Coming to India? We handle the paperwork.

Who this is for

Everything you need to come to — or stay connected with — India

This page is for foreign nationals planning a trip to India, and for NRIs and people of Indian origin living abroad. If you hold a foreign passport and want to visit India for tourism, business, medical care, a conference or family — or you want to formalise your Indian-origin status through an OCI card, sort out a surrender certificate, or renew an Indian passport from overseas — we guide you through the paperwork end to end.

Documents you'll typically need

• Passport bio-data page — clear colour scan, valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages
• Recent passport-style colour photograph on a plain light background
• Proof of your current address abroad (e.g. utility bill or residence permit)
• Travel details — arrival and departure dates and where you'll stay in India
• For OCI or surrender: your previous or current Indian passport, or a parent/grandparent's proof of Indian origin
• For a business or medical e-Visa: an invitation letter or hospital letter, as applicable
• For a child's passport: both parents' passports and the birth certificate

Exact documents depend on your nationality and case — we’ll send a tailored checklist when you get in touch.

FAQs

Who can use an India e-Visa?

Nationals of the many countries covered by India's e-Visa scheme, travelling for tourism, business, medical treatment (or as a medical attendant), a conference and certain other purposes such as study. You apply online, your passport needs at least six months' validity, and you must enter through one of the designated airports or seaports. It does not cover purposes such as employment or journalism, and it is not available to diplomatic or official passport holders or, generally, to those of Pakistani origin — those routes need a regular visa.

What's the difference between an e-Visa and a regular visa?

An e-Visa (ETA) is applied for entirely online and linked electronically to your passport — fast and convenient, but limited to set categories and designated entry points. A regular (paper) visa is applied for at an Indian mission or its visa centre and is a sticker placed in your passport; it covers a wider range of purposes and longer stays, and can allow land-border entry. We help you choose the right one for your situation.

Do NRIs and people of Indian origin need a visa or an OCI card?

If you still hold an Indian passport you are an Indian citizen and need no visa at all. If you have taken foreign citizenship you are treated as a foreign national for entry: you either apply for a visa each time, or — far more convenient — obtain an OCI card, a lifelong multiple-entry visa that lets you travel to India with your foreign passport. If you ever held an Indian passport, it must be surrendered before OCI can be granted.

How long does the process take?

It depends entirely on the Government of India and the mission handling your case, and no consultant can speed up or guarantee a government timeline. As a rough guide, e-Visas are often decided within a few business days, while OCI cards, surrender certificates and passport re-issues typically take several weeks. We make sure your file is complete and correct the first time so avoidable delays are minimised.

I don't use WhatsApp — how do I reach you?

That's completely fine. You can call us during business hours, or simply fill in the contact form on this page with your name, nationality and what you need. We'll get back to you by phone or email. WhatsApp is only one option, never the only way to reach us.

Does Lifeset issue the visa, OCI card or passport?

No. India's visas, OCI cards, surrender certificates and passports are granted solely by the Government of India and its missions. Lifeset is a licensed consultancy that assists you — advising on the right route, preparing your documents, completing the official forms correctly and guiding the submission. Any government fee is paid directly at official rates, at cost.