Journalist Visa

Click Here to know your jurisdiction

Follow the below steps in order to apply

1. Create an account (Register yourself) on Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. Click Here to register.
2. Fill the Govt of India's Online Visa Application Form. Click Here to access the Online Visa Application Portal.
3. Select the REGULAR/PAPER VISA APPLICATION option. 
4. Click Here to view a sample online Indian Visa Application Form in German language. Klicken Sie hier, um ein Beispiel für ein Online-Visumantragsformular für Indien in deutscher Sprache anzuzeigen.
5. Ensure that you select the appropriate option for the dropdown "Indian Mission/Office" as per your correct jurisdiction. To know your jurisdiction, refer to the "Jurisdiction" section.
6. Print and sign your application.  
7. Book your appointment online at Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. You can choose a convenient date and time to visit the Alankit ICAC for your application submission. Click Here to book your appointment online.  
8. Ensure that you have your passport, photographs and all other supporting documents, exactly as per the "Documents Checklist" section. 
9. Visit the Alankit ICAC, as per your jurisdiction. The address and location of the ICAC will be clearly mentioned in the appontment letter. 
10. Kindly ensure you reach the ICAC 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. 
11. Submit your application and deposit your fees at Alankit ICAC. You can check the fee for this application under the "Fee Details" section. 
12. Enroll for Biometrics at Alankit ICAC (if required)
13. Your application submission process is now complete! You can avail our Courier service to get your passport delivered to your doorstep!
14. While your application is in process, you can track your application to know the current stage of your application process. Click Here to track your application online.  

You can refer to the below Step-By-Step diagram to understand and follow the application process.

Required Documents:

1. Printed copy of the duly filled online application form at the Indian Government's Visa Portal. (Applicant should sign the application on first page below the photo and on the last page at designated place).
2. Original Passport with more than six months validity as on date of expected date of journey and 2 blank pages along with a photocopy of the personal information page(s).
3. 01 recent photograph (51mm x 51mm). Application with wrong photo specifications may lead to rejection the application Photo specifications can be seen here.
4. Self-attested photocopy of Proof of Current address in Germany (City Registration/ Meldebesatigung / Anmeldung / personalauweis) of the applicant.
5. Additional Form (Download Form) & Documents for Passport holders other than German nationals including proof of valid German Residence Permit / Visa:
6. Copy of valid Journalist / Press ID.
7. Additional Documents as given below (as applicable);
8. For professional visits:
   
   • A letter from the Employer on company's letter-head in English specifying purpose and visit dates (stamped and signed).
9. For personal visits (tourism etc.);
   
   • A duly signed undertaking from the applicant stating that the visit is only or tourism and he/she will not involved in any journalistic activities in India.
10. For shooting of documentary/advertisement film;
    
    • An application (duly stamped and signed by the employer on companies letter-head) for shooting of the documentary/advertisement film covering all the details as per Appendix XI.
    • Duly stamped and singed Appendix X by the employer.
    • Additional documents as available on this link
11. Additional documents For Dependents (applicable only for who are accredited in India);
    • In case of children: Copy of Birth Certificate of the applicant, passport copies of the parents and Consent letter signed by both parents or custody document of a local court (if applicable).
    • In case of spouse: Copy of the Marriage Certificate and spouse passport copy.
12. Proof of payment of the applicable fee (if made through bank transfer).
13. Under Family details:The applicant must specify the previous nationality of both the parents. Applicant should not leave that blank.
14. Photograph should be mandatorily uploaded before submitting the online application form.
15. Print and enclose duly filled checklist. Click here to download.
16. Print and enclose the Applicant Consent Form. Click Here to download the Application Consent Form.

• Journalist travelling to India for any purpose may apply for Journalist Visa only.
• Tourist Visa applicants travelling by Ship, need mandatorily biometrics.
• All foreigners intending to visit India are advised to check the health regulations at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ before travelling to India.
• For immigration related queries like travelling with pet animals, traveling with medicine etc., please check with the airlines or visit at https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers.
• Stateless persons holding travel documents may also apply for visa however they are advised to apply atleast 02 months prior of desired visit as the visa takes time.
• Diplomatic/Official passport holder are advised to contact directly to the concerned Indian Embassy/Consulate for diplomatic/official visa.
• All foreigner intending to visit India are advised to carry Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if coming from Yellow Fever endemic countries or with history of travel to Yellow Fever endemic countries in the last 6 days. Any Person (excluding infants below the age of six months) arriving by air or sea or land without a certificate of vaccination is to be detained in isolation for a period of 6 days.
• All foreigners intending to visit in Restricted/Protected areas are advised to apply for the permission at https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices as only the visa and passport are not sufficient to travel in these areas. The details of restricted and protected areas can be seen at https://xn--i1b5bzbybhfo5c8b4bxh.xn--11b7cb3a6a.xn--h2brj9c/en/divisionofmha/foreigners-division/protected-area-permit-pap-restricted-area-permit-rap. The normal time processing for RAP/PAP permit is 06-08 weeks.

Note: If any additional documents is required based on the application, the applicant have to provide the same.

Fees Details

Visa Fee (applicable to German nationals and citizens of other countries, excluding nationals from countries classified as Special Category)

Service	Duration of Visa	Visa Fee	ICWF Fee	Alankit Service Fee	Fingerprint Biometric Fee	Facial Biometric Fee	Total Fee
Journalist Visa	Up to 6 months/Single Entry (or Double Entry with HOM’s approval)	EUR 73.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 80.55

Special Category Visa Fees (as per below details)

For Nationals of Countries	Duration of Visa	Visa Fee	ICWF Fee	Alankit Service Fee	Fingerprint Biometric Fee	Facial Biometric Fee	Total Fee
Japan	Irrespective of duration and entries	EUR 8.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 15.55
Mozambique	Up to 6 months	EUR 201.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 208.55
	Up to 6 months (in Emergency)	EUR 274.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 281.55
	More than 6 months up to 1 year	EUR 274.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 281.55
	More than 6 months up to 1 year (in Emergency)	EUR 274.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 281.55
	More than 1 year up to 5 years	EUR 274.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 281.55
	More than 1 year up to 5 years (in Emergency)	EUR 274.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 281.55
Nigeria	All type of visas irrespective of duration	EUR 534.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 541.55
Pakistan	All types of Visas  (Rs. 100)	EUR 2.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 9.55
Russia	Single Entry	EUR 37.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 44.55
	Double Entry	EUR 83.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 90.55
	Multiple Entry	EUR 110.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 117.55
Seychelles	All type of visas irrespective of duration	EUR 0.00	EUR 0.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 4.55
Ukraine	Less than 6 months	EUR 78.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 85.55
	6 months to 1 year	EUR 119.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 126.55
	1 to 5 years ( Single /Double /Multiple Entry)	EUR 183.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 190.55
USA	Up to 6 months Single/Double Entry	EUR 92.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 99.55
Gratis Journalist visa	Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DPR Korea, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Africa and Seychelles			EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 4.55
Visa Free Countries	Nepal and Bhutan (Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require Visa to enter India. However, Nepalese Nationals require Visa if they enter India from China which is granted on Gratis Basis).			EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 4.55
Visa–on-Arrival countries	Japan, South Korea and UAE (Only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or Regular/paper visa for India)			EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 4.55

FAQ's for Journalist Visa

1. Who is eligible for the Indian Journalist Visa?
• Journalist visa is granted to foreigners who are professional journalists, photographers, documentary film producers or Directors (other than of commercial films), representatives of a radio and / or television organization, travel writers / travel promotion photographers, etc.
• Journalists visiting India for any other purpose, such as attending a Conference, tourism, meeting relatives etc.
2. What is the duration of a Journalist Visa?
• Journalist visa is usually granted for a period up to three months. For longer-term visas, please apply in advance with full justification.
3. Can I apply for an Indian e-visa, if I am a journalist and going to India for journalism purpose?
• Indian e-visa facility is not available for journalist visa.
4. I am a journalist, but wish to travel to India for tourism. Which visa should I apply?
   • Journalists on tourism to India should also apply only for Journalist Visa only.
5. I intend to travel not immediately, but at a much later date. Can my visa be issued to coincide with the date of my travel?
   • No. There is no system of issuing post-dated Visas and the validity of regular visas starts from the date of issue and not from the date of your proposed Entry / actual entry into India.
6. I had applied for an Indian visa but I have changed my mind. Can I claim a refund of the visa fee?
   • Visa fees are non-refundable. Once the visa application is accepted, the visa processing fee cannot be refunded / reclaimed even if the visa is refused / not granted or in case the application is withdrawn by the applicant.
7. How do I withdraw my application and will I get a refund?
   • If you wish to withdraw your application you are required to contact Alankit ICAC (where you submitted your application) and submit your written application / request stating the reason for withdrawal. Embassy / Consulate will consider your request and it may take 1-2 working days. As per our policy, visa fees are not refundable.
8. What are the regulations to apply for Indian Visa for applicants holding Dual Nationality or Dual Passport holders?
   • We expect applicants holding dual nationality or dual passport holders, to use one nations passport only for travel to India. This would smoothen your immigration procedures while arriving / departing from India. Applicants are also required to declare their dual passport at relevant column in the Visa application form and both passports need to be submitted for visa processing. Applicants holding Pakistani Passport and Passport of any other country are requested to apply for visa on their Pakistan Passport only and both passports need to be submitted. Visa will be issued on the Pakistan passport only, for such cases.

Persons intending to travel India are advised the following for smooth journey:

kindly visit this website and select the “Guide for Travellers” PDF.

• Please check the health regulations by clicking here before travelling to India.
• For immigration related queries like travelling with pet animals, traveling with medicine etc., please check with the airlines or refer to
  https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers (Guidelines for online work from India for International travelers)

If you are residing in	Apply at	Contact email
Berlin Brandenburg Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Sachsen Sachsen-Anhalt Thüringen	Alankit ICAC - Berlin Sud Tower, 10th Floor, Eichhornstraße 3, 10785 Berlin, Germany Phone - +49 6994322992 Apply Now	visadesk.berlin@alankit.com passportdesk.berlin@alankit.com ocidesk.berlin@alankit.com consulardesk.berlin@alankit.com
Hesse North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland	Alankit ICAC - Frankfurt Ground Floor, Baseler Str. 10, 60329 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Phone - +49 6994322992 Apply Now	visadesk.frankfurt@alankit.com passportdesk.frankfurt@alankit.com ocidesk.frankfurt@alankit.com consulardesk.frankfurt@alankit.com
Bremen Hamburg Niedersachsen Schleswig-Holstein	Alankit ICAC - Hamburg Office No. 5-3.1, 5th Floor, Am Sandtorkai 27, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Phone - +49 6994322992 Apply Now	visadesk.hamburg@alankit.com passportdesk.hamburg@alankit.com ocidesk.hamburg@alankit.com consulardesk.hamburg@alankit.com
Baden-Württemberg Bayern	Alankit ICAC - Munich 5th Floor, Weinstraße 3, 80333 München, Germany Phone - +49 6994322992 Apply Now	visadesk.munich@alankit.com passportdesk.munich@alankit.com ocidesk.munich@alankit.com consulardesk.munich@alankit.com