Indian visa for US-born babies: requirements and guidelines

US-born babies need an Indian visa to travel to the country. The ease of obtaining the visa depends on the baby’s citizenship status and the nationality of the parents.

Even newborn babies need the right permission to travel to India. An Indian visa for a US-born baby is a travel document that allows him/her to enter and stay in the country for a specific period. Fortunately, it is easy to obtain for babies born in the USA.

The type of permission the child needs will depend on whether the child only has American citizenship or is born to a parent(s) of Indian origin holding an Overseas Citizenship of India(OCI) Card. Please note that if one parent(s) is of Indian origin but isn’t an Indian citizen, the child needs a visa. However, both types are easy to obtain and straightforward to use.

Is a visa required for children?

Every foreign traveler needs a visa to stay in India regardless of age. It includes newborns, infants, children, and teenagers. Therefore, parents or guardians must fill out separate visa applications for each child.

Only children who possess Indian citizenship, inclusive of those holding Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status, are visa-exempt.

Entering India for a newborn with American citizenship

Babies with only American citizenship will need to get a visa to India, just like their parents or guardians need. In order to do this, they will need a passport from the USA. This might be the most difficult part of the process, as both parents must present themselves and the baby. Additionally, documentation of his or her birth at a designated passport location will be required.

Once this is complete, the passport should arrive within a few weeks. Families can also request expedited service from the United States Passport Agency. They will get a passport for the baby within 8 business days. Please note that they will try to accommodate a traveler’s needs if they require the passport faster than that.

Documents required for the online visa

In addition to the passport, the babies with American citizenship will need the following supporting documents:

• A photograph that meets the country’s standards
• Parents must fill out the Indian e-visa application

Applicants must print and bring the approved visa when taking their baby to the country.

Getting a US passport for a newborn

It’s important to plan and give enough time for the baby’s passport to arrive, especially if there are upcoming travel plans. To get a passport for a baby born in the US, parents or guardians need to collect the necessary documents:

• Proof of the baby’s citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate)
• Proof of parental relationship. Both parents must be present with the baby at a designated passport acceptance facility or agency
• Parents will need to complete the DS-11 form (application for a US passport)
• Provide two passport-sized photographs of the baby
• Pay the applicable fees

Having a parent apply for the e-visa

Once the US passport is received, the best way for a newborn with American citizenship to obtain an Indian e-visa is for the parents or guardians to apply online on behalf of the baby. To apply for the e-visa, parents or guardians can fill out the application form with accurate information, including:

• Baby’s details
• Passport information
• Travel itinerary

Thereon, parents can upload the baby’s digital photograph and pay the applicable visa fee. After applying, they should receive a response regarding the e-visa approval within 4 business days.

Few tips when applying for a visa

As stated above, US Passport holders can apply for an e-visa on behalf of their babies. They must fill out the sections of the Indian eVisa application form where details of the father and mother must be shared.

Additionally, on the visa portal, selecting the option "NA/Minor" when filling in the field related to education is advised.

Are there any exceptions?

It is important to note that e-Visas are not available to all nationalities. If an applicant’s parents or grandparents belong to Pakistan, they are also ineligible to apply for an online visa. In such cases, parents can apply for a regular visa at an Indian embassy or consulate.

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Entry into India for newborns of OCI holders

The Indian Constitution does not allow dual citizenship. The Indian government has an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) program. It allows people of Indian origin to register as OCI cardholders. Such cardholders have a lifelong visa and other privileges but are not Indian citizens.

Therefore, all children of OCI card holders, including babies, must obtain a visa before entering India. However, minor children with both parents as Indian citizens or with one parent being an Indian citizen are qualified for an OCI Card.

Note: The PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) Card is no longer issued. Hence, an OCI Card must be secured for babies if applicants wish to travel without a visa.

Documents required for OCI card for minors

The following documents will be required for the OCI card for minors:

• The current passport of the minor
• Birth certificate
• Proof of Indian origin (such as a copy of a canceled Indian passport and renunciation certificate of parents)
• Marriage certificate of the parents
• The images must be in jpeg or jpg format, with a maximum size of 30 kb
• A naturalization certificate of parents and grandparents is required.

Documentation for American babies with a single parent

For children with only one parent, it’s essential to provide the following:

• the relevant death certificate (if applicable)
• a copy of the divorce court order (indicating sole custody of the child to the parent applying for the visa)

Key pointers for babies arriving on India visa

The following information will come in handy to parents applying for a visa for their infants:

Visa Fees

• Double-entry visa: USD 27.50
• Multiple-entry tourist visa for 1 year: USD 43
• OCI card: USD 278

Visa Processing Times

• India e-Visa: Check processing times available
• Regular visa for infants: 7 working days
• OCI card: 4-5 weeks from the date of registration of the application in the consulate

Visa Requirements

• Vaccination certificate for yellow fever or polio (if applicable)
• Minor’s ID and birth certificate
• Medical information such as allergies, vaccinations, and special needs

Validity

Indian e-visas for children have the same validity as visas for adults. Parents may select the following types of online visas for their children:

• 1-Month Tourist E-Visa: valid for 30 days
• 1-Year Tourist E-Visa: valid for 365 days

Even medical e visas are also available for children now. Please note that this information is subject to change at any time. It is always best to check with an Indian embassy for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and processing times.

"Make sure your images are high in quality and not blurry. This will avoid delays."

-Natvisa Specialist

Can a child have both an American and Indian passport

No, it is illegal to have both an American and Indian passport, as India does not recognize dual citizenship. If a child is born in America to parents of Indian origin, they can get an OCI card for the baby.

Conclusion

Visiting India with a newborn can allow families to travel the world together or let international relatives meet the baby. Whether the US-born baby has American citizenship or is born to OCI card holders, getting into the country is easy, provided travelers have a necessary visa (if applicable to OCI Card holders).

Indian-origin parents can choose between getting an OCI Card or a visa for their US-born babies. Alternatively, they can travel with their infants to India once they receive approval for their visa application before travel.