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Indian Consular Application Centre in Australia
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Film Visa

A Film Visa is granted to foreign individuals or teams intending to shoot feature films, television shows, cinema, reality TV, or commercial TV serials in India. The application process is handled by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which makes decisions within a maximum of 60 days. This visa is project-specific, meaning it is tied to the particular film or show for which permission is granted. All financial transactions related to the shoot must comply with RBI guidelines. The international cast and crew must be employed by the foreign production company seeking permission and are required to register with the local FRRO/FRO, regardless of the visa's duration. They must also strictly follow the country's foreigner regulations, including avoiding any restricted or protected areas without prior authorization. Additionally, if the cast or crew are from countries different from the production company’s base, the Film Visa will be issued by the Indian Mission or Post in the applicant's country. For documentary or advertisement shoots, a Journalist Visa is required instead. The Film Visa is typically issued for a duration of up to one year.

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. 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.
  5. Print and sign your application.  
  6. 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.  
  7. Ensure that you have your passport, photographs and all other supporting documents, exactly as per the "Documents Checklist" section. 
  8. Visit the Alankit ICAC, as per your jurisdiction. The address and location of the ICAC will be clearly mentioned in the appontment letter. 
  9. Kindly ensure you reach the ICAC 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. 
  10. Submit your application and deposit your fees at Alankit ICAC. You can check the fee for this application under the "Fee Details" section. 
  11. Enroll for Biometrics at Alankit ICAC (if required)
  12. Your application submission process is now complete! You can avail our Courier service to get your passport delivered to your doorstep!
  13. 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.
How to apply at a glance:
1 Register on our Website
2 Read our application instructions carefully, and complete the Government of India’s online form as guided.
3 Schedule Appointment
4 Visit Alankit ICAC at your scheduled date & time.
5 Submit Application & deposit Fees.
Enroll for Biometrics (if required)
6 You can Track your Application Status on our website.
7 Have your processed document(s) delivered to your doorstep.

Document Checklist

  1. Kindly complete the online visa application form carefully and ensure all details are accurate. Once completed, please print and sign the form. Kindly note that no handwritten corrections are permitted.
  2. Please provide one recent passport-size photograph (2 inch x 2 inch) meeting ICAO specifications.
  3. Submit your original passport, which should have at least six months of validity from the date of application and at least two blank pages, along with a photocopy of the passport's bio page.
  4. If your occupation is stated as "Journalist" on the visa application form, you will need to apply for a Journalist Visa, regardless of the purpose of your visit.
  5. If you are submitting your application in person, please ensure you have scheduled an appointment in advance. Applications sent by post do not require an appointment.
  6. You may make the payment using acceptable methods such as credit/debit card or cash as advised at ICAC website.

Additional Documents and Requirements

  1. You are kindly required to obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India for the proposed film or television shooting.
  2. Please submit a letter of intent from your company, clearly mentioning:
    • The production schedule and exact shooting dates.
    • Full details of the cast and crew visiting India.
    • The selected locations for filming in India.
    • A list of any filming equipment being brought into India.
    • Any other relevant information that may assist the competent authorities in evaluating your proposal.
  3. Kindly provide Appendix II, if required, and Appendix III as part of your application.
  4. If you are a non-Australian passport holder, please submit proof that you have been residing in Australia for at least two years. If you cannot provide this, your application will be forwarded for pre-approval to the Indian High Commission or Consulate General.
  5. If you plan to apply using a foreign passport (non-Australian), you will need to apply for the Film Visa at the Indian Mission or Post in your country of nationality.
  6. If you are an Australian passport holder who was previously a national of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or DPRK, you will need to complete and submit FORM D.
  7. If you were previously an Indian citizen, you are requested to provide proof of renunciation of your Indian citizenship by submitting one of the following:
    • A copy of any Indian visa, OCI, or PIO obtained after June 2010.
    • If your Indian passport has been officially cancelled, please provide a copy of the passport bio page.
    • If your Indian passport is not yet officially cancelled, kindly submit the original passport for cancellation along with your Australian or foreign citizenship certificate, Form XXII, and one passport-size photograph.
    • If your appearance differs between your Indian and current passport, please include FORM J.
    • If your name has changed, please provide a name change certificate or statutory declaration attested by a Justice of Peace or Notary (NSW residents should submit documents attested by a Notary Public only).
    • If your Indian passport has been lost and is no longer in your possession, please submit a statutory declaration explaining the loss, along with your citizenship certificate and Form XXII (NSW residents should have documents attested by a Notary Public only).

Specific Nationality Criteria

  • If you were previously a Pakistani national and do not hold dual nationality, please submit a statutory declaration stating you no longer hold Pakistani nationality.
  • If you currently hold dual nationality of Pakistan and Australia, you must apply for the visa at the Indian Mission or Post in Pakistan using your Pakistani passport.
  • If you were previously a national of Bangladesh or Sri Lanka and do not hold dual nationality, please submit a statutory declaration stating you do not hold the respective nationality.
  • The Embassy/Mission of India may request additional documents or information if necessary to process your application.


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

Fees Details

Visa Fee (applicable to Australian 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
Film Visa

Up to 1 year/ Single or Multiple Entry
(Maximum duration of the visa will be 1 year

AUD 110.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 117.55


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 the duration

AUD 8.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 15.55

Mozambique

Up to 6 months

AUD 201.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 208.55

More than 06 months up to 1 year

AUD 274.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 281.55

Nigeria

All type of visas irrespective of duration

AUD 534.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 541.55

Pakistan

All types of Visas

(Rs. 100)

AUD 2.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 9.55

Russia

Single Entry

AUD 37.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 44.55

Double Entry

AUD 83.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 90.55

Multiple Entry

AUD 110.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 117.55

Ukraine

Ukraine Less than 6 months

AUD 78.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 85.55

6 months to 1 year

AUD 119.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 126.55

USA

Up to 01 Year (Single/Double/Multiple Entries)

AUD 129.00

AUD 3.00

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 136.55

Gratis Film visa

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DPR Korea, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Africa and Seychelles.

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 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).

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 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)

AUD 4.53

AUD 0.01

AUD 0.01

AUD 4.55

Bank Transfer Charges

An additional A$0.50 applies for payments made via bank transfer, to cover transaction fees.

Disclaimer: The Indian High Commission and Consulates in Australia reserve the right to update fees in accordance with directives from the Indian Government, without prior notice. While efforts are made to publish the latest and correct fees, discrepancies may occur. In such cases, applicants may be required to pay the difference, even after submitting their applications.

FAQs – Film Visa

  1. What is a Film Visa and who can apply for it?
    A Film Visa is issued to foreign individuals or teams who wish to shoot feature films, television shows, cinema, reality TV shows, or commercial TV serials in India. It is a project-specific visa tied to the approved film or show.
  2. How long does it take to process a Film Visa?
    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting processes Film Visa applications within a maximum period of 60 days from the date of receipt.
  3. What is the validity period of the Film Visa?
    A Film Visa is typically granted for a duration of up to one year, depending on the project requirements.
  4. What are the key financial guidelines to follow while shooting in India on a Film Visa?
    All financial transactions related to the film shoot must comply strictly with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.
  5. Is it necessary for the cast and crew to register in India even if their stay is short?
    Yes, all foreign cast and crew members coming to India on a Film Visa are required to register with the local FRRO/FRO, regardless of their period of stay.
  6. Can I use a Film Visa to shoot documentaries or advertisement films in India?
    No, for documentaries and advertisement films, you will need to apply for a Journalist Visa, as Film Visa is not applicable for such shoots.
  7. If the crew belongs to a different country than the production company, where should they apply for the Film Visa?
    In such cases, the Film Visa must be obtained from the Indian Mission or Post in the applicant's country of nationality.
  8. What are the additional documents required along with the Film Visa application?
    You will need to submit prior permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, a letter of intent with production details, lists of cast, crew, filming locations, and equipment. Depending on your case, Appendix II and III may also be required.
  9. What if I hold a non-Australian passport but live in Australia?
    If you have been residing in Australia for at least two years, you can apply in Australia with proof of residency. If not, your application will need pre-approval from the Indian High Commission or Consulate General.
  10. Do Australian passport holders with past Pakistani, Afghan, or DPRK nationality need to submit any extra forms?
    Yes, if you fall under this category, you must complete and submit FORM D with your application.
  11. What if I was previously an Indian citizen?
    You will need to submit proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship, such as a cancelled passport, relevant forms (like Form XXII), and a statutory declaration if needed. Specific additional documents may apply if your name or appearance differs.

Travel Regulations

  1. Kindly visit the official website and refer to the "Guide for Travellers" PDF document for detailed information on travel procedures, required documents, and other essential guidelines.
  2. Before traveling to India, it is strongly recommended to review the latest health regulations and requirements. You can check the updated health advisories by clicking here.
  3. For immigration-related queries, such as traveling with pet animals, carrying medicines, etc., passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines or refer to the official guidelines provided by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) at: https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers. The website also provides information on online work-from-India guidelines for international travellers.
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If you are residing in Apply at Contact email
  • Canberra
Alankit ICAC - Canberra
Canberra
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Sydney
Alankit ICAC - Sydney
Sydney
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Adelaide
Alankit ICAC - Adelaide
Adelaide
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Brisbane
Alankit ICAC - Brisbane
Brisbane
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Melbourne
Alankit ICAC - Melbourne
Melbourne
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Perth
Alankit ICAC - Perth
Perth
Phone - +61-123456789