India Visa · Quick Answer
Can I Travel to India With a Criminal Record?
A criminal record does not automatically bar you from an India visa, but you must answer the application questions truthfully. Serious or recent convictions can lead to additional scrutiny or refusal. The e-Visa asks about prior convictions; lying is grounds for refusal and a future ban.
- Processing time
- May be longer with checks
- Cost
- Same as the visa type
- Validity
- Per visa
- Eligibility
- Case by case
- How to apply
- Declare honestly on the form
For minor or old convictions, a truthful application is often still approved. For serious offences, expect background verification and possible refusal; a sticker visa via the embassy with a covering letter is sometimes clearer than the e-Visa.
Frequently asked questions
Will a spent conviction stop me getting an India visa?
Not necessarily, but declare it if asked; non-disclosure is worse than the conviction.
Should I use a sticker visa instead of an e-Visa with a record?
For complex histories, a sticker visa with a covering letter to the embassy can be clearer than the e-Visa.