Journalist Visa

Journalist Visa is issued to a professional journalist, a press person, a film- person (other than commercial), a representative of a radio and television organization and similar personnel in the field of information such as travel writers, travel journalists, travel promotion photographers, television producers, advertising, commercial persons and those who write on fashion, costumes and sports.

1. General requirements:
1.1 Passport to be valid for a minimum period of six months.
1.2 Duly filled in and signed application form to be submitted in person or through an agent. Incomplete application will not be accepted.
1.4 The normal processing time for a Visa application is 8 weeksafter the submission of requisite documents along with the Visa application form.

2. Documents Required
2.1. Visa Application form (No column to be left unfilled) duly signed along with photograph pasted at the designated space.
2.2. Copy of the Passport.
2.3. Copy of the Chinese ID (for Chinese Nationals)
2.4. Proof of identity as a journalist.
2.5. All relevant supporting documents for the assignment.
2.6. Bank Guarantee Certificate of minimum amount of RMB 1,00,000 or last 6 months of bank statement showing a minimum balance of RMB 1,00,000
2.7. Copy of a confirm return ticket.

3. Procedure for submitting a VISA application:
3.1. Submission of all relevant documents mentioned in the checklist on the website is important for acceptance of the visa application at the Indian Visa Application Centre/Embassy/Consulate.
3.2. It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted.

4. Note:
a. The applicants are required to contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and in other places, the Office of the Government of India's Press Information Bureau, so that they could be given necessary assistance in various matters including planning their itineraries.

b. There is no requirement for accreditation for journalists on brief professional visits to India, but temporary accreditation may be extended for journalists from reputed media organizations, if so requested by them. However, all journalists on long-term assignment in India are obliged to apply compulsorily for accreditation with Press Information Bureau (PIB), when they are based in Delhi. This can only be done after arrival in India.

c. J visas are extendable after arrival in India, for representatives of established media organizations, on the basis of letters of nomination specifying the duration of assignment and provided they hold valid PIB accreditation. Extensions are issued for upto one year at a time. Visa extensions are issued by the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in the city where the journalist is based.

5. Download forms:
a. Checklist for Journalist Visa applications