By applying for an India sports visa, sportspersons or members of international teams can benefit from taking part in games. In addition to that, they can bring along their loved ones to India for emotional support.
This blog will provide you with handy information of value about the steps to apply for an India sports visa, requirements, validity period, etc.
Eligibility
Sports visa is issued for the athletes who:
- Have received an invitation to foreign sports teams
- Sportspersons to visit India
Sports visas are not typically the first visa choice for sportspeople with business or other short-stay visas in India.
Some eligibility criteria have to be met to apply for an India sports visa. The eligibility criteria are complex and may vary depending on the reason you come to India.
Events that involve nationals of the Prior Reference Category (PRC) countries such as:
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Iraq
- Sudan
- Foreigners of Pakistani origin
- Stateless persons
May require further consultation or checkups.
In such Circumstances where participants should visit restricted or protected areas in:
- India
- Jammu
- Kashmir
- North Eastern States (except the states of Manipur, Mizoram, or Nagaland)
The Indian Missions/ Posts shall issue a visa to the participants only to clear the visa to the members of the sports team who are coming to India with the objective of participation in the sports league. In addition to that, the sports team visa request should also be sent to receive:
- The clearance of the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports
- Approval for holding the event from the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Political permission from the Ministry of External Affairs
Note: Participants from the countries specified above must apply for a visa at the concerned Mission online. Sports teams and sports persons will receive an “X-SP” visa.
Foreign nationals hired to play in commercial sports events in India who get remuneration should apply for an India business visa (B-Sports).
Sports Bodies Members of foreign countries who attend the International Olympic Association should apply for an India conference visa. The sportsperson must apply before coming to India if they are from a foreign country. Furthermore, the person should show the letter of the sports team certificate, confirming they are professional athletes, coaches, or sportspersons.
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Endorsement of the sportsperson by the sports’ governing body
A certificate of sponsorship will be given to the sportsperson or sports team in the sponsoring club to endorse the applicant for their sports. The endorsement will confirm that the sports player has a great international identity to play a significant role in the development of the team or game in India.
Sportsperson Points Assessment
If you need to apply for a sports visa, you must achieve at least 70 points from the following areas:
Sponsorship
Fifty points for the ownership of a Tier 2 Sports Person certificate of sponsorship.
Maintenance
Ten points for showing proof of having accessible assets of 800 USD in your bank account for a minimum of months before applying for an India sports visa.
How to Get an Indian Sports Visa?
Before applying for a sports visa, you have to get your sponsorship from an authorized sports visa sponsor. Approved sports visa sponsors include government agencies and Indian companies who administer game events in India.
The organizer should submit the proposal for the international sports event to the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports for clearance. After that, the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports will refer the proposals to the Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the Ministry of External Affairs for receiving clearance at least 30 days before the event. Then you will get authorization to travel to India for sports purposes.
Duration of stay in India
Under a sports visa, you will be able to stay in India for a maximum of three years or the due time on your certificate of sponsorship. If you want to stay more, you can apply for your sports visa extension.
Dependents condition
Suppose your dependents are coming with you to India under a sports visa category. In that case, you need to set aside for your loved ones to travel to India. You also need to grant the documents proving you are together and the person is eager to come with you during the sports event.
Visa extension
The concerned Indian Sports Federation India can extend an India sports visa only after the Government’s approval at the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Documents required for an India sports visa
Like any other type of visa, there are some requirements you will have to provide for a sports visa. Those include:
Sports visa application duly filled, printed, and signed
Complying recent photo
Valid passport
Personal Cover Letter
In which you explain the reason why you are coming to India and what you do while you are here.
Flight reservation
You should include the flight numbers, and entry and exit dates in India.
Proof of accommodation
You also have to include the status of where you will stay while you are in India by submitting the following documents:
- Hotel Booking
A letter provided by the accommodation or hotel specifying the address, contact number, and the period you will stay.
- Letter of Invitation
A letter of invitation from the Indian authority of sports is mandatory, specifying your whole period of stay in India.
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Means of Finance
- Bank account statements
Prove you have a sufficient amount for the time you will stay in India.
- Letter of sponsorship
A letter from the sports authorities and sponsors of your trip, mentioning the objective of your journey and covered expenses.
Let’s recap!
An India sports visa will grant you the opportunity to participate in an international game in India. You can travel with the members of your team, your coach, or even individually. We have mentioned all the steps to get an India sports visa above in the easiest way you can.
Do you have any experience on a sports visa? Please share it in the comments to clarify others!
FAQs
What are the first requirements to get an India sports visa?
It’s to get an invitation from an Indian team or organization
Does anyone have restrictions?
Yes, the PRC list of countries; look at the article.
Who is eligible to sponsor foreign teams on a sports visa?
Government agencies and Indian companies administer game events in India.
How long can we stay in India?
For up to 3 years.
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- Max-B.
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