Indian Journalist Visa Information

Journalist Visa (J)

This visa is for media-related visits including journalists, photographers, and videographers.

 

Approximate processing time:

Two to four weeks

Difficulty to get:

Moderate to difficult depending on the subject you are exploring

Maximum validity:

Typically three months, single entry, can be extended

Maximum continuous stay:

Length of visa or 180 days

What you can do:

• Work in a branch office of a foreign media company
• Make a documentary film (with prior approval)
• Take professional photographs
• Professional travel writing
• Professional travel journalism
• Travel promotion
• Write articles for major publications about fashion, costumes, sport

What you cannot do:

• Same as tourist visa

Rules:

• Extensions have to be granted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
• You must already be an existing journalist (or media related profession) to apply for this visa.
• If you are employed by a media company or are in a media related profession, you may be given this visa by default, even if you just want to come as a tourist. See the notes on the visa application guide.

 

Back to the full list of visas here