Journalist Visa for India

Journalist visas are issued to professional journalists and photographers for stays of up to one or three months in India. The journalist visa is normally valid for a single entry. Online application is available at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html.

Note: In addition to journalists and documentary producers, all professionals working as writers, bloggers, photographers, content creators, producers of any programme, or those working in media and advertising fall under the category of Journalist Visa, even if they are traveling for tourism purposes. Such professionals cannot apply for an e-Visa and must apply through The Embassy. Many applicants mistakenly apply for an e-Visa, and when it gets rejected, they approach the Embassy, causing delays. Please note that J/JTV visas require a minimum of 10 working days to be processed.

Application Process:

Before visiting the Embassy, kindly submit a copy of your online visa application and the following documents to: fspic.thehague@mea.gov.in and po.thehague@mea.gov.in

Required Documents:

1. Completed, printed, and signed online visa application form – Apply here
2. Copy of a valid passport with a minimum of 180 days validity and two blank visa pages.
3. Copy of press card/accreditation.
4. Letter from the company/organization in India specifying the exact purpose of the visit, along with the expected start and end dates, if traveling for work.
5. Letter from employer/institute, on official letterhead (in English), stating that the sole purpose of the visit is tourism and that the applicant will not engage in any journalistic activities (including duration of stay with arrival and departure dates).
6. Registration Certificate of the Dutch organization/company and the Registration Certificate of the Indian organization/company.
7. Full itinerary including dates and places to be visited.
8. List of photographic/video equipment to be carried to India.
9. Copy of return ticket OR the applicant’s recent bank statement (with name and a positive balance).

II. Documentary-Related Work

Prior authorization from the Indian Government is mandatory for any audiovisual reporting or documentary film shooting in India, regardless of subject, category, or duration. This includes Documentary films, Reportages, Institutional or educational films, Radio documentaries, Still shoots, Corporate videos, Television commercials and publicity materials, or any other audiovisual report meant for public diffusion or telecast.

Application Process for Foreign Audio-Visual Agencies:

Foreign audiovisual agencies intending to shoot documentary films or AV commercials must submit a completed application form and signed Undertaking to the Press & Information Officer at the Embassy of India, The Hague for processing. Once approved, the Embassy will issue a Journalist (J) visa for travel to India for filming. Documentary filming is not permitted on tourist or business visas.

The import of filming equipment will only be facilitated after obtaining official clearance.

Application Requirements:

All pages of the filming application form must be printed on the company’s official letterhead. The Undertaking must be duly signed, dated, and stamped. Two copies of the completed application form and Undertaking must be submitted to the Embassy of India, The Hague for processing.

• Online Application Form
• Application for filming Documentaries/Commercials in India
• Undertaking
• Detailed Synopsis and Itinerary (Ports of entry and exit from India should be indicated)
• Bio-profile of the journalist/film-director
• Brief presentation of the production agency
• Crew and Equipment List

List of Crew-Members Required Details:

1. Name and surname (as per passport)
2. Contact details (telephone & email)
3. Profession
4. Nationality
5. Date and place of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
6. Passport number & validity

Processing Time:

The processing time for a filming proposal is approximately 15 weeks if it involves:

a) Sensitive issues or restricted/protected zones.

b) Underwater or aerial filming (requires special clearance). Click here for Terms & Conditions

For aerial filming: Submit directly to DGCA with intimation to the Embassy. DGCA Aerial Filming Guidelines

The authorization for filming is indicated on the visas of the crew. No visa will be issued before clearance is granted. The Embassy is not responsible for any delays in processing or visa refusals.

Submission Address:

Counsellor (Press & Education)
Embassy of India
Buitenrustweg 2, 2517 KD, The Hague,
The Netherlands

Email: fspic.thehague@mea.gov.in | Cc: po.thehague@mea.gov.in

III. Temporary Import of Filming Equipment

For temporary import of filming equipment, a customs facilitation letter is issued. Submit the following on company letterhead at least two weeks before departure:

1. Name, nationality, and passport details of all crew members.
2. Port of entry and exit with flight details and dates.
3. Full list of cinematic equipment (Satellite equipment is NOT allowed).
4. Approval letter from the Embassy/Mission or MEA.

**********