UNIT – V

Approval, Travel Formalities and Tour Package Designing: Procedure for setting up of Travel Agency and Tour
Operating Enterprises; Their role in development of tourism industry, Approval from Dept. of Tourism (DOT),
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Travel Formalities: Passport, Visa and Health Regulation along with travel documents required for visiting NE region
of India: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Inner Line Permit (ILP)

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 GUIDELINES FOR RECOGNITION / RENEWAL AS AN APPROVED TRAVEL AGENT

1. The aims and objectives of the scheme for recognition of Travel Agent are to encourage quality standard
and service in this category so as to promote tourism in India. This is a voluntary scheme open to all bonafide
travel agencies to bring them in organized sector.
2. Definition: A Travel Agent is one who makes arrangements of tickets for travel by air, rail, ship, passport,
visa, etc. It may also arrange accommodation, tours, entertainment and other tourism related services.
3. The application for recognition shall be addressed to the Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism,
Transport Bhawan, No.1, Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001.
4. The recognition as an approved Travel Agent shall be granted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of
India, New Delhi initially, for five years, based on the Inspection Report / Recommendations of a Committee
comprising of concerned Regional Director and a member of TAAI.
5. The application for renewal/extension shall be addressed to the Regional Director of the concerned region
as per the following addresses:-
a) The Regional Director (East), India TourismEmail: indtour@cal2.vsnl.net.in
b) The Regional Director (West), India Tourism,indiatourism@vsnl.com
c) The Regional Director (North), India Tourism,Email: goitodelhi@nic.in
d) The Regional Director (South), India Tourism Email: indtour@vsnl.com, goitochn@tn.nic.in
e) The Regional Director (North – East), India Tourism, Email: indtourguwahati@nic.in

6. The renewal / extension, thereafter, shall be granted for five years after Inspection conducted by a
Committee comprising of concerned Regional 2Director and a member of TAAI, on an application made by the
Travel Agent along with the requisite fee / documents.

7. The documents received from applicants after scrutiny in all respects will be acknowledged by the Travel
Trade Division in respect of first approval and by the concerned Regional Director for renewal. The inspection
for first approval / renewal shall be conducted by the Inspection Team within a period of sixty
Working days from the receipt of complete application.

8. The following conditions must be fulfilled by the Travel Agency for grant of recognition by Ministry of
Tourism:-
i) The application for grant of recognition / renewal shall be in the prescribed form and submitted in
duplicate along with the required documents.
ii) The travel Agency should have a minimum Paid up Capital or (Capital employed) of Rs.3.00 lakh duly
supported by the Audited Balance Sheet/Chartered Accountant’s Certificate.
iii) The Travel Agency should be approved by International Air Transport Association (IATA) or should
be General Sales Agent (GSA) / Passenger Sales Agent (PSA) of an IATA member Airlines.
iv) The Travel Agency should have been in operation for a minimum period of one year before the date
of application.

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 v) The minimum office space should be at least 150 sq. ft for rest of India and 100 sq. ft for hilly areas
which are above 1000 meters from sea level. Besides, the office may be located in a neat and clean
surrounding and equipped with telephone, fax and computer reservation system etc. There should
be sufficient space for reception and easy access to toilet facilities.

vi) The Travel Agency should be under the charge of the Owner or a full time member who is
adequately trained, experienced in matters regarding ticketing, itineraries, transport,
accommodation facilities, currency, customs regulations and tourism and travel related services.
Besides this, greater emphasis may be given to effective communication skills, knowledge of foreign
languages, other than English.

There should be a minimum of four qualified staff out of which at least one should have Diploma / Degree in
Tourism & Travel Management from a recognized University, IITTM or an institution approved by AICTE. The
owner of the firm would be included as one of the qualified employees.

The academic qualifications may be relaxed in case of the other two staff members who are exceptionally
experienced personnel in Airlines, Shipping, Transport and PR agencies, Hotel and other Corporate Bodies and
those who have worked for three years with IATA / UFTA agencies and also those who have two years
experience with Ministry of Tourism approved Travel Agencies.

For the agencies located in the North – Eastern region, remote and rural areas, there should be a minimum of
two staff out of which one should be a qualified employee with a Diploma / Degree in Tourism & Travel
Management from a recognized University, IITTM or an institution approved by AICTE. The owner of
the firm would be included as one of the qualified employees.

vii) The Travel Agency should be an income-tax assessee and should have filed Income Tax Return for the
current assessment year.

viii) Disclaimer: The Travel Agency should employ only Regional Level Guides trained and licensed by Ministry
of Tourism, Government of India and State Level Guides approved by the State Governments.
The implementation of this clause would be subject to the decision of Hon’ble High Court of Rajasthan in Writ
Petition No. 5607 / 2004 and other Hon’ble Courts.

ix) For outsourcing any of the services relating to tourists, the travel agencies shall use approved specialized
agencies in the specific field of activity.

9. The Travel Agency will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs.3, 000/- while applying for the
recognition and renewal of Head Office as well as each Branch Office. The fee will be payable to the Pay and
Accounts Officer, Ministry of Tourism, in the form of a Bank Draft.

10. The recognition / renewal will be granted to the Head Office of the Travel Agency. Branch Offices will be
approved along with the Head Office or subsequently, provided the particulars of the Branch Offices are
submitted to Ministry of Tourism for recognition and concerned Regional Director for renewal and accepted
by it.

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11. The Travel Agency so granted recognition / renewal shall be entitled to such incentives and concessions as
may be granted by the Government from time to time and shall abide by the terms and conditions of
recognition as prescribed from time to time by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

12. Even though the scheme of granting approval of recognition to service providers of Travel Trade is
voluntary, in nature, there is a need to have a pro - active role of Ministry of Tourism and Travel Trade to
ensure that more and more service providers seek approval and then service the tourists. There is also a need
to educate the stakeholders as well as consumers against the potential risk of availing services through the
unapproved service providers.

13. It shall be mandatory for an approved service provider of Travel Trade to prominently display the
Certificate of approval of recognition given by Ministry of Tourism in the office by pasting it on a board or in a
picture frame so that it is visible to a potential tourist.

14. The decision of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in the matter of recognition / renewal shall
be final. However, MOT may in their discretion refuse to recognize / renew any firm or withdraw / withhold at
any time recognition / renewal already granted with the approval of the Competent Authority. Before such a
decision is taken, necessary Show Cause Notice would invariably be issued and the reply considered on merit.
This will be done after careful consideration and generally as a last resort. Circumstances in which
Withdrawal is effected would also be indicated.

GUIDELINES FOR RECOGNITION / RENEWAL OR EXTENSION AS AN APPROVED DOMESTIC TOUR OPERATOR

(DTO)

1. The aims & objectives of the scheme for recognition of Domestic Tour Operator (DTO) are to encourage
quality standard and service in this category so as to promote tourism in India. This is a voluntary scheme
open to all bonafide tour operators to bring them in organized sector.
2. Definition: A DTO is the one who makes arrangements for transport, accommodation, sightseeing,
entertainment and other tourism related services for domestic tourists.
3. The application for approval shall be addressed to the Assistant Director General, Travel Trade Division,
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India,
4. The application for renewal / extension shall be addressed to the RD of the concerned region as per the
following addresses:-
a) The Regional Director (East), India Tourism, “Embassy Email: indtour6100@dataone.in
b) The Regional Director (West), India Tourism,regdir.indtour@gmail.com
c) The Regional Director (North), India Tourism, Email: goitodelhi@nic.in
d) The Regional Director (South), India Tourism, Email: indtour@dataone.in
e) The Regional Director (North – East),Email: indtourguwahati@nic.in
5. The recognition as an approved DTO shall be granted by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Government of
India (GOI), New Delhi initially, for five years, based on the Inspection Report / Recommendations of a
Committee comprising the concerned Regional Director (RD) and a member of Association of Domestic Tour
Operators of India (ADTOI).
6. The renewal / extension, thereafter, shall be granted for five years after inspection conducted by a
Committee comprising of concerned RD and a member of ADTOI, on an application made by the DTO along
with the requisite fee / documents.

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 7. The documents received from applicants after scrutiny in all respects would be acknowledged by the Travel
Trade Division (TT Division) in MOT in respect of first approval and by the concerned RD for renewal or
extension. The inspection for first approval / renewal or extension shall be conducted by the Inspection Team
within a period of sixty working days from the receipt of complete application.
8. The following conditions must be fulfilled by the DTO for grant of recognition / renewal or extension by
MOT:
i) The application for grant of recognition / renewal or extension shall be in the prescribed form and
submitted in duplicate along with the required documents.
ii) DTO should have a minimum Paid up Capital (Capital employed) of Rs. 3.00 lakh for rest of India and Rs. 50,
000/- for the agencies located in the North – Eastern region, remote and rural areas duly supported by the
latest audited Balance Sheet / firm’s Statutory Auditor’s certificate.

iii) The turn-over of the firm from domestic tour operation business only should be a minimum of Rs. 20.00
lakh duly supported by firm’s Statutory Auditor’s certificate.

iv) DTO should have an office under the charge of the owner or a full time member of their staff, who is
adequately trained / experienced in matters regarding transport, accommodation, currency, customs
regulations and general information about tourism and travel related services. However, greater emphasis
may be given to effective communication skills in Hindi and English.
There should be a minimum of four qualified staff out of which at least one should have Diploma / Degree in
Tourism & Travel Management from a recognized University, IITTM or an institution approved by AICTE. The
owner of the firm would be included as one of the qualified employees.

The academic qualifications may be relaxed in case of the other two staff members who are exceptionally
experienced personnel in Airlines, Shipping, Transport, PR Agencies, Hotels and other corporate bodies and
those who have two years experience with MOT approved tour operators.

For the agencies located in the North – Eastern region, remote and rural areas, there should be a minimum of
two staff out of which one should be a qualified employee with a Diploma / Degree in Tourism & Travel
Management from a recognized University, IITTM or an institution approved by AICTE. The owner of the firm
would be included as one of the qualified employees.

v) DTO should have been in operation for a minimum period of one year before the date of application.
vi) The minimum office space should be at least 150 sq. ft for rest of India and 100 sq. ft for hilly areas which
are above 1000 meters from sea level. Besides, the office should be located in neat and clean surroundings
and equipped with telephone, fax and computer/computer reservation system etc. There should be sufficient
space for reception and easy access to toilets.
vii) DTO should be an income tax assessee and should have filed Income Tax Returns for the last or current
assessment year. They should have registered for Service Tax and made full payment of the assessed service
tax for the preceding year.
viii) For the monuments protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites & Remains Act,
1958 (24 of 1958), the DTOs should deploy / engage the services of Regional Level Tourist Guides
trained and licensed by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India or other guides authorized by the
Government of India or under orders of the Hon’ble Court(s). For other monuments and destinations, the
guides authorized under the orders of the appropriate authority, if any, of the concerned monument /
destination should be deployed / engaged by DTOs.

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ix) DTO shall contract / use approved specialized agencies in the field of Adventure Options and related
services for the tourists.

9. DTO would be required to pay a non - refundable fee of Rs.3, 000/- while applying for the recognition and
renewal of Head Office as well as each Branch Office. The fee would be made payable to the Pay & Accounts
Officer, Ministry of Tourism in the form of a Bank Draft.

10. DTO should adhere to the tenets of the Code of Conduct for “Safe & Honourable Tourism” for which the
following action would have to be taken:

(i) A signed copy of the pledge of commitment towards “Safe & Honourable Tourism” should be attached with
the application. The pledge is attached in English & Hindi as Annexure I & II, respectively.

(ii) On the day a staff member joins the DTO, he / she would be required to take / sign the pledge. The pledge
would be incorporated in the appointment letter / joining report of the staff.

(iii) Two focal points would be nominated (i.e., from HRD, security side etc.) at the time of applying for
approval by the DTO in the case of organizations which have more than 25 personnel. In the case of
DTOs with less than 25 personnel, one focal point would have to be nominated.

(iv) The training would be provided to the staff of the approved DTO by MOT under its Capacity Building of
Service Providers (CBSP) scheme in connection with “Safe & Honourable Tourism”. The focal points of the
DTO would be trained first within first six months of MOT approval. Subsequently, the trained focal points in
turn would impart further in – house training to the staff which would be arranged within next six months.

(v) The Pledge of Commitment towards “Safe & Honourable Tourism” would have to be displayed by the DTO
prominently in the front office area / lobby of the service provider.

(vi) The signatories of the Code of Conduct would be required to maintain a record of action taken by them in
compliance of the provisions of this para, which shall be kept in their office & shown to the Committee(s) at
the time of renewal.

11. The recognition / renewal or extension would be granted to the Head Office of the DTO. The Branch offices
of DTO would be approved along with the Head Office or subsequently, provided the particulars of the Branch
offices are submitted to MOT for recognition and for renewal or extension to the concerned RD and accepted
by it.

12. DTO so granted recognition / renewal or extension shall be entitled to such incentives and concessions as
may be granted by the Government from time to time and shall abide by the terms and conditions of
recognition as prescribed from time to time by the MOT, GOI.

13. DTO would have to report action taken by them in their Annual Report which shall be kept with them &
shown to the Committee(s) at the time of renewal.

14. Even though the scheme of granting approval of recognition to service providers of Travel Trade is
voluntary, in nature, there is a need to have a pro - active role of MOT and Travel Trade to ensure that more

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and more service providers seek approval and then service the tourists. There is also a need to educate the
stakeholders as well as consumers against the potential risk of availing services through the unapproved
service providers.

15. It shall be mandatory for an approved service provider of Travel Trade to prominently display the
Certificate of approval of recognition / renewal or extension given by MOT in the office by pasting it on a
board or in a picture frame so that it is visible to a potential tourist.

16. The decision of MOT, GOI in the matter of recognition / renewal or extension shall be final. However, MOT
may in their discretion refuse to recognize / renew or extend any firm or withdraw / withhold at any time
recognition / renewal already granted with the approval of the Competent Authority. Before such a
decision is taken, necessary Show Cause Notice would invariably be issued and the reply considered on merit.
This would be done after careful consideration and generally as a last resort. Circumstances in which
withdrawal is effected would also be indicated.

IATO - Profile, History & Objective

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is the National body of the tourism industry. It has over 1500
members covering all segments of Tourism Industry. Established in 1982, IATO today has international
acceptance, and linkages. It has close connections and constant interaction with other Tourism Associations in
US, Nepal and Indonesia, where USTOA , NATO and ASITA are its member bodies; and is increasing its
international networking with professional bodies for better facilitation to the International traveler visiting
not only India but the entire Region.

IATO interacts closely with the Government on all critical Issues affecting the Tourism Industry in India with
the highest priority to Tourism facilitation. It interacts closely with all Government Ministries / Departments,
Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Diplomatic Missions etc. It acts as the common medium between the
Decision Makers and the industry, and presents the complete perspective to both sides, synergising their
common agenda of Tourism facilitation. All IATO members observe the highest standards of professional
ethics and offer personalized service to their clients.

Being the National Apex Body of the Tourism industry, IATO is always actively responsive to its social
responsibility. All IATO members actively participate in meeting their Social Obligations not only during
national emergencies and natural calamities. but also as an ongoing venture. During the recent years IATO
Members contributed generously for the National Defense Fund and also organized Blood Donation camps
during the Kargil conflict, carried out relief work in the Cyclone affected areas in Orissa, set up emergency

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relief supplies for the victims of Gujarat Earthquake, besides adopting a village and providing them the
necessary relief and rehabilitation infrastructure. IATO has contributed whole heartedly to the Prime
Minister's Relief fund, also to help the Government in their efforts during the national Crisis.

IATO has five categories of membership: Active, Allied, Associate, International and Honorary. All its active
members are recognized and approved by the Indian government's Department of Tourism and have at least
three years experience of handling International Tourists to India, before being admitted to the IATO fraternity

IATO's affairs are managed by an Executive Committee, elected by the Active Members every two years. The
Executive Committee is headed by The President with a team of six Office Bearers and 9 Executive Members.
The Executive Committee meets every month to discuss current Tourism Industry and Membership Issues.
IATO networks through its State Level Chapters at the local level where all local issues are handled at the
appropriate level.

IATO has 12 Action Committees, each focused on a specialized area headed by a Convenor assisted by his
committee members. They are:

Adventure Tourism Development Committee Civil Aviation, Press & PR Committee Domestic Tourism
Development Committee Grievances Committee Guides Coordination Committee Host Committee Hotel
Relations Development Committee IATO News Committee Legal Affairs, Insurance & Consumer Committee
Privilege Card Development Committee Railways Co-ordination & Dev. Committee Surface Transportation
Development Committee Website Development Committee

IATO member meet every month on the first Saturday, for interaction with each other and with a Guest
Speaker, who delves on current issues. The members are updated on the events of the month at this meet.

With the feedback from the Chapters and the Action Committees, unresolved and major issues are focused
and discussed at the IATO Annual Convention. All IATO annual conventions are held in different States of India
every year. Different States vie for each other to hold this National Industry Convention.
The INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF TOUR OPERATORS has been founded in the general interest to promote
international understanding and goodwill to the ultimate advantage. All income of the Association shall be
utilised towards the promotion of the aims and objectives of IATO.

The aims and objects of the Society are as follows:

1. To promote national integration, welfare and goodwill

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 2. To take all steps which may be necessary for promoting, encouraging and assisting in the development
of tourism throughout the country and to take initiatives to secure the welfare of the Tourism Trade in
all respects.
3. To Communicate with Chambers of Commerce, other Mercantile and Public Bodies in India,
Government Departments or Committees, International Air Transport Association and various foreign
and local associations and corporations, companies and concerns and promote measures in the
interests of the travel trade and nominate members to act on them.
4. To encourage and promote friendly feelings among the tour operators and travel agents on all subjects
involving their common good and benefit.
5. To try to amicably settle the disputes of the members of this Association by referring the disputes for
settlement to a sub-committee to be constituted for such purpose by the Executive Committee.
6. To protect the interest of the members of this Association from the malpractices of foreign tour
operators
7. To set up and maintain high ethical standards in the industry.
8. To undertake such welfare activities which the members can not undertake individually.
9. To get affiliation with similar organisation in other countries.
10. To promote equal opportunities for all visitors to enjoy the Tourism & Travel facilities without
distinction of race, colour, creed or nationality.
11. To organise overseas promotional tours jointly with various airlines and Govt. of India Tourist Office
abroad and other similar organisations.
12. To conduct aiding and assisting seminars, group discussions, course of studies, cultural meetings.
13. To institute awards for excellence in tourism related activities.
14. To assist students by scholarship to pursue higher education, study and research particularly in the
field of Development of Tourism and International Brotherhood, both in India and outside the country.
15. To institute chairs and fellowships in India
16. To take initiative and ensure that the problems affecting any of the services relating to the tourism
trade are sorted out through the mediation of the Association, failing which joint legal action to be
taken for and on behalf of the members of the Association for settling such problems.
17. To produce regular reports about the achievements of the members of the Association and to do all
such things as are incidental or conducive to the above objects.
18. To print and publish information material for the benefit of its members.

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines. It represents
some 240 airlines or more than 84% of total air traffic. IATA supports airline activity and helps formulate
industry policy and standards. It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada with Executive Offices in Geneva,
Switzerland.

Vision and Mission

Our vision
To be the force for value creation and innovation driving a safe, secure and profitable air transport industry
that sustainably connects and enriches our world.
Our mission
IATA’s mission is to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry.

Representing the airline industry

Improve understanding of the air transport industry among decision makers and increase awareness of the
benefits that aviation brings to national and global economies. Advocating for the interests of airlines across
the globe, we challenge unreasonable rules and charges, hold regulators and governments to account, and
strive for sensible regulation.

Leading the airline industry

For nearly 70 years, IATA has developed global commercial standards upon which the air transport industry is
built. Our aim is to assist airlines by simplifying processes and increasing passenger convenience while
reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Serving the airline industry

Helps airlines to operate safely, securely, efficiently, and economically under clearly defined rules. Professional
support is provided to all industry stakeholders with a wide range of products and expert services.
Our values
Values are important. We make IATA a great place to work through living and upholding our values every day.
They also support our commitment to deliver results for the industry.
These values are:
1. People focus
2. Speed
3. Innovation
4. Openness to change
5. Integrity
6. Teamwork and cultural intelligence
7. Results orientation
8. Leadership
Priorities
Safety - Safety is the number one priority for IATA. The main instrument for safety is the IATA Operational
Safety Audit (IOSA) and its successor, Enhanced IOSA. IOSA has also been mandated at the state level by
several countries. In 2012, aviation posted its safest year ever. The global Western-built jet accident rate
(measured in hull losses per million flights of Western-built jets) was 0.20, the equivalent of one accident
every 5 million flights.[10] Future improvements will be founded on data sharing with a database fed by a
multitude of sources and housed by the Global Safety Information Center.

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Security - Security has become increasingly important following the tragedy of 9/11. Following a series of
uncoordinated rules by different countries, the industry has developed a Checkpoint of the Future,which is
based on risk assessment and passenger differentiation.

Simplifying the Business - Simplifying the Businesswas launched in 2004. This initiative has introduced a
number of crucial concepts to passenger travel, including the electronic ticket and the bar coded boarding
pass. Many other innovations are being established as part of the Fast Travel initiative, including a range of
self-service baggage options.

A new program that has drawn plenty of interest is New Distribution Capability.This will replace the old
EDIFACT messaging standard that is still the basis of the global distribution system /travel agent channel and
replace it with an XML standard. This will enable the same choices to be offered to high street travel shoppers
as are offered to those who book directly through airline websites. A filing with the US Department of
Transportation brought over 400 comments.

Environment - IATA members and all industry stakeholders have agreed to three sequential environmental
goals:
1. An average improvement in fuel efficiency of 1.5% per annum from 2009 through 2020
2. A cap on net carbon emissions from aviation from 2020 (carbon-neutral growth)
3. A 50% reduction in net aviation carbon emissions by 2050 relative to 2005 levels.
4. At the 69th IATA AGM in Cape Town, South Africa, members overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution on
“Implementation of the Aviation Carbon-Neutral Growth (CNG2020) Strategy.”

The resolution provides governments with a set of principles on how governments could:
1. Establish procedures for a single market-based measure (MBM)
2. Integrate a single MBM as part of an overall package of measures to achieve CNG2020
3. IATA member airlines agreed that a single mandatory carbon offsetting scheme would be the simplest
and most effective option for an MBM.

Services
1. IATA provides consulting and training services in many areas crucial to aviation.
2. Travel Agent accreditation is available for travel professionals. Full accreditation allows agents to sell
tickets on behalf of all IATA member airlines.
3. Cargo Agent accreditation is a similar program.
4. IATA also runs the Billing and Settlement Plan, which is a $300 billion-plus financial system that looks
after airline money and it provides a number of business intelligence publications and services.
5. Training covers all aspects of aviation and ranges from beginner courses through to senior
management courses.

Travel Formalities: Passport

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A passport is a government-issued travel document that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder for
the purpose of international travel. The elements of identity contained in all standardized passports include
information about the holder, including name, date of birth, sex and place of birth.

A passport displays nationality, but not the place of residence of the passport holder. The passport holder is
normally entitled to re-enter the country that issued the passport in accordance with the laws of that country,
and in some instances of gaining a new citizenship, to enter that country for the first time. A passport does not
necessarily grant the passport holder entry into any other country, nor to consular protection while abroad or
other privileges, such as immunity from arrest or prosecution. Those rights and privileges, if and when
applicable, arise from international treaties.[citation needed]

Some countries and international organizations issue travel documents (not having passport status) which
enable the holder to travel internationally. Stateless persons are not normally issued a national passport, but
may be able to obtain a refugee travel document which enables them to travel to countries which recognise
them, and sometimes to return to the issuing country.[1] A country may issue a passport to any person,
including non-nationals

Types of passports
Regular passport (Deep Blue) - Issued to regular citizens for ordinary travel, such as for vacation, study and
business trips (36 or 60 pages). It is a Type "P" passport - P stands for personal.

Official passport (White cover) - Issued to individuals representing the Indian government on official business.
It is a Type "S" passport - S stands for Service.

Diplomatic passport (Maroon cover) - Issued to Indian diplomats, top ranking government officials and
diplomatic couriers. It is a Type "D" passport - D stands for Diplomat.

Hajj passport - Issued to Indian Muslims not holding ordinary passport, for Hajj pilgrimage.

In addition, selected passport offices in India as well as overseas missions are authorised to issue Regular Indo-
Bangladesh passports and Indo-Sri Lankan passports, to Indian nationals resident in West Bengal, the North
Eastern States, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. These two passports respectively permit travel to Bangladesh and
Sri Lanka only and are not valid for travel to other foreign countries.

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Physical appearance - Indian passports have a deep blue cover with golden colored content. Emblem of India
is emblazoned in the centre of the front cover. The words (Hindi) and 'Passport' (English) are inscribed above
the Emblem whereas (Hindi) and 'Republic of India' (English) are inscribed below the emblem. The standard
passport contains 36 pages, but frequent travellers can opt for a passport containing 60 pages.

Passport holder identity - Until very recently, Indian passports had the bearers particulars written by hand,
with the passport picture glued to the cover page. They also lacked the Machine Readable feature available for
other country passports. These older passports looked very unprofessional and the newer passports have
identity information printed on both front and back cover ends. Both of these pages are laminated to prevent
modification.

The opening cover end contains the following information:

1) Photo of Passport Holder
2) Signature of the passport holder
3) Type ('P'- Stands for "Personal", 'D'- Stands for "Diplomat", 'S'- Stands for "Service")
4) Passport number
5) Surname
6) Nationality
7) Gender
8) Date of Birth
9) Place of birth
10) Place of issue
11) Date of issue
12) Date of expiry

The information page ends with the Machine Readable Passport Zone.

The closing end contains the following information:

1) Name of father/legal guardian
2) Name of mother
3) Name of spouse
4) Address
5) File no.

Passport note - The passports contain a note from the President of India addressing the authorities of all
states, identifying the bearer as a citizen of the Republic of India and requesting and requiring that the bearer
be allowed to pass freely without any hindrance and be assisted and protected in any need. The note inside of
Indian passports states:

“These are to request and require in the Name of the President of the Republic of India all those whom it
may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance, and to afford him or her, every
assistance and protection of which he or she may stand in need.”
By order of the President of the Republic of India

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 Visa Services

Entry, stay and exit of foreigners into India is governed by the Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920, Passport (Entry into
India) Rules, 1950, Foreigners Act 1946 and the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992. The policy, acts and rules relating
to entry of foreigners into India are framed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) , Government of India

Visa regime is implemented abroad by Indian missions & posts and in India by Foreigners Regional Registration Offices
(FRROs), home departments & district administrators in the states besides immigration posts. PV-II Section of CPV
Division provides the interface with MHA in formulation and implementation of visa policy and is also entrusted with
advising Indian Missions/Posts on visa matters. PV- II also formulates policy on grant of diplomatic and official passports.
Other important functions and responsibilities of PV-II are appended.(Appendix I )

The basic principle of the visa policy is non-discrimination, subject of course to underlying considerations of reciprocity,
security and national interests. While a large majority of foreigners is covered under general visa rules, specific visa rules
and procedures apply to certain categories of nationals.

Visa is not a matter of right and it is entirely up to the competent authority to decide on issue of visa to any foreigner.

Visa like passport and consular services is a service and a fee is charged for grant of visa in accordance with the scale laid
down by the Government of India. Visa Fees, once charged, are not refundable. Details of visa fees applicable since 1st
July 2008, are appended. (Appendix II). However, it is advisable to also consult the website of the concerned Indian
Mission/Post for scale of visa fees applicable.

General provisions:
1. All foreigners entering India must have a passport or any other internationally recognized travel document and
visa.
2. Nepalese or Bhutanese nationals entering by land must have some Photo Identity Papers as proof of their
nationality. But in case of entry by air directly from Nepal/Bhutan or from a country other than China, they must
have a passport. No visa is required. However, they must have visa if they are traveling from China
3. The visa applicant should ordinarily be within the jurisdiction of the mission/post or else it is necessary to make
a reference to the Indian mission/post in the country to which the applicant belongs. Additional fee is
chargeable for making reference to the concerned mission/post.
4. Gratis visa is granted to diplomats and officials, UN officials traveling on duty or those traveling to India on
invitation of Government of India as its guest. Those granted scholarship under Cultural Exchange Programmes
are also granted gratis visa.

Diplomatic/Official/UN Official Visa: Diplomats/Officials assigned to their countries Missions/Posts in India or

Diplomatic/Official/UN passport holders working in UN or international organizations located in India and their
spouses/children holding any type of passport are granted diplomatic/official visas.

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Transit Visa: Transit visas valid for up to 15 days and up to two entries are issued to foreign nationals passing through
India on their way to another country. The applicant should possess an air ticket for onward journey to a destination
beyond India.
Entry Visa: Entry visa is issued to a Person of India Origin, foreign spouse of Indian national and to spouse/children of
foreigners holding any type of visa other than tourist/transit visa.
Tourist Visa: Tourist visa is issued to foreigners who do not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole
objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives etc.

1) Indian Missions/Posts abroad may issue multiple entry tourist visas for a maximum period of ten years to US
nationals and five years to UK nationals, with the stipulation that stay during each visit shall not exceed 180
days. However, should the visa holder desire to stay continuously for more than 180 days, he/she should
register with the concerned FRRO/FRO within 180 days of arrival.

2) Indian Missions/Posts abroad may issue multiple entry tourist visas for a maximum period of five years to
nationals of Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Vietnam with the stipulation that stay
during each visit shall not exceed 90 days.

3) In respect of foreigners holding multiple-entry tourist visas valid for 5/10 years, there should be a gap of at least
two months between two successive visits.If a tourist visa holder needs to return to India within two months of
his/her last departure from the country due to exigencies like death or serious illness in the family, non-
availability of connecting flights to return to his/her country of origin or travel to another country using India as
a transit point or any other exigent situation which can be duly justified with proper documentation to the
satisfaction of an Indian Mission/Post abroad or immigration authorities in India, the condition of two month's
gap can be waived. In all such cases, the foreign national should register with the FRRO/FRO concerned within
14 days of arrival.

4) Foreign nationals holding six month tourist visas valid for up to three entries would not be subject to the above
condition of two month's gap between two visits if they submit their itinerary and confirmed air tickets for travel
to neighbouring countries.

5) Travel agents of foreign travel agencies and foreign tourists visiting India frequently for genuine tourism may be
granted multiple-entry tourist visa with the condition that stay on each visit should not exceed 180 days.

6) Tourist visa on arrival has been introduced on experimental basis for nationals of eleven countries viz. Finland,
Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Tourist visa on arrival is valid for 30 days with single entry facility and is granted by Immigration Officers at Delhi,
Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata international airports.

7) Tourist visa is neither extendable nor convertible into other type of visa except, in very exceptional
circumstances.

Employment Visa: Employment visas valid for one year at a time are granted to foreigners provided the foreigner is a
skilled and qualified professional or a person who is being engaged by a company, organization, industry or undertaking
in India on contract or employment basis at a senior level, skilled position such as technical expert, senior executive, or
in a managerial position. Proof of employment in the form of employment contract is necessary.

Project Visa: Project visa is a sub-set of employment visa and is granted to foreigners employed for executing Steel and
Power Sector Projects.

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Student Visa: Student visa valid up to five years or duration of course (whichever is less) is granted to a foreigner coming
to India to pursue a course of regular and fulltime academic studies in a recognized institution. The applicant should
furnish proof of admission in a recognized/reputed educational institution and evidence of financial support. In case of
admission to a medical or para-medical course, a no objection certificate from the Ministry of Health must be furnished.
Student visa valid for up to 6 months can be granted for exploring admission or for taking admission tests. There is no
restriction on the number of courses of study that can be pursued or with respect to change of course or institute or
both. The list of recognized institutions/universities is available on the website (www.education.nic.in).

Journalist Visa: Missions/Posts may issue Journalist visa valid for up to six months to professional journalists, press-
persons, film-persons (other than commercial), representatives of radio and television organizations and similar
personnel in the field of information such as travel writing, travel journalism, travel promotion/ photography, television
production, advertising and those who write on fashion, costumes and sports. Holders of journalist visa are advised to
contact on arrival in New Delhi, the External Publicity Division of M.E.A. and in other places, the Office of the GOI's Press
Information Bureau, so that they could be given assistance in various matters including planning itineraries.

Business Visa: Valid for up to five years may be granted by Missions/Posts to foreign business persons to set up
industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture in India or to buy/sell
industrial/commercial products. Proof of financial standing and expertise in the field of intended business must be
produced. For business visas valid up to one year, visa fee prescribed for one year business visa is charged even when
the validity of visa issued is less than one year.

Missionary Visa: Visa to foreign missionaries, other than those holding No objection to return to India Endorsements,
are granted only after clearance by concerned Ministry/Deptt in India.

Mountaineering Visa: Visa for mountaineering expeditions is granted only after clearance by concerned authorities in
India.

Conference/Seminar Visa: Visas may be granted by Missions/Posts to foreign delegates to international conferences,
seminars etc conducted by Government bodies, Public Sector Undertakings or Government aided bodies and NGOs
provided necessary clearance by nodal Ministries/Departments of the Government of India/State Governments is in
place.

Research Visa: Depending upon recognition/reputation of the research institution and eligibility of the applicant,
Missions/Posts may grant research visa valid for up to three years or duration of research project, whichever is earlier,
except scholars of certain nationalities or/and where research work involves visits to 'Restricted' or 'Protected' areas in
India or areas affected by terrorism, militancy and extremism etc.

Medical & Medical Attendant Visa: After satisfying themselves, Indian Missions/Posts abroad may issue Medical Visa
(MED) valid for one year or the period of treatment, whichever is less, to foreign nationals visiting India for medical
treatment in reputed/recognized specialized hospitals/treatment centres in India. Visa is permissible for treatment
under Indian system of Medicine also. Attendants/family members of patients coming to India for medical treatment
shall be granted Medical Attendant visa (MEDX) co-terminus with the Medical visa of the patient. Attendants should be
spouse/children or those having blood relations with the patient. Not more than two attendants are allowed.
Universal Visa: Universal visa is a multipurpose life-long visa which Indian Missions and Posts abroad or the Ministry of
Home Affairs may grant to Foreigners holding Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card. The holder of universal visa can
study, do business or take up employment in India and is exempt from the requirement of registration with FRRO/Police
authorities for any length of stay in India.

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Inner Line Permit (ILP)

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Qn.1 : Which are the areas covered by the Protected Area Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) regime
?Answer: Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, all areas falling between the ‘Inner line’, as
defined in the said order, and the International Border of the State have been declared as a Protected Area.
Currently, Protected Areas are located in thefollowing States: -
(i) Whole of Arunachal Pradesh
(ii) Parts of Himachal Pradesh
(iii) Parts of Jammu & Kashmir
(iv) Whole of Manipur
(v) Whole of Mizoram
(vi) Whole of Nagaland
(vii) Parts of Rajasthan
(viii) Whole of Sikkim (partly in Protected Area and partly in Restricted Area)
(ix) Parts of Uttarakhand
However, as per the Circular dated 30.12.2010 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the entire area of the
States of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland has been excluded from the Protected Area regime notified under
the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958, initially for a period of one year w.e.f. 1.1.2011, subject to the
following conditions:-
1. Citizens of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries
would
2. continue to require prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs before their visit to the States of
Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.
3. Citizens of Myanmar visiting the States of Manipur,Mizoram and Nagaland beyond 16 Kms from the
Indo-Myanmar border would continue to require prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs for
visiting these States.
All foreigners visiting these States will register themselves with the Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the
District they visit within 24 hours of their arrival.

Under the Foreigners (Restricted) Areas Order, 1963, the following areas have been declared as `Restricted’
Areas :-
(i) Andaman & Nicobar Islands - Entire Union Territory
(ii) Sikkim - Part of the State

Qn.2 : What are the guidelines for obtaining Protected Area Permit/ Restricted Area Permit?

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 Answer: A foreign national is not normally allowed to visit a Protected / Restricted Area unless it is
established to the satisfaction of the Government that there are extra-ordinary reasons to justify such a visit.
Every foreigner, except a citizen of Bhutan, who desires to enter and stay in a Protected or Restricted Area, is
required to obtain a special permit from a competent authority delegated with powers to issue such a special
permit to a foreigner, on application. In cases where the powers have not been delegated to any subordinate
authority by the Government of India, the application for special permit should be referred to the Ministry of
Home Affairs for prior approval, at least eight weeks before the date of the expected visit.

With a view to promote tourism, some areas (notified by the Government of India from time to time) can be
visited by foreign tourists, either in groups, or as a couple in the case of a husband and wife, or by individuals,
after obtaining the necessary permit from the competent authority. Necessary powers have been delegated to
various authorities to issue the special permit, without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs, to
facilitate foreign tourists subject to the following exceptions:

(i) Special instructions applicable to foreign diplomats and members of the United Nations and International
Organisations holding Diplomatic / Official Passport are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
ii) Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin, shall not be issued a
special permit without the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Qn.3 : What are the specific instructions to be followed by PAP/RAP holders?

Answer: 1. The permit is valid for group tourists consisting of two or more persons only.
2. The permit is valid for the specific tourist circuit/route and the specific entry / exit point. No area other
than the ones indicated in the permit shall be visited.
3. The permit holder must keep sufficient number of photocopies of the permit as he/she may be required to
deposit a copy at each point of entry/exit.
4.The permit holder shall not stay in the restricted/protected area after the expiry of the permit.
5. A foreigner must enter/exit the North-Eastern States by air only.
6. A foreigner can travel within the North Eastern states through the National Highways or by air. While
travelling by road, the tour should be undertaken largely through the National Highways. Where the places to
be visited are situated on a National Highway, no other road should be utilised. In cases where the places,
which are to be visited, are not on a National Highway, the tour should be undertaken in such a way that the
maximum distance is travelled on a National Highway, restricting the utilisation of other road routes to the
minimum.

Qn. 4 : What are the specific instructions to be followed by Travel Agents, Tour operators and Owners of
Guest Houses/hotels?
Answer : 1. Travel agencies/tour operators shall ensure that the tourist groups sponsored by them are in
possession of valid Restricted/Protected Area Permit.
2. It shall be the responsibility of the travel agents/tour operators to ensure that the tourist groups do not go
to places other than the ones that are permitted and also ensure that they do not stay there after the expiry
of the valid period.
3. Owners of the guest houses/hotels must ensure that only foreigners with valid Restricted/Protected Area
Permits stay with them. It is mandatory for the guest houses/hotels and also the individuals, to inform the
local police about the arrival/departure of a foreignerwithin 24 hours if one foreigner stays with them.

Qn. 5 : What is the procedure for grant of Protected Area/Restricted Area Permit:

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Answer: (1) Foreign nationals coming as Group Tourists may submit an application for the grant of
Protected/Restricted Area Permit to the Indian Mission in their country before coming to India. The Indian
Mission may grant the Permit after due scrutiny, keeping in view the instructions issued by the Ministry of
Home Affairs in this regard. However, the Missions shall refer cases which are not covered by the powers
delegated to them, for grant of Protected/ Restricted Area Permit, to the Ministry of Home Affairs for prior
clearance.

(2) If foreign nationals, who are already in the country, desire to visit any area covered by the Protected
/Restricted Area regime as group tourists, they should submit the requisite application to any of the
authorities to whom the powers to issue such a special permit have been delegated. However, cases which
are not covered by the powers delegated to the State Governments, or to the subordinate authorities, shall be
referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the recommendation of the State Government, for prior
clearance. (3) In all cases received directly in the Ministry of Home Affairs for grant of Protected/Restricted
Area Permit, the requisite clearance would be conveyed by the Ministry of Home Affairs only after obtaining
the recommendations of the State Government concerned.

(4) In all cases relating to grant of PAP/RAP for an individual foreign tourist, the proposal would require prior
clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The requisite clearance would be conveyed by MHA only on the
basis of the recommendation of the State Government concerned.

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