As filmmakers, we understand the excitement of beginning your shoot as soon as possible, but before you begin packing your bags there is one very important document required to get your camera rolling.
The Visa!
Here we will be covering the steps required to attain it along with some helpful information through useful links that will come handy in your visa application.
In India the Ministry of External Affairs & the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are primarily responsible, with the involvement of other ministries or institutions when required.

What you must remember is, there are two types of visas required to shoot which differ according to your goal:

• 1.) Journalist visa
• 2.) Film visa

The Journalist Visa

The journalist visa is a visa for documentary makers, media and photo-journalists.

Visa validity: Three months from the date of Visa issuance.
In case you want to cover a particular person’s story or access a certain region, you must obtain the journalist visa.

Important Tips

• 1.) The Ministry of External Affairs has set definitions for Visa applicants. So, to get your Visa processed quickly it’s best to provide your job identity proof. According to the ministry- journalists are persons employed by a media house, company, news channel, newspaper, TV/Radio news station or a journalism-related content creation agency.
• 2.) You must state the exact purpose of your visit on the Visa application form which is easily available at your nearest Indian embassy or apply for it online.
• 3.) Journalists who wish to travel to India to make a documentary must first contact the Press and Information Wing of the Indian Consulate in their country to begin the process.

Required documents

• 1.) Valid passport with at least 6 months left before expiry.
• 2.) Passport sized photographs
• 3.) A photocopy of the passport
• 4.) A copy of the Visa application form filled out online
• 5.) Letter of invitation from the Indian concern
• 6.) Proof of identity and residential address

The Fees

This is latest journalist visa fee, though we suggest following this link for updated information.

The Film Visa

When it comes to commercial films and television shows, the Film Visa is applicable. This was introduced as recently as April, 2017 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Visa validity: One year from the date of Visa issuance

Important Tips

• 1.) The filmmaker must send details of the shoot location, content-type, crew and a letter of intent stating the production schedule to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
• 2.) If the content focuses on a living personality, a No-objection Certificate must be obtained from the person, or their legal heirs
• 3.) JIf content is being produced in collaboration with an Indian firm, a copy of the agreement between the two parties is required as part of the application. This agreement must clearly demarcate the responsibilities of each party
• 4.) If the crew requires, multiple entry visa can also be applied for.
• 5.) In specific shooting cases, a liaison offer may be assigned and shall accompany the crew through the shoot. The job of the liaison officer is to coordinate with local authorities and get clearances for the crew to proceed smoothly.

What’s the Fee?

The Film Visa for single/multiple entry costs 114 euros as of today with the addition of the ICWF fee of 3 euros. For any changes in the existing fee please visit this link.

Though we’ve covered all of the important links, it’s best to bookmark this article & the following links to maintain a go-to handbook for your Visa affairs.
Ministry of External Affairs
Ministry of Home Affairs
Film Facilitation Office

Now that you have all the info, Happy Filming!