Film Visa for India from Germany | ICAC Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Berlin

Film Visa ('F' Visa)

Film Visa is issued for the purpose of shooting a feature film / reality TV & Web Shows / Series, Commercial TV Serials / Shows and Web Shows / Series in India. The application for such cases will be processed only after approval from the Indian Embassy, Berlin or the Consulate as per jurisdiction on case to case basis.

Film visa processing time may be longer depending upon the case.

An approval for documentary filming may take up to 8 weeks from the date of submission of application complete in all respects.

No registration will be required with Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) if the stay during each visit does not exceed 6 months. If the intention of the foreigner on Film visa is to stay for more than 6 months, he / she should get himself / herself registered with the FRRO / FRO concerned within two weeks after the expiry of 6 months. Further, if the aggregate stay in India on Film Visa exceeds 6 months in a calendar year, the foreigner will have to get registered with the FRRO / FRO concerned.

Film Visa may be issued to cast and crew members of international productions and official coproductions shooting a Feature Film, TV / Web commercial show / series and TV / Web Reality show / series. The permission for shooting these categories of production is granted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), Government of India. The proposals are accepted and processed by the Film Facilitation Office (FFO). The application is to be submitted online on FFO website. The detailed step by step guide is available on the website. For further assistance please write to ffo@nfdcindia.com.

Important points to be noted during visa application:

When applying for an Indian visa, applicants are requested to disclose details of all passports (current / old) held by them. Failure to do so may result in rejection of their applications.
Applicants are requested to ensure details entered on the Visa application form must be exactly as in the Passport or else the visa application will be rejected.
When applying for a visa, the passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months or more. The passport must have at least three blank pages and should not be mutilated / damaged / tampered in any manner.
Suppression of facts and information will not only result in delay or denial of visa applied for but may debar the applicant from applying under this system in future.
Visa processing fees are not refundable. Fee should be deposited only after ascertaining that all correct and relevant details are entered in the application form.
The acceptance of a visa application does not automatically guarantee grant of a visa. The visa application may be modified or refused by the Indian Embassy / Consulate at their discretion. Decision of the Embassy / Consulate on the matter shall be final.
The duration and number of entries granted to the applicant will be solely at the discretion of Embassy / Consulate. No claims and correspondences shall be entertained in this regard.
Visa is valid from the date of issue and not from the date of travel.
It is strongly advised that applicants do not make any travel arrangements before obtaining an Indian visa. The Embassy of India or its Consulates cannot, under any circumstance, be held responsible for visa not issued in time.
All Visa applicants including those applying for multiple entry Tourist and Business Visas are advised to give their biometrics at the time of submission of their applications.
In case of a Minor child, a consent letter signed by both parents / if one parent, a copy of custody letter from local court is needed.
Know your correct jurisdiction before applying, and ensure you apply at the correct Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC). For more details, refer to the "How to Apply" section or "Jurisdiction" section.
Applicants coming to the Alankit ICAC for application submission must have a prior appointment, and must visit Alankit ICAC at the designated date and time only, as per the appointment letter. Applicants coming in without an appointment will not be entertained.
Fees submission at Alankit ICAC can be made through cash.
Consular surcharge of EUR 3 shall be levied on all visa services (except Gratis cases) and must be paid along with visa fee and Alankit service fee, as specified in the "Fees Details" section.
Applicants must ensure that they have all the supporting documents, as mentioned in the "Documents Checklist" section. Incomplete applications will not be accepted at Alankit ICAC.

Advisory:

For travel to India a valid visa along with passport is mandatory. Only categories exempted under bilateral arrangements may not need a visa. For persons of Indian origin (all categories), OCI card is mandatory.
Foreigners can visit restricted / prohibited areas only after getting a valid permit as visa alone is not enough to visit such places.

Click Here to know your jurisdiction

Follow the below steps in order to apply

Create an account (Register yourself) on Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. Click Here to register.
Fill the Govt of India's Online Visa Application Form. Click Here to access the Online Visa Application Portal.
Select the REGULAR/PAPER VISA APPLICATION option.
Click Here to view a sample online Indian Visa Application Form in German language. Klicken Sie hier, um ein Beispiel für ein Online-Visumantragsformular für Indien in deutscher Sprache anzuzeigen.
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.
Print and sign your application.
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.
Ensure that you have your passport, photographs and all other supporting documents, exactly as per the "Documents Checklist" section.
Visit the Alankit ICAC, as per your jurisdiction. The address and location of the ICAC will be clearly mentioned in the appontment letter.
Kindly ensure you reach the ICAC 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
Submit your application and deposit your fees at Alankit ICAC. You can check the fee for this application under the "Fee Details" section.
Enroll for Biometrics at Alankit ICAC (if required)
Your application submission process is now complete! You can avail our Courier service to get your passport delivered to your doorstep!
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.

You can refer to the below Step-By-Step diagram to understand and follow the application process.

How to apply at a glance:

Required Documents:

Printed copy of the duly filled online application form at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html (Applicant should sign the application on first page below the photo and on the last page at designated place).
Original Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages along with a photocopy of the personal information page(s).
01 recent photograph (51mm x 51mm). Application forms with photo of wrong specifications would be rejected. Photo specifications can be seen Here.
Self-attested City Registration Certificate (Meldebescheinigung) of your current German address is mandatory for all types of document processing
Additional Form (Download Form) & Documents for Passport holders other than German nationals including proof of valid German Residence Permit / Visa:
Four copies of the detailed shooting script in case of feature film and detailed concept in case of TV show/TV serials, details of visiting film crew and location of film shooting.
A letter of intent regarding the shooting of the film in India, mentioning the production schedule or the dates of shooting, particulars of the cast and crew coming to India for the purpose of the shoot/production, chosen location, list of filming equipment (if any) that is being brought into the country and other relevant details. This letter should be in the company letterhead and written in English.
Authorization letter from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India.
Additional documents for minors: Copy of Birth Certificate of the applicant, passport copies of the parents and Consent letter signed by both parents or custody document of a local court (if applicable).
Proof of payment of the applicable fee (if made through bank transfer)
Under Family details:The applicant must specify the previous nationality of both the parents. Applicant should not leave that blank.
Photograph should be mandatorily uploaded before submitting the online application form.
Print and enclose duly filled checklist. Click here to download.
Print and enclose the Applicant Consent Form. Click Here to download the Application Consent Form.

Important Advisory/Points

Journalist travelling to India for any purpose may apply for Journalist Visa only.
Tourist Visa applicants travelling by Ship, need mandatorily biometrics.
All foreigners intending to visit India are advised to check the health regulations at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ before travelling to India.
For immigration related queries like travelling with pet animals, traveling with medicine etc., please check with the airlines or visit at https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers.
Stateless persons holding travel documents may also apply for visa however they are advised to apply atleast 02 months prior of desired visit as the visa takes time.
Diplomatic/Official passport holder are advised to contact directly to the concerned Indian Embassy/Consulate for diplomatic/official visa.
All foreigner intending to visit India are advised to carry Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if coming from Yellow Fever endemic countries or with history of travel to Yellow Fever endemic countries in the last 6 days. Any Person (excluding infants below the age of six months) arriving by air or sea or land without a certificate of vaccination is to be detained in isolation for a period of 6 days.
All foreigners intending to visit in Restricted/Protected areas are advised to apply for the permission at https://indianfrro.gov.in/eservices as only the visa and passport are not sufficient to travel in these areas. The details of restricted and protected areas can be seen at https://xn--i1b5bzbybhfo5c8b4bxh.xn--11b7cb3a6a.xn--h2brj9c/en/divisionofmha/foreigners-division/protected-area-permit-pap-restricted-area-permit-rap. The normal time processing for RAP/PAP permit is 06-08 weeks.

Note: If any additional documents is required based on the application, the applicant have to provide the same.

Note: Please bring all the required original documents for verification.

Fees Details

Visa Fee (applicable to German nationals and citizens of other countries, excluding nationals from countries classified as Special Category)

Service	Duration of Visa	Visa Fee	ICWF Fee	Alankit Service Fee	Fingerprint Biometric Fee	Facial Biometric Fee	Total Fee
Film Visa	Up to 1 year/ Single or Multiple Entry (Maximum duration of the visa will be 1 year	EUR 110.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 117.55

Special Category Visa Fees (as per below details)

For Nationals of Countries	Duration of Visa	Visa Fee	ICWF Fee	Alankit Service Fee	Fingerprint Biometric Fee	Facial Biometric Fee	Total Fee
Japan	Irrespective of the duration	EUR 8.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 15.55
Mozambique	Up to 6 months	EUR 201.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 208.55
Mozambique	More than 06 months up to 1 year	EUR 274.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 281.55
Nigeria	All type of visas irrespective of duration	EUR 534.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 541.55
Pakistan	All types of Visas (Rs. 100)	EUR 2.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 9.55
Russia	Single Entry	EUR 37.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 44.55
	Double Entry	EUR 83.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 90.55
	Multiple Entry	EUR 110.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 117.55
Ukraine	Ukraine Less than 6 months	EUR 78.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 85.55
Ukraine	6 months to 1 year	EUR 119.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 126.55
USA	Up to 01 Year (Single/Double/Multiple Entries)	EUR 129.00	EUR 3.00	EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 136.55
Gratis Film visa	Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DPR Korea, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, South Africa and Seychelles.			EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 4.55
Visa Free Countries	Nepal and Bhutan (Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require Visa to enter India. However, Nepalese Nationals require Visa if they enter India from China which is granted on Gratis Basis).			EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 4.55
Visa-on-Arrival countries	Japan, South Korea and UAE (Only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or Regular/paper visa for India)			EUR 4.53	EUR 0.01	EUR 0.01	EUR 4.55

To ensure safe and timely return of documents, courier service is the standard mode of delivery for all applications submitted to Alankit ICAC’s.

Courier Charges

€26 – Within Province (with Insurance & Tracking)
€33 – Outside Province (with Insurance & Tracking)

All applications, especially postal applications are processed with return courier service to avoid delays and ensure secure delivery.

Bank Transfer Charges

An additional €0.50 applies for payments made via bank transfer, to cover transaction fees.

Disclaimer: The Indian Embassy and Consulates in Germany reserve the right to update fees in accordance with directives from the Indian Government, without prior notice. While efforts are made to publish the latest and correct fees, discrepancies may occur. In such cases, applicants may be required to pay the difference, even after submitting their applications.

FAQ's for Film Visa

Is the Indian Film Visa issued for a specific project, and will it include the name of the film and the International Production Company on the visa endorsement?

The visa would be project specific i.e. film specific and while issuing the visa, a specific endorsement would be made on the Visa indicating the name of the project i.e. the film, for which the visa is being issued along with the name of the International Production Company.

If the cast and crew are from a different country than the International Production Company producing the film, which Indian Mission will issue the Film Visa?

Considering the fact that the cast and crew may be coming from a country which is not the same as that of the Foreign Production Company which is producing the film, the Indian Mission of that respective country would issue the Film Visa to the concerned person.

What is the maximum duration of the Indian Film Visa, and does it allow multiple entries?
- The maximum duration of the Visa will be for one year with multiple entry facility.
Can the Indian Film Visa be extended, and what is the process for obtaining an extension?
- An extension can be granted subject to submission of a letter from the company that sought permission to shoot the film in India, in support of continued activity with regard to the shooting / production of the film. FRRO / FRO concerned may grant the extension of visa for a maximum period of 1 year. Application to extend the period of filming must be submitted not later than thirty days before expiry date of fully approved shooting period.
What is the maximum number of crew members allowed under the Indian Film Visa for a specific film project?
- The maximum number of crew for a specific film being shot by an international production company that can be allowed under this visa will be 125.
What are the responsibilities of the foreign production company regarding the cast and crew on an Indian Film Visa, and is registration with the FRRO/FRO mandatory for all foreign cast and crew members, regardless of their stay duration?
- The international cast and crew coming to India on a Film Visa for the film shoot shall be employed by the Foreign company seeking permission to shoot the film in India and the company shall take the responsibility for the cast and crew coming to India for filming. The foreigners coming on Film Visa will have to register himself / herself with the FRRO / FRO concerned irrespective of the duration of the Film Visa / stay of the foreigner in India.
Are foreign nationals on an Indian Film Visa required to show proof of sufficient funds and intent to return to their home country after the visa expires?
- The foreigners being given the Film Visa may need to demonstrate that they have adequate means to support themselves in India and may need to demonstrate that they have incentive to return to their place of residence when the said Visa expires.

Persons intending to travel India are advised the following for smooth journey:

kindly visit this website and select the “Guide for Travellers” PDF.

Please check the health regulations by clicking here before travelling to India.
For immigration related queries like travelling with pet animals, traveling with medicine etc., please check with the airlines or refer to
https://www.cbic.gov.in/entities/internationalTravellers (Guidelines for online work from India for International travelers)

If you are residing in	Apply at	Contact email
Berlin Brandenburg Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Sachsen Sachsen-Anhalt Thüringen	Alankit ICAC - Berlin Sud Tower, 10th Floor, Eichhornstraße 3, 10785 Berlin, Germany Phone - +49 6994322992 Apply Now	visadesk.berlin@alankit.com passportdesk.berlin@alankit.com ocidesk.berlin@alankit.com consulardesk.berlin@alankit.com
Hesse North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland	Alankit ICAC - Frankfurt 3rd Floor, Mainzer Landstraße 158, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Phone - +49 6994322992 Apply Now	visadesk.frankfurt@alankit.com passportdesk.frankfurt@alankit.com ocidesk.frankfurt@alankit.com consulardesk.frankfurt@alankit.com
Bremen Hamburg Niedersachsen Schleswig-Holstein	Alankit ICAC - Hamburg Office No. 5-3.1, 5th Floor, Am Sandtorkai 27, 20457 Hamburg, Germany Phone - +49 6994322992 Apply Now	visadesk.hamburg@alankit.com passportdesk.hamburg@alankit.com ocidesk.hamburg@alankit.com consulardesk.hamburg@alankit.com
Baden-Württemberg Bayern	Alankit ICAC - Munich 5th Floor, Weinstraße 3, 80333 München, Germany Phone - +49 6994322992 Apply Now	visadesk.munich@alankit.com passportdesk.munich@alankit.com ocidesk.munich@alankit.com consulardesk.munich@alankit.com