The following documents are required to be submitted for visa:

1. 'Visa application Form'
a) Visa application form should be filled in legibly and clearly, in bold (capital) letters in black/blue ink only. There is a possibility that incomplete and illegible applications may not be processed. b) Name and other relevant particulars should be filled in as per details in the passport in expanded form.

2. Passport should have a minimum validity of six months on the date of application with at least two blank pages.

3. Photographs: 2 latest identical passport size photographs (black/white or color) depicting front pose against light background are required.

4. Supporting documents, if the visa being applied for is other than a Tourist Visa, the visa application should be accompanied with supporting documents on type of visa applied for. For details, please see categories of visa given below.

5. Visa Fee, The amount of fee depends on the category of Visa. In case the applications are deposited in person at the counter, visa fee can be paid in cash or by Cashier's Check/Certified Check or Money Order made payable to the Embassy of India, Washington (PERSONAL CHECKS / CREDIT CARDS are not accepted)

6. Persons of Indian Origin applying for a visa for the FIRST time on US passport must submit their Indian passport along with the application form for cancellation and return. If the visa is required on a new US passport booklet, either previous US passport or photocopy of Indian visa is to be submitted with the application.

There are certain additional requirements to be fulfilled by non-US citizens. Foreigners visiting India on long-term visas have to complete registration formalities.

Citizens of Pakistan and Bangladesh are required to fill Special Visa application forms. It usually takes 3-4 months to process visa applications of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Chinese passport holders.

All details about visa fees, registration requirements and additional guidelines are available with the Indian Embassy.

These are available online at http://www.indianembassy.org/consular/visa_guide.htm