniversity.pdf, http://www.ugc.ac.in/ recogCollege.aspx,    www.mhrd.gov.in,  http://mhrd.gov.in/institutions.  Further, list of institutes approved by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is available on their website www.aicte-india.org.

 Documents required :

For regular courses in educational institutions: 

• Letter of admission from a recognized Indian educational institution clearly stating the name of the course, its duration and fees charged (including boarding and lodging).
• Also, the Indian educational institution shall email a scanned copy of such letter to the Embassy at cons[dot]budapest[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.
• No Objection Letter from parents of applicant to study abroad, if applicant is below 18 years of age
• Document showing financial support for the tuition fee and stay in India.
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

For those coming for internship:

• Documentary proof of completion of graduation/post graduation. [Note: Gap between the completion of graduation/ post graduation and the commencement of the internship should not be more than two years]
• Letter from a recognized Indian educational institution / NGO / Company clearly stating the details, duration and terms and condition of the internship. Also, the Indian entity shall email a scanned copy of such letter to the Embassy at cons[dot]budapest[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.
• An undertaking from the company/organization concerned that they will ensure departure of the foreigner on completion of the internship. Any other document(s) as may be required on a case to case basis. 
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)
  
    For research scholar, visiting research faculty, Members of Botanical, Scientific, Anthropological etc. expeditions :
• Subject of research
• Original admission letter of recognized university. (emails or photocopies of admission letters will not be accepted)
• Any other document(s) as may be required on a case to case basis.
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

Purpose of enabling him/ her to travel through India to a destination outside India.

It will be valid for a single journey and for entry within 15 days from the date of issue.

A transit visa is not required by a foreigner passing through, in direct transit by air, and travelling onward through India, provided he/she does not leave the specified precincts of the airport.

A person travelling by sea is not required to hold a Transit visa as long as he does not leave the ship.

Documents required :

• Valid travel documents for the country of destination and the countries enroute.
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

In case of Seamen joining vessels in Indian ports:

• Letter from the Agent in India
• Letter from the Local Agent in Hungary/Bosnia&Herzegovina
• Employment contract.
• Copy of seamen’s book.
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

Entry visa is granted to: (i) A Person of Indian Origin, who does not possess an OCI card, spouse/children of an Indian citizen/PIO/OCI cardholder (other than those who are registered as OCI cardholder), (ii) Foreign nationals coming to join Auroville Foundation/Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry; Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata, similar approved organizations, temples, (iii) Foreign Buddhist Monks coming to join Buddhist Monasteries/ other Buddhist organizations for charity work, (iv) Foreign nationals who own property in India, (v) Foreign nationals visiting India to participate in cultural events/activities for short duration without remuneration etc.

Documents Required :

• Documents establishing the Indian origin In case, applicant is Person of Indian Origin, or spouse/children of Indian national/person holding PIO/OCI card:
• Invitation letter from the organization in case, applicant is going to join Auroville Foundation / Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry, Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata / similar approved organizations, temples, Buddhist Monasteries/ other Buddhist organizations, based in India and a letter from the concerned institute in Hungary/Bosnia & Herzegovina. 
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

A Journalist Visa is granted to: 

(i)a professional  journalist/correspondent/columnist/cartoonist/editor working for  and/or owner of an association/company engaged in the production/broadcast of audio news or audio visual news or current affairs programmes through any mode of mass communication;

(ii) Photographer, documentary film producer or director (other than of commercial films), a representative of a radio and/or television organization, travel writer/ travel promotion photographer etc; (iii) a Journalist visiting India for any other purpose, such as attending a Conference, tourism, meeting relatives etc.

Documents Required:

• If employed, letter from the employer stating the purpose of travel.
• Letter from Indian entity with whom the foreign media will collaborate or use assistance of for the filming.
• Any other document(s) as may be required on a case to case basis.
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

For foreign nationals coming for shooting of feature films, reality TV & Web shows/series, commercial TV serials/shows and web shows/series and for location recce.

Before applying for visa at Embassy of India, Budapest, permission for shooting of a feature film or television/cinema and reality TV show/commercial TV serial will has to be obtained by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, New Delhi.

Prior clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs will also be necessary only in respect of cases where shooting is to be done in sensitive/restricted areas in India.

The film has to be shot according to the script, as approved by the Govt. of India. In case any material deviation is considered necessary, prior permission of the Govt. of India has to be obtained.

I&B Ministry will attach a Liaison Officer to assist the shooting team.

The complete film must be shown to a Representative of the Govt. of India, in India or abroad (i.e. Embassy of India, Budapest) before its actual release anywhere in the world.

Please Note : The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is the nodal ministry to process requests for a shooting of feature films, reality TV shows and Commercial TV serials in India. For further information, please contact:

Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting at jsfilms.inb@nic.in or fax to +91-11-23073775.

Documents required for Film visa:

• A letter of intent regarding the shooting of the film in India, mentioning the production schedule or the dates of shooting, particulars of the cast and crew coming to India for the purpose of the shoot/ production, chosen location, list of filming equipment (if any) that is being brought into the country and other relevant details that will help the competent authority to evaluate the merit of the case, must be made by the foreign company desirous of shooting the film in India to the Indian Mission/ Post located in that country.
• Requisite permission to shoot the feature film for television/ cinema and reality TV show/ commercial TV serials in India from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Letter from company seeking permission to shoot the film stating they the international cast and crew coming to India on a Film visa are employed by them and they take the responsibility for the cast and crew coming to India for filming.
• Any other document(s) as may be required on a case to case basis.
• Mandatory Documents (mentioned in red above)

Emergency Visa (Tourist Visa) is issued in cases of genuine emergency like death or serious illness of immediate family member (blood relation with proof of relationship) subject to production of supporting documentary evidence from India like death certificate/Hospital certificate duly signed and stamped.

• Application for Emergency Visa (with supporting documents from India like Death Certificate/Hospital/Doctor's certificate) has to be submitted.
• All conditions applicable to Tourist visa will be applicable.
• The decision of the Embassy of India, Budapest, in this matter shall be final.

The charges for issuing an emergency visa will be HUF4620/- in addition to visa fees as applicable.

 2.4 Regular Visa Service fee 

 The following visa fees structure are applicable for Hungarian, Bosnian and all countries except those with which we have bilateral arrangements (Please see below of those countries).

VISA FEES WEF APRIL 2024

Refund policy

Refund policy Visa fee.pdf

Additional fees of HUF 1100/- is applicable with every VISA Application as ICWF.