--- title: India visa for citizens of Somalia description: "Citizens of Somalia need a visa for India and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Processing: 7–15 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/india/somalia lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # India visa for citizens of Somalia Citizens of Somalia need a visa for India and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Official application site: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Tourist Visa (e- Tourist visa not available) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 90 days - **Visa validity:** 365 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 7–15 days - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements for last 6 months showing sufficient balance (approx. USD 500) ## How to apply 1. **Determine the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate** — Since there is no Indian diplomatic mission in Somalia, apply at the Indian embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Addis Ababa, Nairobi) or the one covering your current residence. 2. **Register on Indian Visa Online portal** — Go to indianvisaonline.gov.in, select the appropriate visa category, fill the application form, and submit it. 3. **Upload required documents (photo & signature)** — Upload digital copies of your photo and signature as per specifications (JPEG, ≤300 KB). 4. **Pay the visa fee (if online payment is accepted)** — Visa fee varies by nationality; for Somalian passport holders no specific fee is publicly listed – check with the embassy. Pay online or as instructed. 5. **Book an appointment at the chosen embassy** — Visit the embassy’s website or contact them to schedule a personal appearance for document submission and biometrics. 6. **Prepare physical application package** — Print the signed application form, attach photo, gather all required original and photocopied documents. 7. **Attend appointment at the embassy** — Submit documents, provide fingerprints and photo (biometrics), and possibly answer a few questions. No interview is typically required. 8. **Wait for visa processing** — Processing generally takes 7–15 working days but can be longer. Track status on the online portal or via the embassy. 9. **Collect passport with visa** — If you opted for collection, return to the embassy to pick up your passport. If postal return is arranged, wait for courier. 10. **Review visa details before travel** — Check the visa sticker for correct validity dates, number of entries, and max stay. Notify the embassy of any errors immediately. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, validity ≥6 months)** (Identity): Original and copy of the personal information page - **Completed visa application form (online, printed, and signed)** (Identity): Form must be filled on Indian Visa Online portal - **Two recent passport-size photographs (white background, 2x2 inch)** (Identity): One must be glued on the application form - **Proof of residence in the country of application (if not Somalia)** (Supporting, optional): E.g., residence permit or visa for that country - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit and itinerary** (Supporting, optional): Optional but recommended - **Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary** (Travel): Not required for submission, but strongly advised - **Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host in India** (Travel): For tourist visa, hotel bookings for entire stay or letter of accommodation - **Bank statements for last 6 months** (Financial): Must show sufficient funds for the trip - **Income tax returns or pay slips (last 3 months)** (Financial, optional): Self-employed may provide business registration and tax returns - **Employment letter or leave approval from employer** (Employment): On company letterhead with salary details and leave dates - **Travel insurance (recommended)** (Supporting, optional): Not mandatory but strongly recommended - **Copy of previous Indian visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Helps with application history - **Police clearance certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): May be required for certain applicants or longer stays - **Self-addressed return envelope for passport delivery (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Only if the embassy provides postal return ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Equivalent of approximately USD 500 for the duration of stay - Bank statements (last 6 months) - Income tax returns - Pay slips - Sponsorship letter with sponsor’s bank statements Proof of sufficient funds is essential; self-sponsored tourists must show personal funds. ## Good to know - Somalia does not have an Indian embassy; you must apply from a third country where you hold a valid residence permit or visa. - Visa fees and processing times depend on the jurisdiction of the applying embassy and may change without notice. - It is recommended to travel to the embassy in person; some embassies may accept applications by mail for prior visa holders – confirm directly. - The Indian eVisa and visa-on-arrival facilities are NOT available for Somali passport holders. ## Common refusal reasons - **Incomplete or incorrect application form** — Double-check all fields, upload correct photos, and sign the printed form. - **Insufficient funds or lack of proof of financial means** — Provide clear bank statements showing adequate balance and stable income. - **Invalid or damaged passport (less than 6 months validity, missing pages)** — Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and has two blank visa pages. - **Failure to prove strong ties to home country (risk of overstay)** — Include evidence of employment, property, family, or other commitments in Somalia or country of residence. - **Criminal record or previous immigration violations** — Obtain a police clearance certificate if requested; be honest about any past issues. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Somalia need a visa for India? Citizens of Somalia need a visa for India and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist Visa (e- Tourist visa not available). ### How long can citizens of Somalia stay in India? Up to 90 days. ### How long does India visa processing take? Typically 7–15 days. ### What documents do citizens of Somalia need for India? Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages, validity ≥6 months); Completed visa application form (online, printed, and signed); Two recent passport-size photographs (white background, 2x2 inch); Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary; Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host in India; Bank statements for last 6 months; and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for India? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? On the official site: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ ## Sources - [indianvisaonline.gov.in](https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/) ## More - [India visa for every passport](/visa/india) - [Every destination for Somalia passport holders](/visa/passport/somalia)