Afghan nationals planning to visit India must use the dedicated Afghan Visa service available on the Government of India’s Indian Visa Online portal. This system offers six visa categories, including Business, Student, Medical, Medical Attendant, Entry and UN Diplomat Visa.
Each category has different eligibility conditions, supporting documents, permitted entries and visa validity. Applicants must select the correct purpose of travel and upload the documents specified for that category. This guide explains the available Afghan visa options, the application process, ETA requirements and important rules to check before travelling to India.
What Is the Afghan Visa Module?
The Afghan Visa Module is a dedicated online visa application facility for Afghan nationals. It is available through the official Indian Visa Online portal and is managed by the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Unlike the standard eVisa application page, the Afghan Visa Module displays visa services specifically designed for applicants holding Afghan nationality. It allows eligible applicants to select their visa category, submit the required information and documents, and track the application online.
The portal currently lists six categories:
- Business Visa
- Student Visa
- Medical Visa
- Medical Attendant Visa
- Entry Visa
- UN Diplomat Visa
Applicants should use the dedicated Afghan Visa page rather than selecting a category from the standard eVisa form. You can also read our Indian Visa Guide to understand the different visa systems available for travel to India.
Types of Indian Visas Available for Afghan Nationals
The Afghan Visa Module provides six categories. However, the permitted duration and number of entries can vary within a category depending on the applicant’s purpose and circumstances.
| Visa Category | Main Purpose | Validity and Entries Displayed on the Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Business Visa | Business activities, investors, industrial ventures and specified sports-related visits | Generally multiple entry for 1 year; sports-related cases may have a shorter validity |
| Student Visa | Recognised educational courses, ICCR scholarships and eligible student dependents | Four entries; validity generally corresponds to the course duration |
| Medical Visa | Medical treatment in India | Triple entry for 2 months |
| Medical Attendant Visa | Accompanying an Afghan patient travelling on a Medical Visa | Triple entry for 2 months, subject to the patient’s visa validity |
| Entry Visa | Eligible family visits, cultural activities, property-related cases and other specified purposes | Depends on the specific purpose. Options include 30 days, 2 months, 3 months and 1 year |
| UN Diplomat Visa | UN diplomats and their eligible dependents | Single entry for 30 days or 3 months, depending on the purpose |
These are the visa options displayed on the official portal, not a guarantee that every applicant will receive the maximum validity or number of entries. The competent authority decides the visa grant according to the application and applicable conditions.
1. Afghan Business Visa
Afghan nationals travelling to India for eligible business activities can apply under the Business Visa category. The portal covers several purposes, including:
- Establishing an industrial or business venture in India.
- Investors and individuals required to travel frequently for long-term business activities.
- Other eligible business activities.
- Sports persons and coaches participating in commercial sports events in India under a contract.
- Eligible dependents of business applicants.
For the main business categories, the portal displays a multiple-entry visa with a validity of one year. Sports-related applicants may receive a multiple-entry visa for six months or the duration of the assignment, whichever is earlier. Dependent visas are linked to the validity of the principal applicant’s visa.
Documents Required for Business Visa
The official portal lists the following documents for the relevant business categories:
- Copy of the passport page containing personal particulars.
- Copy of the Afghan National Identity Card, known as the Tazkira.
- Invitation letter from an Indian company.
- Original signed letter from the company in the applicant’s country of residence.
- Recommendation letter from the Afghan Chamber of Commerce or an Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Sports-related applicants have different supporting-document requirements. These include approval from the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, a letter from the organising committee in India and, where applicable, evidence of tax compliance from a previous visit.
Dependents must provide a relationship certificate, such as a birth or marriage certificate. Check the exact document list displayed for your selected purpose on the official Afghan Visa Module.
2. Afghan Student Visa
Afghan nationals seeking admission to eligible educational institutions in India can apply under the Student Visa category. The official portal includes the following purposes:
- Students awarded scholarships through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- Admission to full-time structured courses at recognised Central Government, State Government or private educational institutions.
- Students returning to India to continue or complete a course for which they previously held a valid Student Visa.
- Eligible spouses and children of Afghan nationals coming to India for higher studies or research.
The Student Visa generally allows four entries, and its validity corresponds to the duration of the educational course. A dependent applicant may receive a different validity linked to the principal student’s visa.
Documents Required for Student Visa
The documents depend on the student’s admission and application category. The official portal lists documents such as:
- Passport personal particulars page.
- Afghan National Identity Card (Tazkira).
- Admission letter from a recognised Indian educational institution mentioning the course duration.
- ICCR scholarship award documentation, where applicable.
- Duly completed Student Undertaking Form.
- Evidence of financial support, where required.
- Approval or No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for applicants joining medical or paramedical courses, where applicable.
- Student ID or recent admission confirmation from the educational institution, where applicable.
Applicants applying as dependents must provide the relevant relationship certificate. The portal may also require financial documents or other supporting papers depending on the selected student category.
3. Afghan Medical Visa
Afghan nationals who need medical treatment at an Indian hospital can apply for a Medical Visa through the dedicated module.
The official portal displays a triple-entry Medical Visa with a validity of two months. Applicants must submit the passport personal particulars page, Tazkira and a system-generated medical invitation letter issued by the Indian hospital.
If the applicant is a minor, the portal also requires a consent letter signed by a parent.
Documents Required for Medical Visa
- Copy of passport personal particulars page.
- Copy of Afghan National Identity Card (Tazkira).
- System-generated medical invitation letter from the Indian hospital.
- Consent letter signed by a parent for a minor applicant.
Before applying, confirm that the hospital has generated the required medical invitation through the applicable system. A general appointment message should not be assumed to replace the document specified by the visa portal.
4. Afghan Medical Attendant Visa
An Afghan national accompanying a patient travelling to India on a Medical Visa may apply for a Medical Attendant Visa, subject to the conditions displayed by the portal.
The official module specifically lists Afghan nationals under this category. It provides for triple entry and a validity of two months, with the attendant’s visa validity linked to that of the principal patient.
Documents Required for Medical Attendant Visa
- Copy of passport personal particulars page.
- Copy of Afghan National Identity Card (Tazkira).
- System-generated medical invitation letter from the Indian hospital.
The attendant should check that the patient’s Medical Visa and the attendant’s visa details are aligned. The attendant should also follow the travel conditions applicable to this category.
5. Afghan Entry Visa
The Entry Visa category covers several specific purposes that do not fall under the other Afghan visa categories. Applicants must select the purpose that accurately matches their circumstances.
The official portal lists the following eligible purposes:
- Artists, cultural personalities, academicians and professionals participating in short-term cultural activities sponsored by reputed Indian institutions without remuneration.
- Minor children accompanying an Afghan parent who is travelling to India for medical treatment.
- Minor children from previous marriages of an Afghan national married to an Indian citizen, Person of Indian Origin or OCI cardholder.
- Afghan nationals who own property in India and have the required Reserve Bank of India permission and property registration documents.
- Ordinary passport-holding dependents of diplomats or officials assigned to India, including officials working with UN and non-UN international organisations.
- Afghan parents or legal guardians accompanying a minor child below 18 years who is travelling to India on a Student Visa.
- Dependent parents of an Afghan student coming to India for higher education or research.
- Specified Afghan seamen returning to India for discharge at the port of their engagement.
- Persons of Indian Origin without an OCI card, and eligible spouses or children of Indian citizens, Persons of Indian Origin or OCI cardholders.
- Members of minority communities in Afghanistan, specifically Hindus and Sikhs, visiting friends or relatives or travelling for pilgrimage and religious purposes.
Entry Visa Validity and Documents
There is no single validity period for every Entry Visa applicant. The portal displays different options according to the selected purpose, including:
- Single entry for 30 days for specified cultural activities.
- Triple entry for two months for a minor child accompanying a medical patient, linked to the patient’s visa validity.
- Multiple entry for one year for certain family-related and property-related purposes.
- Multiple entry linked to the principal applicant’s visa for eligible dependents of diplomats or officials.
- Single entry for three months for the specified seamen category.
- Other purpose-specific options displayed by the portal.
Supporting documents may include institutional invitation letters, a birth certificate, an Indian relative’s passport or OCI card, RBI permission, a Certificate of Discharge Book (CDC), travel itinerary or a relationship certificate.
For example, an Afghan applicant seeking a visa to visit an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder may need to submit proof of the relationship and a copy of the relevant Indian passport or OCI card. Property-related applicants must provide the required RBI permission and property documents.
Because the requirements differ considerably, applicants should check the document list against their exact Entry Visa purpose before submitting the form.
6. Afghan UN Diplomat Visa
The UN Diplomat Visa is intended for Afghan UN diplomats assigned to India or visiting the country, along with eligible dependents.
The official portal displays single-entry options with validity of 30 days or three months, depending on whether the applicant is assigned to India or visiting.
Documents Required for UN Diplomat Visa
- Copy of passport personal particulars page.
- Copy of Afghan National Identity Card (Tazkira).
- Note Verbale issued through the appropriate official channel, along with its attachment.
- Additional information form, where applicable.
- MEA consent letter in cases involving new positions, where required.
Applicants should coordinate with the relevant organisation and official authorities to obtain the required documentation before submitting the application.
Common Documents Required for Afghan Visa Applications
Although every visa category has separate supporting-document requirements, the Afghan Visa Module specifies certain documents that applicants must upload as part of the application.
- Passport: A clear copy of the passport page containing personal particulars.
- Tazkira: A copy of the Afghan National Identity Card containing the applicant’s personal details.
- Photograph: A recent, front-facing photograph with a white background, following the portal’s specifications.
- Category-specific documents: Supporting documents such as an invitation letter, admission confirmation, medical invitation or relationship certificate, depending on the selected visa.
Additional documents may be required for particular purposes. The official portal displays the relevant list under each visa category. Applicants should not assume that the common documents alone are sufficient for every application.
Important Document Instructions
- All supporting documents, including invitation letters and business cards, must be in English.
- Photographs and scanned documents must be clear and readable.
- Enter your name, passport number, address and date of birth carefully.
- Keep the original documents available because immigration authorities may require verification.
The portal warns that unclear photographs or documents may make an application liable for rejection. It does not provide one universal document-size limit for every category on the information page, so follow the upload specifications shown during your application.
How to Apply for an Indian Visa Through the Afghan Visa Module
Afghan nationals can submit their visa applications online through the dedicated portal. Follow the steps below:
- Open the official Afghan Visa portal: Visit Indian Visa Online for Afghanistan nationals.
- Select the visa category: Choose Business, Student, Medical, Medical Attendant, Entry or UN Diplomat Visa according to your purpose of travel.
- Read the category instructions: Check the permitted purpose, number of entries, validity and supporting documents displayed for the selected option.
- Start a new application: Open the visa application form and enter the requested personal, passport and travel details.
- Upload the documents: Upload your photograph, passport page, Tazkira and category-specific supporting documents in the formats accepted by the portal.
- Review the application: Check your personal details and uploaded documents carefully before submitting the form. The portal states that modifications are not allowed after submission.
- Submit and save the Application ID: After submission, the system generates an Application ID. Keep it safe for tracking your application and future communication.
- Check the application status: Use the Afghan Visa Status Enquiry page to check the latest status.
- Wait for the ETA decision: If the application is approved, check that the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) status shows GRANTED before travelling.
Submitting the online form does not itself mean that the visa has been approved. Applicants must wait for the final decision and follow any additional instructions displayed by the authorities.
How to Check Afghan Visa Application Status
After submitting the application, applicants can check its progress through the official status enquiry facility.
- Visit the Afghan Visa Status Enquiry page.
- Enter the required application details, including the Application ID.
- Submit the information to view the latest application status.
- Follow any additional instructions shown by the portal.
Applicants should keep their Application ID safe. It is also useful when contacting the relevant authorities about an application.
Can You Edit or Resume an Afghan Visa Application?
The Afghan Visa Module provides separate options for certain application-related tasks.
- Complete Partially Filled Application: This option allows an applicant to return to an application that was saved but not submitted.
- Reupload Data: This option is available for applicants who need to reupload data as permitted by the portal.
- Print Visa Application: Applicants can use the available option to print their application details.
- Check Visa Status: Applicants can track the status of a submitted application.
These options do not mean that an already submitted application can be freely edited. The portal clearly states that modifications are not allowed after submission. Review all details before completing the final submission.
ETA and Important Rules Before Travelling to India
Once the Afghan visa application is approved, the portal provides an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Applicants should follow these instructions before travelling:
- Check the ETA status: Confirm that the status is shown as GRANTED before starting your journey.
- Carry a printed ETA copy: Keep a copy of the Electronic Travel Authorization with your travel documents.
- Carry your passport: Make sure you have the passport used for the visa application.
- Keep the previous passport if applicable: The official portal states that entry may be allowed on a new passport even when the ETA was issued on the old passport, provided the traveller also carries the old passport containing the ETA.
- Complete biometric verification: Biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph, are captured at immigration on arrival in India.
- Follow the visa conditions: Travel only for the purpose and within the validity and entry conditions granted by the authorities.
An ETA should not be treated as a substitute for checking the final travel conditions. Airlines and immigration authorities may verify the travel documents and approval details before allowing the journey.
FRRO Registration Rules for Afghan Nationals
Foreign nationals may have to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) after arriving in India. Afghan nationals have also been covered by separate nationality-specific registration instructions in the past.
However, the older Ministry of Home Affairs document that mentions registration within 14 days and an exemption for visas of 30 days or less is based on a 2014 policy. The document itself states that the policy would continue only up to 30 June 2016. It should therefore not be presented as proof of the current registration deadline.
Afghan applicants should check the latest instructions applicable to their visa and circumstances before travelling. For confirmation, contact the concerned FRRO/FRO or refer to the official e-FRRO portal and the Ministry of Home Affairs Foreigners-I Division.
For a broader explanation of the registration process, read our guide to Indian visa types and entry requirements.
Official Website and Important Links
| Service | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Afghan Visa Module | Apply for an Afghan Visa |
| Afghan Visa Status | Check Application Status |
| Complete Partially Filled Application | Resume Saved Application |
| Reupload Application Data | Reupload Data |
| FRRO Services | Official e-FRRO Portal |
| Ministry of Home Affairs | Foreigners-I Division |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. Afghan nationals should use the dedicated Afghan Visa Module displayed on the official Indian Visa Online portal. It provides six visa categories specifically for applicants from Afghanistan.
Ans. It is a dedicated online visa application facility for Afghan nationals. The portal is managed by the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, and provides Business, Student, Medical, Medical Attendant, Entry and UN Diplomat Visa options.
Ans. The official Afghan Visa Module currently lists six categories: Business, Student, Medical, Medical Attendant, Entry and UN Diplomat Visa.
Ans. Applicants generally need a passport personal particulars page, Afghan National Identity Card (Tazkira), recent photograph and supporting documents based on the selected visa category. The exact document list is displayed on the official portal.
Ans. Yes. The Afghan Visa Module lists a copy of the National Identity Card (Tazkira) among the mandatory application documents.
Ans. Yes. Eligible applicants can submit their applications through the dedicated Afghan Visa Module.
Ans. No. The official portal states that each online application form is meant for one person. Separate applications must be submitted for each applicant.
Ans. The official portal states that modifications are not allowed after submission. Check your personal details, passport information and uploaded documents carefully before submitting the form.
Ans. Visit the official Afghan Visa Status Enquiry page and enter the required application details.
Ans. GRANTED indicates that the Electronic Travel Authorization has been approved. Applicants should confirm this status before beginning their journey and carry a copy of the ETA.
Ans. The portal displays a multiple-entry Business Visa with a validity of one year for specified business purposes. Sports-related applications may have a validity of six months or the assignment duration, whichever is earlier.
Ans. The official portal displays four entries for the Student Visa. Its validity generally corresponds to the duration of the educational course.
Ans. The Afghan Visa Module displays a triple-entry Medical Visa with a validity of two months.
Ans. An eligible Afghan national can apply for a Medical Attendant Visa to accompany a patient holding a Medical Visa. The attendant’s visa validity is linked to the patient’s visa.
Ans. Yes, the Entry Visa category includes specified family-related purposes, such as eligible visits to Indian citizens, Persons of Indian Origin and OCI cardholders.
Ans. The official portal states that entry may be allowed on the new passport even if the ETA was issued on the old passport. In that situation, the traveller must also carry the old passport containing the ETA.
Ans. Yes. The Afghan Visa Module states that biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph, are captured at immigration on arrival in India.
Ans. Afghan nationals should check the latest nationality-specific registration instructions applicable to their visa. An older MHA document mentions a 14-day rule and an exemption for certain short visas, but that document states that its policy was valid only up to 30 June 2016. Do not rely on it as confirmation of the current deadline.
Ans. The official application page is indianvisaonline.gov.in/avisa/. It is managed by the Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Tabassum is a government document researcher and writer with over 5 years of experience exclusively dedicated to tracking and simplifying Central and State Government document processes across India. She has researched and published detailed guides on 100+ government documents and certificates – including Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Ration Card, Domicile Certificate, and Birth Certificate – covering all states and the Central Government, helping lakhs of Indian citizens successfully complete their paperwork in simple, easy-to-understand language.