Re: any experience recently applying for Indian VISA?
^ ![]()
Since the topic is open, I’ll provide the information I have, given we just went through this and that too unsuccessfully.
In order for someone of Pakistani origin (a dual passport holder) or a Pakistani to apply for a visa, you need to get relative/friend/host from India to sign a sponsorship form, vouching for you. Once the completed visa application is submitted, the Consulate may take 3 months (it could be more, it could be less) and there’s no assurance that you will get a visa.
If you are a dual passport holder and are willing to surrender your Pakistani passport and renounce Pakistani citizenship, you don’t need the sponsorship certificate, but you will need to provide a letter to the Indian consulate declaring that you’ve returned your Pakistani passport and a notarized certificate showing that you’ve renounced Pakistani citizenship. Even in this case they say it could take 3 months or more to be issued a visa.
A friend of mine who went to India for work purposes about 2 years ago (he’s of Pakistani origin) - he was given a single entry visa and was restricted to one city - which seems a bit pointless if you want to travel and sight-see. Unfortunately, the Indian consulate makes you jump through hoops for a visa that has limited use.