For Those Planning to Travel to India (Important Notice Regarding Visa Requirements)

March 25, 2026

This notice is based on information provided by the Embassy of Japan in India and was originally intended for Japanese researchers.
However, similar issues may arise for researchers of other nationalities as well.
For this reason, the information is shared here in English for broader reference.

Recent cases have been reported in which researchers traveling to India have encountered immigration-related issues due to discrepancies between their visa type and actual activities.
Those planning to travel to India are advised to carefully note the following points.

Confirmed Issues

  • Since around the end of 2025, there has been an increase in cases where researchers entering India on tourist or business visas have engaged in academic or research activities, and have subsequently been questioned by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for activities deemed inconsistent with the intended purpose of their visa.
  • In addition to checks upon entry, detailed questioning regarding the purpose of travel is also conducted at departure.
    If it is determined that academic activities (such as research, lectures, or conference presentations) were conducted under a tourist visa, the inconsistency between the visa type and actual activities may result in the individual being placed on a blacklist by Indian immigration authorities.
    In such cases, entry may be denied on subsequent visits, even if the appropriate visa has been obtained.

Recommended Actions

  • Travel to India on a tourist or business visa is considered inappropriate when engaging in academic or research activities.
  • Depending on the purpose of travel, the following visa types are generally required:
    ・Bilateral (Japan–India) events: Entry Visa (X-MISC)
    ・International events (involving three or more countries): Conference Visa
  • If you are unsure about the appropriate visa type, or if the host institution in India does not complete the necessary procedures, please contact the Counsellor (Science and Technology) at the Embassy of India in Tokyo directly: cst.tokyo[at]mea.gov.in
    (Please replace “[at]” with “@” when sending your email.)

When traveling to India, please ensure in advance that your visa type is fully consistent with your intended activities.

Office for International Affairs

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