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. 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.  

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. You need to complete and submit the online visa application form through the official government portal, then download, print, and sign it. Click here for application form.
2. Include one recent passport-sized photograph (2” x 2”) that meets ICAO specifications.
3. Provide your current original passport with at least six months of validity from the application date and two blank pages.
4. Submit a photocopy of your passport’s bio-data page.
5. If you plan to submit your application in person, please schedule an appointment online. This is not required if you apply by post.
6. Prepare your payment using EFTPOS, credit card (MasterCard or Visa issued in Australia), cash (if paying in person), or a money/postal order.
7. Don’t forget to sign and include a copy of this checklist with your application.

Additional Documents

1. If you are engaged in journalism activities:
   • Provide a letter from the Australian company or yourself outlining the story, interview plans, and purpose of your visit.
   • If you plan to carry out any filming, please complete FORM F and include one additional photograph.
2. If you are applying using a foreign passport (non-Australian):
   • Please include proof of your current valid visa status in Australia (such as VEVO, visa grant notice, or visa sticker).
   • If you have dual nationality (for example, Australia and the UK), include a copy of the photo page of your Australian passport.
3. If you were previously a national of Pakistan, Afghanistan, DPRK, or certain other countries, or are not a permanent resident in Australia:
   • You are kindly requested to complete FORM D (available online).
4. If you previously held Indian citizenship:
   • You need to provide proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship, such as consular services documentation issued after 1 June 2010, or
   • You can submit a photocopy of your officially cancelled Indian passport bio page, or
   • You may submit your original Indian passport for cancellation along with your citizenship certificate, Form XXII, and one photograph.
   • If your appearance in the Indian passport and Australian passport differs from what is shown on the forms, please also provide FORM J.
   • If your name differs between passports, please include a name change certificate or a statutory declaration.
   • If your Indian passport is lost, you should provide a statutory declaration explaining the loss, along with proof of citizenship and Form XXII.

Specific Nationality Guidelines

1. If you hold dual nationality with Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka, please provide both passports; the visa will be issued on your respective national passport.
2. If you are an ex-national without dual nationality, please include a statutory declaration confirming your status.
3. Pakistani nationals visiting multiple Indian cities are kindly requested to submit multiple sets of the application as per the number of cities.
4. New Zealand passport holders who are permanent residents of Australia are asked to provide a copy of their Medicare card.
5. Czech passport holders applying should have lived in Australia for at least one year, hold a passport valid for at least one year from application, and provide medical insurance covering the entire stay in India.
6. Additional documents may be requested by the High Commission to process your application smoothly.

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)

Special Category Visa Fees (as per below details)

FAQ's for Journalist Visa

1. Who is eligible to apply for a Journalist Visa?
• A Journalist Visa is granted to professional journalists and photographers planning to visit for up to three months for reporting or photography purposes.
2. How long is the Journalist Visa valid?
• The visa allows a stay of up to three months and can be issued for single or double entry.
3. Is there a special document required for my journalism activities?
• Yes. You should provide a letter from your employer or yourself detailing the story, places you plan to visit, interviews, and the purpose of your visit. If filming is involved, you will need to complete FORM F and include an extra photograph.
4. How long does visa processing take?
• Please allow up to one month for the processing of documentary proposals, so plan your application accordingly.
5. Do I need to schedule an appointment to submit my application?
• If submitting your application in person, scheduling an appointment online is recommended.
6. What if I hold dual nationality or am applying with a foreign passport?
• You should provide proof of your current visa status in Australia and include copies of both passports if you hold dual nationality. Certain additional forms may be required depending on your previous nationality.
7. I was previously an Indian citizen. What documents do I need to submit?
• You will need to provide proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship, which can include consular service documents, a photocopy of a cancelled Indian passport, or your original Indian passport for cancellation, along with other supporting forms such as Form XXII and FORM J if your appearance differs between passports.
8. Are there specific requirements for nationals of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, or the Czech Republic?
• Yes, specific guidelines apply, such as submitting both passports if you hold dual nationality or providing a Medicare card if you are a New Zealand passport holder residing in Australia. Czech passport holders must meet residency, passport validity, and medical insurance requirements.

Passengers planning to travel to India from Australia are advised to take note of the following important guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey:

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.