Press Release

liberalizes visa requirement for Poland & Lithuania

The Embassy of India has liberalised the requirements of biometric data capture for Polish & Lithuanian group tourists and postal applicants. This step is aimed at the convenience of travellers from Poland and Lithuania to India and in response to representations received from various stakeholders over the past days.

2. The Government of India has, in principle, decided to capture from 2015, biometric traits of face and fingerprints for reliable personal identification/verification of visa applicant and for faster immigration clearance. Capturing biometric data is a globally accepted good practice, increasingly being used by several countries to improve the security of their citizens. Schengen countries are also expected to make similar biometric capture mandatory in 2015.

3. In pursuance of this decision, with effect from 1st February, 2015 the Service Provider of the Embassy of India, M/s BLS International Services Ltd, started biometric data capture from visa applicants in Warsaw and Vilnius. The following categories of applicants were, however, are exempted from the biometrics requirement: i) applicants below 12 years and above 70 years of age; and ii) holders of diplomatic passports. In further liberation of norms, the Embassy has exempted biometric capture for two more categories of visa applicants till further notice. These are: a) group tourists arranged by tour operators/agencies; b) applications received by post.

4. Commenting on the development, newly-appointed Ambassador of India Ajay Bisaria said, "We are looking at ways to deepen engagement with Poland and Lithuania. We look forward to facilitating travel of our friends from here, not adding any obstacles. We want the visa experience for applicants to be positive and inviting. At the same time we stand committed to the security of all travellers." Head of the Consular Wing, Mr. G.R. Meena said that all efforts are being made to streamline issue of visas. The Indian Embassy issued 18710 visas in 2014 (16898 in Poland and 1812 in Lithuania).

5. The Embassy of India will continue to capture biometric data from those who are coming in person to the Visa Application Centre (BLS Office).

Warsaw

February 26, 2015.

Embassy of India in Warsaw is implementing online visa application system. All visa applicants are, therefore, requested to fill-in online visa application at http://indianvisaonline.gov.in. After filling-in the application form online, applicants are requested to take a printout of the application form, sign it and deposit alongwith the relevant fee and documents at our office(from Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM- 13:00 Noon)."

When filling in the application form online please select "Warsaw-Poland" in the field "Indian Mission".

"Visa applicants are advised to apply at least 5-7 working days before the departure date to India."

Visitors to India may kindly note that satellite telephone services are not permitted in India.

The decision on issuing a visa is taken by the Embassy of India, Warsaw.

There is no special procedure for making Visa faster.

Visa Processing Services (a division of BLS Groups ltd.) is an exclusive trusted partner to the Embassy of India, Poland which manages the administrative function of the visa application process.

This website provides you with the latest information and guidelines on the visa application procedures involved in making application for an Indian Visa from Poland.

NOTE: Visa application form must be dully filled in English and in capital letters.

All prospective applicants are requested to go through the guidelines for the various categories of visa, photograph specification, requisite documents required for making a visa application and the fee structure for each type of visa prior to preparing the application for submission.

As our work is administrative in nature, we are not in a position to guarantee the issuance of a visa by the Embassy of India.

These are determined only by the Embassy of India. Applicants are solely responsible for the applications they submit. Any false documentation or misrepresentation of facts and information in support of their application will have a direct bearing on the decision with regard to their application by the Embassy of India, Warsaw.