International Student Visas for India

Learn about the different visa options for international students in India

India has several requirements for obtaining a student visa however they do not require proof of insurance for a student visa. International students should still purchase health insurance, however to protect them in case something happens.

India requires visas for the nationals of most countries, with the exceptions of Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal. Requirements specific to student visas are listed below, and there are no India visa insurance requirements, although purchasing insurance is strongly recommended by the US State Department.

International students studying in India receive a multiple-entry visa for the period of study. US citizens can expect to pay $108 for a one year visa. EU citizens pay $88 for a one year visa. Students admitted to study in an Indian institution need to provide a letter from their host institution to secure a student visa. If you are applying for a tourist visa, it is important to note that the length of the visa starts from the day it is issued, not from the date of entry to India.

For students not yet accepted to a school in India, a three month provisional visa is available. In this case a letter from the host institution confirming that the student has applied is necessary to obtain a provisional visa.

It is important to note that Indian visas must be obtained prior to arrival in the country. Airlines will not let you check in without displaying one.

Visa Requirements

In addition to the fees discussed above, your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months and contain at least two blank pages, including a visa page. Additionally, you need to submit:

• two passport-size photographs
• completed visa application form
• letter from your host institution indicating that you have been admitted (or, in the case of the provisional visa, that you have applied)
• proof of financial support adequate to cover your tuition and stay in India

India Visa Insurance Requirements

The Indian government does not require proof of health insurance in order to obtain a student visa. While there are no insurance requirements for India, it is still strongly recommended that you purchase insurance before going to India. India insurance for international students is a good idea because of the many risks that travel can bring. Even if there are no formal insurance requirements for India, travelers in India face enough potential health risks to make it a smart idea.

The US State Department recommends getting insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. Make sure that the India insurance for international students you buy covers evacuation. If an injury occurs in a rural area, you want your evacuation (which can often be more costly than the medical care itself) covered.

Your insurance requirements for India are determined by how long you will be studying in India, as well as your personal situation and choices. As you review your options for insurance in India, it’s important to find a plan that will cover you for the full duration of your time there. Even without official India visa insurance requirements, you want to make sure you are covered just in case!

We offer several plans for India insurance for international students and all include the recommended emergency evacuation coverage: