fiktionsbescheinigung travel to india

The Expatrist

Travel With Fiktionsbescheinigung: Guide + Where You Can Go

Fiktionsbescheinigung is a common document many foreigners living in Germany encounter. An immigration office issues Fiktionsbescheinigung, also known as a fictitious certificate, when your current residence permit is about to expire, and you apply for a new one. Many applicants want to travel with Fiktionsbescheinigung, so the question arises whether it’s possible and how to go about it.

You can travel abroad if the Fiktionsbescheinigung was issued to prolong an existing and currently valid residence permit. For this, the Fiktionsbescheinigung must be regulated under §81 Section 4 of the Residence Act. If Fiktionsbescheinigung was issued under §81 Section 3 of the Residence Act, a foreigner can not travel outside Germany and re-enter the country.

The Fiktionsbescheinigung in German extends to you the same rights you had before. Therefore, you can travel abroad, but some other factors must be considered. Read this article to learn more about Fiktionsbescheinigung in Germany and how to travel with it.

Also read this guide on how to change a visa or residence permit in Germany .

Traveling with Fiktionsbescheinigung: all you need to know

A foreigner can travel with a Fiktionsbescheinigung or fiction certificate under certain conditions. The most crucial factor here is the paragraph and Section a Fiktionsbescheinigung is subject to.

A typical Fiktionsbescheinigung (§81 Section 4) is issued to extend to you the same rights that you had before, assuming you made an application while having a valid residence permit or visa D type.

That means that Fiktionsbescheinigung gives you the same rights as your previous German residence permit. Therefore, you are allowed to leave Germany and travel to other EU states.

However, Fiktionsbescheinigung is similar to the regular German residence permit. It doesn’t give additional permissions for entering other than EU and EEA states. Therefore, you need to check the visa requirements for each country you want to visit. It will all depend on your citizenship.

If, however, you applied for Fiktionsbescheinigung when your residence permit or visa has expired, or you never had them before, you can not travel abroad, i.e., re-enter Germany.

When is Fiktionsbescheinigung issued? The temporary resident permit or Fiktionsbescheinigung will be given to you if the immigration office can not issue a residence permit at the moment. This can be due to missing documents or something else.

In general, there are two different types of Fiktionsbescheinigung: one is issued following §81 Section 4 of the Residence Act and another with §81 Section 3 of the Residence Act.

The first option allows you to travel abroad and re-enter Germany an unlimited number of times. While traveling, you must carry a valid passport with you.

You can see the related Residence Act here .

How To Change A Visa Status in Germany?

What is Fiktionsbescheinigung?

A Fiktionsbescheinigung or fictitious certificate in English is a document issued to a foreigner by the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany to give them a temporary right of residence in Germany. In other words, a Fiktionsbescheinigung is a temporary residence permit.

A Fiktionsbescheinigung is issued when your residence in Germany is still lawful at the time of applying for the issue or renewal of a residence permit. This document will be given to you during the application or renewal of a residence permit.

There are three different types of Fiktionsbescheinigung

Your right to travel will depend on which type of Fiktionsbescheinigung you have:

1. Fortbestandsfiktion (Continuance) – §81 Section 4 of the Residence Act

As a rule, if you have a valid residence permit (temporary residence permit or national visa D), you will receive a fictional certificate according to §81 Section 4 of the Residence Act will be issued. Only with this type of Fiktionsbescheinigung can you travel outside Germany and re-enter.

This Fiktionsbescheinigung will give you the same rights as your current residence permit or visa. That said, if you have an employment permit, you can also work with a Fiktionsbescheinigung. The same applies to travel.

2. Erlaubnisfiktion (The right of stay) – §81 Section 3 of the Residence Act

This type of Fiktionsbescheinigung applies to foreigners who legally reside in Germany but don’t have a residence permit. In that case, you will receive a Fiktionsbescheinigung in accordance with §81 Section 3 of the Residence Act. It won’t give you the right to travel.

In fact, you can leave, but you won’t be able to enter Germany again. Yet, travel within Germany is permitted.

It also does not permit foreigners to work .

3. Duldungsfiktion (Suspension of deportation) – §81 Section 3 of the Residence Act

This type of Fiktionsbescheinigung applies to foreigners who fail to submit an application for an extension of a residence permit or another residence title before the previous one expires.

In that case, you will receive a Duldungsfiktion Fiktionsbescheinigung, which is also regulated in §81 Section 3 of the Residence Act. Therefore, you can not travel outside of the country or work in Germany . But you can travel within Germany.

The main difference between Duldungsfiktion and Erlaubnisfiktion is that, in this case, your stay is no longer legal. This document allows you to stay without being deported until a new decision is made on the application.

Out of these three options, you can travel abroad only with the first one. Keep in mind that a fictional certificate is always only valid in conjunction with a valid passport or substitute passport. Therefore, you must always have a valid passport with you when traveling.

Besides that, a fictional certificate cannot be issued to holders of a Schengen visa for short-term residence (Category C).

How to apply for a Fiktionsbescheinigung?

To apply for a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you need to meet these criteria:

• You must have a valid residence permit or visa category D or
• Be entitled to a residence without a visa in Germany. This can be due to your nationality. For example, US citizens can apply for a residence permit without an initial visa.

Losing a Job in Germany with EU Blue Card: Action Plan

Can you leave Germany with a Fiktionsbescheinigung?

You can live in Germany with any type of Fiktionsbescheinigung, but you can re-enter the country only with a document issued under §81 Section 4 of the Residence Act.

Can you travel in Europe?

You can travel to all EU and EEA countries with Fiktionsbescheinigung issued under §81 Section 4 of the Residence Act.

Travel with Fiktionsbescheinigung within the EU

Travel outside of the eu.

To travel outside of EU and EEA countries, you must check the visa requirements for your passport. If, for example, entry into the country is allowed only with a visa for nationals of your state, then you need to apply for a visa beforehand.

Some countries have E-visas, and some issue visas on arrival.

Can you travel to Schengen with Fiktionsbescheinigung?

Schengen area includes 26 European countries; you can enter all of them with a German residence permit or Fiktionsbescheinigung issued under §81 Section 4 of the Residence Act.

Moreover, borders of non-EU states like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are also open to foreigners holding the travel documents mentioned above.

Yet, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Croatia don’t belong to the Schengen. You need to check the entrance requirements for these countries. Generally, you don’t need an extra visa if you hold a valid German residence permit or Fiktionsbescheinigung.

The same rules apply to residence permits issued by other Schengen countries.

Traveling to Ukraine 

You can travel to Ukraine with any Fiktionsbescheinigung, yet here is more a question of whether you are allowed to re-enter Germany. This is only possible with Fiktionsbescheinigung regulated by §81 Section 4 of the Residence Act.

Traveling to India

According to German law, foreigners can travel to India and return to Germany if they have Fiktionsbescheinigung issued in accordance with §81 Section 4 of the Residence (Act § 81 Abs. 4 AufenthG).

In that case, Fiktionsbescheinigung allows the holder to enter and exit all Schengen countries the same way a German residence permit would.

Assuming you meet entrance requirements for India, you can travel with a fiction certificate to India.

Extension of Fiktionsbescheinigung

Once issued, it’s not possible to extend Fiktionsbescheinigung. You can either receive a new residence permit or leave the country. However, the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) will decide depending on the individual case.

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What is a Fiktionsbescheinigung?

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about the German Fiktionsbescheinigung, which can be one of the most important documents during the residence title application process. From understanding its purpose and how to obtain the Fiktionsbescheinigung, to traveling with or without it, we've got you covered.

Understanding the Fiktionsbescheinigung: An Overview

If you're new to the concept of a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you may be wondering what exactly it is and why it's important. Let's break it down for you:

A Fiktionsbescheinigung is a temporary residence permit document issued to people who are awaiting the final decision on their residence permit application in Germany. It serves as proof of your legal status in the country during this waiting period. Without a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you may not have access to certain rights and benefits available to residents.

When you submit an application for a residence permit in Germany, the process can take some time. It involves various checks, verifications, and assessments to determine your eligibility for a long-term stay in the country. During this waiting period, you may be allowed to stay in Germany, but without a Fiktionsbescheinigung, your legal status may be unclear, which can lead to complications.

Having a Fiktionsbescheinigung provides you with a sense of security and assurance. If anyone asks, it confirms that your application is being processed, and you are legally permitted to stay in Germany until a final decision is made. This document acts as a bridge between the expiration of your previous residence permit (if applicable) and the issuance of a new one. It ensures that you are not left in a state of limbo, where your legal status is uncertain.

Moreover, a Fiktionsbescheinigung grants you certain rights and benefits that are crucial for your daily life in Germany. With this document, you can continue to work, study, or carry out other activities that are permitted under your previous residence permit. It allows you to access healthcare services, enroll your children in schools, and to take advantage of social benefits that are available to residents. Without a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you may face difficulties in exercising these rights and may be at risk of being considered an illegal resident.

It's important to note that a Fiktionsbescheinigung is not a permanent solution. It is a temporary measure to ensure that individuals awaiting a final decision on their residence permit application can continue their lives in Germany without disruptions. Once a decision is made on your application, you will either receive a new residence permit or be required to leave the country, depending on the outcome.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Fiktionsbescheinigung

Obtaining a Fiktionsbescheinigung may seem like a daunting process, but don’t worry! We've broken it down into easy-to-follow steps:

Eligibility Criteria for a Fiktionsbescheinigung

Before applying for a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria may vary depending on your specific situation, such as whether you're applying for work purposes or study purposes.

If you're applying for a Fiktionsbescheinigung for work purposes, you'll need to provide evidence of a job offer or employment contract from a German employer. This is to ensure that you have a valid reason to stay in Germany and that you'll be contributing to the country's economy.

If you're applying for a Fiktionsbescheinigung for study purposes, you'll need to show proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Germany. This is to ensure that you're pursuing a legitimate educational opportunity and that you'll be able to support yourself financially during your studies.

Required Documents for Applying for a Fiktionsbescheinigung

When applying for a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you'll need to gather certain documents to support your application. These typically include proof of identity, proof of residence, and any relevant supporting documents specific to your purpose of stay in Germany.

Proof of identity can be provided through your passport or national ID card. This is to verify your identity and ensure that you're the person you claim to be.

Proof of residence can be established through documents such as rental agreements, utility bills, or registration certificates from the local authorities. This is to confirm that you have a place to live in Germany and that you're residing legally within the country.

In addition to these general documents, you may also need to provide specific supporting documents depending on your purpose of stay. For example, if you're applying for a Fiktionsbescheinigung for work purposes, you may need to submit a job offer letter, employment contract, or proof of qualifications. If you're applying for study purposes, you may need to provide proof of enrollment, financial statements, or a letter of acceptance from the educational institution.

It's important to carefully review the requirements and gather all the necessary documents before submitting your application. Missing or incomplete documentation can result in delays or even rejection of your Fiktionsbescheinigung application.

Traveling with a Fiktionsbescheinigung: What You Need to Know

So, you've recieved your Fiktionsbescheinigung and are planning to travel. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Rights and Limitations of Traveling with a Fiktionsbescheinigung

While a Fiktionsbescheinigung allows you to travel within Germany during the waiting period, it's important to be aware of any rights and limitations. These can vary depending on factors such as your nationality, the reason for your Fiktionsbescheinigung, and the duration of your waiting period. It's advisable to consult with the relevant authorities or immigration office to ensure you have accurate information.

While the Fiktionsbescheinigung grants you the freedom to explore different parts of Germany, it's important to note that there may be restrictions on traveling to other countries within the Schengen area. Some Fiktionsbescheinigungen may only allow travel within Germany, while others may permit limited travel to certain Schengen countries. It's essential to check the conditions specified on your Fiktionsbescheinigung to avoid any legal complications when exiting or reentering Germany.

Tips for Smooth Travel with a Fiktionsbescheinigung

To ensure a hassle-free travel experience with your Fiktionsbescheinigung, consider these helpful tips. 

• Always carry your Fiktionsbescheinigung with you when traveling. It serves as proof of your legal status in Germany and may be required for identification purposes. Additionally, make sure to have a valid passport or other acceptable identification documents with you at all times.
• Pay attention to the expiration date on your Fiktionsbescheinigung. This document is typically issued for a specific duration, and it's important not to exceed its expiration date. Overstaying the validity period can lead to legal consequences and may affect your future immigration status. Plan your travel accordingly and ensure that your Fiktionsbescheinigung remains valid throughout your journey.
• Make both physical and digital copies of important documents. This includes your passport, Fiktionsbescheinigung, and any supporting documents related to your immigration case. Having these copies can be helpful in case of loss or theft, as it will facilitate the process of reporting and replacing the documents.
• Stay updated with the latest travel advisories and regulations. Immigration policies and travel restrictions can change, so it's essential to stay informed about any updates that may affect your travel plans. Checking the official websites of the German immigration authorities or consulting with your local embassy or consulate can provide you with the most up-to-date information.

Traveling without a Fiktionsbescheinigung: Risks and Alternatives

While it's strongly advised to travel with a valid Fiktionsbescheinigung, we understand that situations may arise where you find yourself without this document. However, traveling without a valid Fiktionsbescheinigung can have serious consequences, including potential legal issues and difficulties re-entering Germany. 

When traveling without a Fiktionsbescheinigung, one of the main risks you face is the possibility of encountering immigration authorities who may question your legal status. Without the proper documentation, you may be subject to fines, detention, or even deportation. 

Furthermore, traveling without a Fiktionsbescheinigung can also create difficulties when it comes to re-entering Germany. If you are unable to present the necessary documents upon your return, you may be denied entry or face additional scrutiny at the border. This can lead to significant delays and potential complications, especially if you have important commitments or obligations in Germany.

Exploring Alternative Travel Documents for Foreign Residents

If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot obtain a Fiktionsbescheinigung but still need to travel, there may be alternative options available. It's worth exploring these alternatives to ensure a smoother travel experience:

1. Discuss your situation with immigration authorities: Reach out to the appropriate immigration authorities and explain your circumstances. They may be able to provide guidance or offer alternative solutions that can facilitate your travel plans.

2. Consult with legal professionals: If you're uncertain about the best course of action or need assistance navigating the complexities of traveling without a Fiktionsbescheinigung, our immigration expert can help advise you. They’ll provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances and help you make informed decisions.

3. Explore other travel documents: Depending on your specific situation, there may be other travel documents that can serve as a substitute for a Fiktionsbescheinigung. For example, you could inquire about obtaining a temporary travel permit or a special authorization that allows you to travel without the Fiktionsbescheinigung.

Remember, each case is unique, and the availability of alternative travel documents may vary depending on factors such as your nationality, legal status, and the purpose of your travel. It's essential to thoroughly research and understand the options available to you before embarking on any travel plans without a Fiktionsbescheinigung.

Different Types of Fiktionsbescheinigung: A Comprehensive Guide

Not all Fiktionsbescheinigungen are created equal. Let's delve into the different types you may come across:

Temporary Fiktionsbescheinigung vs. Permanent Fiktionsbescheinigung

There are temporary and permanent versions of the Fiktionsbescheinigung, each with its own validity period. Understanding the differences between these types can help you better navigate your residence permit application process.

Fiktionsbescheinigung for Work Purposes vs. Study Purposes

The purpose of your stay in Germany can also impact the type of Fiktionsbescheinigung you receive. Whether you're in Germany for work or study purposes, it's important to know which type applies to your specific situation.

By now, you should have a solid understanding of the German Fiktionsbescheinigung. Whether you're applying for one, traveling with it, or exploring alternatives, stay informed, stay prepared, and best of luck on your travels!

Gabrielle is a co-founder of Worldify. Born and raised in Oakland, California, she’s spent a lot of her time in Germany fielding the question, “But why did you leave the sunshine?” While it’s true she prefers the Berlin summer over the winter, she loves living in the German Hauptstadt, especially taking long walks through the city’s diverse neighborhoods with her dog, Heidi.  

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Travelling with Fiktionsbescheinigung

If you applies for an extension of current residence title (visa) or for a different residence title before your current residence title expires, the current residence title shall be deemed to remain in force from the time it expires until the time of the decision by the foreigner’s authority (Ausländerbehörde). Meanwhile to serve the period between the expiry of existing visa and issue of new visa, you can request for a Fiktionsbescheinigung . It is a temporary certificate which is issued if a decision on an application for a residence title is not decided upon (pending).

Under following circumstances, you can request for a Fiktionsbescheinigung during the application for the issue or renewal of a residence permit –

• your documents are missing or the file is not available with the Authority.
• ordered residence permit cannot be issued before expiry of the your previous residence permit, or
• the outcome of criminal proceedings against you must be awaited.

Read Here : How long can you stay abroad without losing German Residence permit?

A Fiktionsbescheinigung can only be issued if the visa is still legal at the time of the application for the issue or renewal of a residence permit . i.e. if an application is made for the issue or extension of a residence permit and no decision can be taken on the application at the time of the appointment. An application for a residence title must therefore be submitted in order for a Fiktionsbescheinigung to be issued. Only someone who is entitled to a residence permit in Germany due to His/her nationality (Passport) or someone who has a valid residence title (residence permit or national visa – category D) can apply for a Fiktionsbescheinigung. With a Fiktionsbescheinigung , you have the following rights-

• The residence title, including all associated rights (including employment), remains valid until a decision has been made on your application.
• Travel abroad and re-entry into the Germany are also possible.

Usually national visa is issued only for 3 months, when someone applies from his/her home country. Once you are in Germany, you can also request for a Fiktionsbescheinigung during your application for visa extension at Ausländerbehörde, if current visa expires shortly after your appointment at Ausländerbehörde.

If the applicant is lawfully staying in Germany without a visa because his or her nationality (Passport) entitles him or her to do so, then the Fiktionsbescheinigung does not entitle the holder to re-enter the Federal territory. Nor is it permitted to take up gainful employment.

Required documents

• Valid passport.
• Previous residence permit (for e.g. Blue card visa, Family reunion visa etc.).
• Proof of residence in Germany – Meldebestätigung (Apartment Registration document), Apartment contract, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung etc.

Eazyleben Tips

• If you are a foreigner with valid National visa (or Type D) for e.g. Blue card or Family reunion visa, then you can request for a Fiktionsbescheinigung, if the decision on your visa extension application in Germany needs more time.
• Holders of a Schengen visa for short-term stays (category C) cannot be issued a Fiktionsbescheinigung.
• Holders of Transit visa cannot be issued a Fiktionsbescheinigung.

Know more : What are the different Residence permits in Germany?

Read here : finding apartment in germany..

13 thoughts on “ Travelling with Fiktionsbescheinigung ”

I have requested for my Blue card renewal on March 2020 and the Ausslaenderbehorde had issued me a fiktionsbescheinigung valid until November 2020. I am planning to travel to my home country(India) in the begining of May and ´planning to return back in end of June. # My question is, due to any travel restrictions due to the current Covid-19 pandemic if there are any international border closure declaredin Germany and if my return to Germany is extended further, will it cause any trouble for me. As per what I learned I can stay with fiktionsbescheinigung upto 90 days outside Germany. Please someone share their expereince or any information related to fiktionsbescheinigung and staying abroad.

Dear Vaishakh, Have you been able to travel with the Fiktionsbescheinigung? I’m in the same situation, Please let me know if its possible to come back with that document.

Thanks in advance

Dear Soaki, You can travel with a fiktionsbescheingiung if it is still valid till your return date. However, on a safer side you can also a request for a letter from the foriegn office.

Cheers, Eazyleben

Hi..I am a student currently on Fiktionsbescheinigung..Can I travel to India and come back?

As long as you have a valid fiktionsbescheinigung with validity more than your return date, you are allowed to travel and back.

Hi, I had an appointment with KVR on 7 sep 2021 i was told my blue card will come to mailbox in 6 – 8 weeks. My temp visa is valid till 01 Jan 2021.I want to travel to India in the last week of October, and incase my blue card doesn’t arrive till then i am worried that i might get stuck in india if there are any new travel restrictions.They did not issue any fiktionsbescheingiung to me.My question is 1) should i request for a fiktionsbescheingiung before leaving? 2)Can i request for fiktionsbescheingiung from india incase i get stuck there and my visa is about to expire?

1) on a safer side, it is better to request for a fiktionsbescheingiung if you are not returning befor 01 Jan 2022. 2) No. you can’t as it is provided here in Germany by the foriegn office and you should personally apply it here.

Is it possible to travel to the Schengen countries with this certificate?

Yes. it is still a valid Schengen visa.

Is leaving Germany with a fiktionsbescheinigung (valid until May 2022) to return home considered overstaying my visa?

Backstory: I wanted to move to Germany and apply for a job seekers visa, but my job field has recently become almost impossible to pursue with Covid, so I am considering going back home. My 90 day tourist visa ends in January, but I want to stay until my language course is over in February. I have a fiktionsbescheinigung valid until May. I’m not interested in entering the country again within 180 days (typical tourist requirements,) but I don’t want to be banned from the country either. Thank you so much

Can I travel to the EU with the Fiktionsbescheinigung

Hello I have a valid Fiktionsbesceinigung and I want to travel to france , am I allowed to do so or not? I would really appreciate an answer.

Hallo, Technically yes. At most, difficulties could arise on the very practical level: not every border official, Policeman, etc. is so familiar with the German right of residence here.

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Foreign citizens law: fiction certificates (Fiktionsbescheinigungen) as the saviour of foreign citizens authorities in Germany

Section 81 of the german residence act (aufenthg) fiction certificate.

A fiction certificate is issued if the foreign citizen’s residence title has expired and the application for a new residence title has not yet been decided on by the authorities. For this reason the German legislator has created the fiction of a residence permit in the form of the fiction certificate.

Thanks to the fiction certificate, the original residence title continues to be valid until there has been a decision on the application. The foreign citizen is still deemed to be entitled to stay in the federal territory and may not be deported.

Requirements for a fiction certificate

A fiction certificate is always issued if the authority has not made a timely decision on an application to issue or extend a residence title.

In this context, it is important that the foreign citizen submits the application to extend or issue a residence permit in due time, i.e. that he or she still has a valid residence title when filing the application.

If he or she submits the application only after his or her residence permit has expired – i.e. belatedly – there will be no fiction of continued validity of the residence title and the authority will usually not issue a fiction certificate.

According to section 81 para. (4) sentence 3 of the Residence Act, the authorities may, in individual cases, issue a fiction certificate if an application is filed too late in order to avoid undue hardship

The fiction certificate can also play an important role in the granting of a permanent settlement permit or naturalisation. With the submission of the application, lawful residence will continue to apply and periods of residence will thus also be taken into account for the issuance of a permanent settlement permit or naturalisation.

Different types of fiction certificates

Fiction of continued validity according to section 81 para. (4) of the german residence act (aufenthg).

Due to the fiction of continued validity, the foreign citizen’s original residence title will continue to be effective, provided that he or she has filed the application in due time. The foreign citizen can even travel on a fiction certificate if the country of destination accepts fiction certificates. Therefore, when travelling, it is advisable to find out in advance what entry and exit documents are recognised and required in the country of destination.

Fiction of permission according to section 81 par. (3) sentence 1 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG )

The fiction of permission is issued to privileged nationals who do not need a visa for short stays in the federal territory. Provided that they have applied for a residence title in due time, their stay in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany is deemed to be permitted until a decision has been made on their application. The fiction of permission is not a travel document.

Fiction of suspension of deportation according to section 81 para. (3) sentence 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG)

The fiction of suspension of deportation is issued to privileged nationals who were not in possession of a residence title and did not file an application for a residence title in due time. This fiction only has the effect that deportation is temporarily suspended. Unlike with the fiction of permission, residence in the federal territory is not deemed to be permitted. The fiction of suspended deportation is not a travel document.

Fiction certificate and gainful employment

Whether the relevant fiction certificate entitles a foreign citizen to engage in gainful employment depends crucially on whether the original residence title entitled him or her to do so or not.

Consequently, if the original residence title entitled the foreigner to engage in gainful employment, he or she will still have this right with a fiction certificate.

Under the fiction of permission the foreign citizen is permitted to stay in the federal territory. The right to engage in gainful employment is also governed by the general provisions of the original stay.

In general, the fiction of suspended deportation will not entitle a person to engage in gainful employment. However, the Federal Employment Agency may give its consent.

Can you travel on a fiction certificate?

This is possible if the foreign citizen has a fiction certificate according to section 81 para. (4) of the German Residence Act. These fiction certificates, in conjunction with a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute, entitle the holder to enter the federal territory and, pursuant to Article 21 of the Schengen Convention, to travel within the Schengen area.

Important Note:  This article has been prepared by lawyer Helmer Tieben for general information purposes only. Mr. Tieben does not accept any liability to any person or organisation for the use or reliance of the information contained in this article. On any specific matter, kindly contact us by dialing 0221 – 80187670 or sending us an email to [email protected]

Lawyers in Cologne provide legal advice on German immigration law.

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The Probationary Certificate in Germany (“Fiktionsbescheinigung”)

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Elaborate application procedures, such as those for a German residence permit, are known to take time. And so, it can take several months from the application submission to the competent authority’s decision. However, this can become problematic when a residence title is issued. It is not uncommon for the title that entitles the holder to stay in Germany for a short time to expire during the application procedure.

For such cases, the German legislator has created the probationary certificate in Germany. The holder of the probationary certificate is considered entitled to stay until the residence title is issued or is allowed to remain in Germany until the authorities’ final decision without the risk of being deported.

Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte offers expert legal assistance to help clients obtain a probationary certificate as quickly as possible. Our lawyers have in-depth expertise in residence law and many years of experience supporting application proceedings. If a residence permit is refused, we promptly obtain a hearing with the competent immigration authority.

Please, do not hesitate to contact us directly for specialised legal assistance.

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The Legal Basis for the Probationary Certificate in German Law

The probationary certificate serves to prove the existence of a provisional right of residence , which comes into existence with the application for granting or extending a residence permit. It is, therefore, not a residence title according to § 4 (1) (2) AufenthG but merely embodied proof of the existence of a provisional right of residence.

The legal basis for the probationary certificate results from § 81 AufenthG . According to this section, subsection 3 stipulates that a foreigner lawfully residing in Germany without possessing a residence permit and who applies for the issuance of a residence permit is deemed to be permitted to stay there until the relevant authorities decide (“ Erlaubnisfiktion “).

If the application is filed late, § 81 (3) AufenthG stipulates that deportation is deemed suspended from the time the application is filed until the decision of the immigration authorities (“ Duldungsfiktion “).

Furthermore, para. 4 stipulates that for a foreigner who applies for an extension of their residence permit or the issuance of another residence permit before it expires, the previous residence permit is considered valid from the time of its expiry until the decision of the immigration authorities (“ Fortgeltungsfiktion “).

According to § 81 (5) AufenthG , the applicant must be issued a probationary certificate for these effects of the application. According to § 81 5a AufenthG , this certificate must also include permission to work, which is deemed to be permitted from the time the document is issued until the time it is given. Conceptually, the probationary certificate refers to legal rights that have not yet been granted but may be granted in the future.

Who Needs to Apply for the Probationary Certificate?

The probationary certificate is issued after the application has been filed with the competent immigration authority. Therefore, it is only relevant for persons subject to German residence law, i.e. persons who require a residence permit to stay in Germany . This does not include those who enjoy European freedom of movement under EU law. These include:

• Citizens of EU member states (EU citizens),
• Citizens of states of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, and
• Their third-country family members if they live with them.
• Special rules also apply to citizens of Switzerland and Turkey.

The Scope of the Probationary Certificate in Germany

The probationary certificate is issued as proof for the three variants of the provisional right of residence resulting from § 81 AufenthG . If such a provisional right of residence exists, it expires in all the cases mentioned with the decision of the immigration authority on the application for an initial grant or extension.

Probationary legal residence ( § 81 (3) AufenthG ) (“ Erlaubnisfiktion” ) exists for applicants who are legally resident in Germany without already being the holder of a formal residence title. This does not apply to certain nationals who, according to § 41 German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) , may enter Germany without a visa for a stay that is not a short stay and apply for a residence title within 90 days.

The probationary suspension of deportation ( § 81 (3) AufenthG ) (“ Duldungsfiktion “) applies to nationals under § 41 AufenthV if they do not apply for a residence title until after the 90-day period has expired. In contrast to the fiction of permission, in the case of this probationary suspension of deportation, the residence is not stated as legally approved but merely “tolerated” so that the person concerned cannot be deported.

The probationary granting of a continued residence title ( § 81 (4) AufenthG ) (“ Fortgeltungsfiktion “) applies to applicants who apply for an extension before the expiry of the temporary residence title. The previous residence title is thus provisionally considered to be valid. This probationary granting of continued validity covers holders of a residence permit, EU Blue Card , permanent residence permit , and entrants with a D visa.

Requirements, Form and Costs of Applying for a Probationary Certificate

An application must be submitted as a prerequisite for issuing a probationary certificate (“die Fiktionsbescheinigung”). In addition, the applicant must

• be legally resident in Germany with or without a residence permit at the time of application,
• have their principal place of residence in the city of the competent foreigners authority,
• and appear in person at the Foreigners’ Registration Office.

The following documents must be presented to obtain a probationary certificate after applying:

• A valid passport or passport replacement,
• the previous residence permit, if available,
• and proof of residence in the respective city.

The certificate is usually issued directly upon presentation. The fees for a probationary certificate are set at 13 euros per § 47 Para. 1 No. 8 AufenthV . Exceptions to this requirement may apply to specific groups of persons, such as minors, persons entitled to asylum or citizens of certain states.

Specific Legal Features – Working and Traveling with a Probationary Certificate

After receiving a probationary certificate, the holder is often asked whether it also (provisionally) entitles them to work and travel. This assessment can usually only be made according to the circumstances of the individual case so that general information can be inaccurate.

With the probationary certificate of permission and toleration (Erlaubnisfiktion und Duldungsfiktion ) under § 81 (3) AufenthG , work in Germany is only granted in exceptional cases. However, at least in the case of the fiction of continued validity (“Fortgeltungsfiktion”)  under § 81(4) AufenthG , it is also possible to continue working with the probationary certificate if the previous residence title that is to be extended entitled to the holder to gainful employment.

The same applies to travelling with a probationary certificate. While travelling with the probationary or toleration permit (Erlaubnis- oder Duldungsfiktion ) is generally not permitted, the holder of a probationary certificate is usually allowed to travel in the case of a probationary continued validity. However, it must be noted that this is only recognised with a valid passport or a passport substitute (identity card).

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Travelling Abroad for Refugees

Can i travel outside germany.

Do you wish to pack your bags and go away for a while? Whether you want to travel for work- or family-related reasons or would like to have a holiday abroad, it is not always clear which countries you are permitted to go to as a refugee. Here, we try to clarify which countries you are allowed to travel to with your residence status and travel document as a refugee.

In principle, Foreign citizens in Germany are required to have a valid passport or a substitute passport. The issuing and renewal of foreign citizens' passports is usually the responsibility of the embassy or consulate of their country of origin. 

However, certain groups of people are exempt from this regulation, for whom a passport substitute could be issued:

• Persons entitled to asylum and recognised “refugees” according to the Geneva Refugee Convention
• Stateless persons
• People who have subsidiary protection
• People for whom a national ban on deportation has been established and who have no reasonable opportunity to obtain a passport from their home country.

The mentioned groups are often issued a passport replacement document ("Passersatzpapier") in Germany, which exists in three forms:

• The travel document for refugees (Known as "Blauer Pass" or " Blue Passport ")
• The travel document for stateless persons
• The travel document for foreigners

In principle, you will be handed the travel document for refugees together with your residence permit at the Immigration Office. Learn more about the travel document for refugees in our chapter " Blue Passport ". As a stateless person or someone who is residing in Germany under subsidiary protection or due to a national ban on deportation, you must apply for the travel document for foreigners and stateless persons ("Grey Passport" or "Grauer Pass") at the relevant Immigration Office. You will need to prove to the authorities that it is not likely or feasible for you to obtain a passport from your home country. You can find the relevant Immigration Office at  bamf.de .

Can I travel abroad?

You will find all the essential information about the travel document for refugees in our chapter " Blue Passport ".

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In principle, you can travel abroad if you hold a travel document for foreigners or stateless persons (the so-called "Gray passport"). For most countries, however, you need a visa, plus, not all countries recognise the "Grey Passport" as a valid travel document. Before planning a trip, you should contact the embassy of the country in question to see whether they recognise your travel document and issue you a visa or not.  On the last page of this UNHCR report , you can see a list of countries which recognise the "Gray Passport". Whether you will be issued a visa depends on various factors such as your country of origin, nationality, your situation in Germany and alike, so it is difficult to predict the result of your visa application.

As someone who holds a "Grey Passport", you can go to all the Schengen States without a visa and stay there for up to three months. You can find a list of Schengen states at  auswaertiges-amt.de.

Please note:  You could lose your residence permit in Germany if you travel to your home country while residing in Germany under subsidiary protection or due to a national ban on deportation. If the Immigration Office learns about your trip, they can initiate a revocation procedure, and you could lose your protection and right of residence in Germany.

Important: What are the “Schengen states”?

The " Schengen States " are a group of countries in Europe that have agreed to keep their shared borders open to free travel. This means that residents of these countries can travel from one Schengen country to another without passport controls or visa requirements as if they were in their own country. This means that you are allowed to enter and travel within the Schengen States as a tourist for three months within a period of 180 days.

Not all European countries belong to the Schengen area. Some countries have decided against joining and are maintaining their own border controls. Therefore, it is always a good idea to find out before travelling whether the country you want to travel to is part of the Schengen area. If you are unsure whether you need a visa for your trip, visit our community platform “ Together in Germany ”– our community managers will be happy to help you with your questions.

If you reside in Germany under subsidiary protection or due to a national ban on deportation and still have a valid passport from your home country, you can use this passport to travel abroad and present your German residence permit to be allowed back into Germany. Whether you need a visa for your destination country depends on your country of origin.

In principle, you must not travel abroad during your asylum procedure and when holding a tolerated stay permit ("Duldung") . However, you can try to apply for an exemption– you might be allowed to travel, for example, and go on school trips (for school children). Or spend time with family on important occasions such as weddings or funerals.

Please note: You must definitely apply for your trip abroad to the Immigration Office in advance. You can find the Immigration Office responsible for you at bamf.de . Be sure to submit your application as early as possible, as processing your application can take a long time. Each application is examined individually.

A “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” is a document issued when a decision has not yet been made regarding the residence permit for which one has applied, for example, when you want to extend your residence permit or apply for a new one.

In such cases, you will either receive a “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” in accordance with Section 81, Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act or Section 81, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act . With a “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” in accordance with Section 81, Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act , you can move freely within the Schengen area and re-enter Germany with your recognised passport or passport substitute. However, the prerequisite for it is that you present the officially issued “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” and the third box on page 3 of your “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” is checked. Entry and exit stamps are affixed in the passport or passport substitute, not in the “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ”.

Unfortunately, this rule does not apply to “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” issued in accordance with Section 81, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act .

A “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ”, according to Section 81, Paragraph 3 Residence Act , is issued if you do not yet have a residence permit or your identity has not yet been verified. With a “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” according to Section 81, Paragraph 3 Residence Act, staying in the federal territory and travelling within Germany is permitted. However, re-entry after a stay abroad is not allowed. This “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” often reads "gilt nicht für Auslandsreisen"  to indicate that the holder is not allowed to travel abroad.

If you believe that your “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” was issued incorrectly and needs to be changed, please contact your local Immigration Office.

Important : If you are not sure what type of “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ” you have, ask your local Immigration Office whether you are allowed to re-enter Germany or not. If you are planning a trip outside the Schengen area, also check with the authorities of the destination country whether you are allowed to enter and leave with the “ Fiktionsbescheinigung ”.

Please note that a visa may be required in addition to the “Fiktionsbescheinigung” depending on the destination . If you are unsure whether you need a visa for your trip abroad, you can visit our community platform, “ Together in Germany ”– our community managers will be happy to help you with your questions.

Important preparations before your trip

Travel health insurance is a type of insurance that covers your medical treatment costs during your trip. Since German health insurance at best only partially covers medical costs abroad, it always makes sense to take out an affordable travel health insurance that covers medical emergencies abroad. It is important to read the insurance conditions carefully and select the insurance cover according to your individual needs.

If you receive social benefits such as “Bürgergeld” from the Jobcenter, you are legally obliged to report your absence to them in good time. Contact your local Jobcenter before your trip and inform them about your absence . You can also do so online . After the Jobcenter has checked your application and if your absence is approved , you will receive your “Bürgergeld” and your health insurance payments will continue during your absence. However, if you are away for longer than 3 weeks or cannot be reached by the Jobcenter, your “Bürgergeld” and health insurance benefits will be cut.

If you reside in Germany as an asylum-seeker, recognised refugee, or an individual entitled to subsidiary protection or a national ban on deportation, you should not travel to your home country. If the Immigration Office or the BAMF learn about you visiting your country, they can initiate a revocation procedure as a result of which you could lose your right of residence in Germany.

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Government of India makes no provision of charging of any emergency fees or additional fees for grant of any emergency / express e-visa. Those travelling to India are also advised to go through instructions available on the website of Bureau of Immigration at https://boi.gov.in .

eVisa is admissable only under the following categories:

E-tourist visa, e-business visa, e-conference visa, e-medical visa, e-medical attendent visa, e-ayush visa, e-ayush attendent visa.

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Maximum stay in India during one Calender Year should not exceed 180 days for 1 year and 5 year Tourist Visa.

One year (365 days) from the date of grant of ETA.

Continuous stay during each visit shall not exceed 180 days. If the intension is to stay for more then 180 days, shall get registered with FRRO/FRO concerned within two weeks after the expiry of 180 days.

Thirty days (30 days) from the date of arrival into India.

Organizers to upload all details & documentation on the MHA website (conference.mha.gov.in)

Sixty days (60 days) from the date of arrival into India.

If the applicant is unable to complete his e-visa application form, he may save the application and may return to complete the application form by clicking the tab at the bottom of page: After your eVisa applications is submitted, the same shall be scrutinized and if any Document/Image is not appropriate, you may be advised on your given e-mail to re-upload the same. To re-upload use the tab at the bottom of the page. Applicant should normally receive this mail within 24 hours.

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Eligibility

• International travellers whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation, sight seeing,casual visit to meet friends and relatives, attending a short term yoga programme,Short term courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, medicine etc. which should not be a formal or structured course/programme (courses not exceeding 6 months duration and not issued with a qualifying certificate/ diploma etc),Voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which do not involve any monetary payment or consideration of any kind in return), medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, business purpose, as attendant to e-Medical visa holder, attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop organized by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT Administrations etc. & their subordinate/ attached organizations & PSUs and private conferences organized by private persons/companies/organizations.
• Applicant's passport should have at least six months validity at the time of making application for grant of e-Visa.
• International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket,with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.
• International Travellers having Pakistani Passport or Pakistani origin may please apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.
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• Not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.
• Not available to International Travel Document Holders other than Passport.

If you are a national of any following countries, you are eligible for eVisa.

• Afghanistan
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• Turks & Caicos Island
• United Kingdom
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• Zambia and Zimbabwe

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• General Instructions
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• e-Visa has 5 sub-categories viz. e-Tourist Visa(for 30 days/01 year/ 05 years) ,e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa and e-Conference Visa. A foreigner (other than those applying for e-Conference Visa) will be allowed to club activities permitted under these categories. Foreigners applying for e-Conference visa will be permitted to club the activities permitted under e-Tourist visa only (validity co-terminus with e-Conference Visa only i.e. 30 days). Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted against one e- Medical Visa.
• For e-Tourist and e-Business visa, Applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival.
• For e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant and e-Conference visa, Applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 120 days. Example: If you are applying on 1st Sept then applicant can select arrival date from 5th Sept to 2nd Jan
• Sample eVisa application form is available on the tab near the bottom of eVisa main page.
• Recent front facing photograph with white background and photo page of Passport containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc are to be uploaded mandatorily by the applicant. Additionally one more document depending upon the e-Visa type would also be required to be uploaded. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded documents and photograph are not clear / as per specification.
• e-Visa fee is country/Territory specific. Bank transaction charges of 2.5% will be charged additionally on applicable e-Visa fees. The fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected date of travel otherwise application will not be processed. To know the fee applicable on your Country/Territory please Click here (for e-Tourist Visa) and for other e-Visa Click here .
• e-Visa fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either Grant or Rejection of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
• Applicant should carry a copy of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) along with him/her at the time of travel. Please confirm that your ETA status is shown as 'GRANTED' on this website prior to commencement of your journey. Applicants can track the status of their application online by clicking VisaStatus
• Biometric details of the applicant will be mandatorily captured at Immigration on arrival in India.
• e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible & not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. If you intend to visit Protected/Restricted/Cantonment areas, you would require prior permission from the Civil Authority please visit here.
• The e-Visa fee payment status updation may take up to 2 hours due to technical reasons/network delays. Before re-applying, the applicants are requested to wait for 2 hours for payment status updating, after final submission of the application form and payment of the fee. In cases, where e-Visa fee has been deducted but status is not updated, the applicants are advised to verify their payment status by clicking on 'Verify Payment/Pay Visa Fee' tab or by clicking on the link Verify Payment.
• Nationals of Yellow Fever affected countries or travellers arriving from these countries must carry YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CARD at the time of arrival in India, otherwise they may be quarantined for 6 days upon arrival in India. Please visit our Ministry Of Health & Family Welfare latest guidelines regarding yellow fever countries here.
• You must travel on the Passport which you have applied for eVisa. Entry will be allowed into India on the new passport even if ETA has been issued on the old passport, however in such cases a traveler must carry the old passport on which ETA was issued

The documents required for completing the eVisa application is indicated against each type of eVisa. Please keep all these documents ready at hand before beginning to fill your eVisa application. All documents including Business cards, Invitation letters etc. must be in English language, failing which the application would be liable for rejection. The entire process may take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the application and make the payment.

Applicants must be fill eVisa application himself/herself and give correct information in each column and take responsibility for the correctness of information provided.

Documents Required: All documents uploaded by the applicant including business cards, invitation letters etc. must be in English language, failing which e-Visa application would be liable for rejection.

The documents required for e-visa are :.

• Scanned Bio Page of the passport showing the Photograph and Details *
• For short term courses, copy of letter from the institute/organization/hospital etc. concerned on its letter-head *
• For voluntary work of short duration, copy of letter from the organization concerned on its letter-head *
• Copy of Letter from the Hospital concerned in India on its letterhead which including the date / tentative date which admission have been suggested .
• Copy of Business Card
• Any letter of invitation if applicable from indian parties which wish you conduct the business (optional).
• Copy of Passport page containing personal particulars *
• Approval of the Government of India in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Department of Sports)
• Invitation Letter to foreign sports teams and sports persons to visit India by the concerned Sports Federation/Association in India.
• If the applicant had participated in any commercial sports event during his/her previous visit to India, then documents regarding Tax compliance for the said visit are to be furnished
• If the sports event entails visit to Restricted or Protected Areas in India, below mentioned additional documents are also to be submitted (a) Clearance for holding the event from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. (b) Political Clearance for holding the event from the Ministry of external Affairs, Government of India. (c) Requisite clearance from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
• Invitation of the host institute to the foreign faculty
• Copy of the sanction order under GIAN issued by the National Coordinating Institute viz. IIT Kharagpur
• Copy of the synopsis of the courses to be taken up by the faculty
• Invitation from organizer, which applicant may seek from this organiser.
• Political clearance from Ministry of External Affairs
• Event clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs

The digital photograph to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following requirements:

• Format - JPEG
• Minimum 10 KB
• Maximum 1 MB
• The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
• Photo should present full face, front view, eyes open and without spectacles
• Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin
• Background should be plain light colored or white background.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.
• Without borders.
• Format -PDF
• Size : Minimum 10 KB ,Maximum 300 KB

The applicant has choice of using two option for payment.

• SBI-FAQS-Payment Related
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SBIePay is the Payment Aggregator service of State Bank of India – India’s Largest Bank and amongst top 50 Banks in the world, which provides bouquet of multiple payment options on a single page for the convenience of the customers.

SBIePay has facilitated the following channels on e-Visa platform:

• Payment Gateway: It seamlessly processes Credit card and Debit Card transactions for all the cards issued internationally by Visa & MasterCard. SBIePay Payment gateway is enabled with BIN identifier which recognises the BIN online when a customer enters the no., which drastically improves the success percentage and reduces customer friction.
• Paypal: SBIePay also facilitates e-Visa customers to make payment through widely popular and accepted Paypal channel.

SBIePay is certified with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) ver 3.2, which is the latest version, and which further reinforces our promise of security and safety. The payment system fully supports 3DSecure - Verified by Visa and MasterCard Secure Code, wherever it is applicable. Further, SBIePay is secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption which ensures that payment information that travels over the Internet is always encrypted and cannot be viewed by unauthorised individuals.

Yes, SBIePay has enabled international card issued by MasterCard and VISA both with and without 3D Secure authentication.

The applicant enters necessary details on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ , and clicks on 'Pay Now'. The applicant is redirected to SBIePay payment page and is presented with payment options of either entering Card details (Payment Gateway) or Paypal .Applicant enters his card details and clicks ‘Proceed’. Now, either of the below mentioned 2 scenarios will occur:

• 3 D Secure page of the Card Issuerwill be displayed, where applicant must enter 3D Secure Password/OTP.
• Transaction is processed without 3D Secure page. After successful completion of transaction, the applicant is redirected on to the https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ with a successful receipt of payment.

If an applicant is presented with a 3D Secure page prompting to enter a password/OTP, this means the Card issuing Bank participates in 3D Secure transaction. If the applicant’s transaction is processed without directing to 3D secure page, he/she should contact the card issuing Bank for support.

In an ideal scenario, once the transaction is processed, the applicant shall be presented with a payment successful page along with a reference number.

In some rare scenarios it may happen where the application is not shown Payment successful page post completion of transaction, which may be due to a drop in connectivity leading to non-receipt of success response. If the applicant does not receive any success message even after card account has been charged, a refund shall be initiated after due reconciliation process to the applicants’ card account.

In rare case of transaction status unknown to the applicant, which is when the applicant has not received success response due to time out or connectivity issue and the account has been debited, we advise the customer not to attempt another transaction immediately and rather provide their Order no. on the e-Visa site after 30 minutes to check the status of the transaction. If the transaction status is showing ‘failed’, then customer may attempt another transaction. Also, the debited amount shall be refunded to the applicants’ card account after reconciliation process within seven (7) days of transaction.

The banking charges for:

• Payment Gateway Card transactions (both Debit or Credit Card): 2.5%* of the applicable e-Visa fee.
• Paypal: 3.5%* of the applicable e-Visa fee.

*The charges are inclusive of any applicable taxes.

The breakup of transaction charges will be displayed on the Payment page for applicants’ knowledge and to maintain transparency.

At State Bank of India, we are committed to provide best customer services to our customers. Customers can email us at sbiepay[at]sbi[dot]co[dot]in for any queries related to their transaction. Alternatively, SBIePay provides 24*7*365 customer support to all the e-Visa applicants. Applicants can also call us on the below mentioned number(s):

Contact No: +91-22-2753-5773

An applicant can perform multiple times transactions for a single application ID, with a gap of minimum 25 minutes between each transaction. It is advisable that applicant may check the status of the transaction at e-Visa portal before attempting another transaction.

An applicant shall be charged for only once for any successful transaction against an application ID. Any further debits shall be refunded back to the customer after due reconciliation, within seven (7) days of transactions.

Axis Bank is an Internet Payment Gateway Solution allows you to make payments on a 24 X 7 basis from around the world. It accepts all Visa, MasterCard and Maestro cards.

Axis Bank Payment Gateway services facilitates online payments w.r.t. all Credit and Debit Cards issued by MasterCard and VISA.

Axis Bank Payment gateway services is compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) standards. All transactions initiated at Axis Bank Payment Gateway services come with 128 bit security and two factor authentication via MasterCard Secure Code and Verified-by-Visa authentication is enabled.

Axis Bank Payment gateway accepts all international card issued by MasterCard and VISA both with and without 3D secure authentication.

The applicant after filling details on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ clicks 'Pay Now'. The applicant is redirected to Axis Bank payment gateway page and is presented with payment options like MasterCard and VISA. Cardholder enters his card number, expiry date, Name and CVV value and clicks 'Pay Now'. Incase cardholder Bank is enabled for 3D secure, then a page will appear for the cardholder to entire either his/her OTP/3D secure password. Else transaction would be processed. After successful completion of transaction, the applicant is redirected on to the https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ with a successful receipt of payment.

Incase Bank is participating for 3D Secure transaction during transaction a 3D secure page would appear and cardholders have to enter his/her password /OTP.

The applicant shall be presented with a payment successful page along with reference number. If the applicant does not receive any success message even after card account has been charged, a refund will have to be initiated after due reconciliation to the applicant's card account.

If a transaction has failed but the applicants card account is debited more than once, the amount will have to be refunded to the applicant's card account after reconciliation process within seven (7) days of transaction. In some cases, If the fund still lies with the card issuing Bank, kindly get in touch with your Bank for such case.

The banking charges are subject to maximum of 2.5% plus applicable taxes on the applicable e-Visa fees. These charges are charged to the applicant at the time of making online e visa fee payment.

Axis Bank provides technical support for all payment related transactions at ecom[at]axisbank[dot]com

Our endeavour is to provide you with a seamless experience on our platform. Please ensure following, before initiating the card payment.

• Using a non-expired card
• Have sufficient balance in your account
• Have sufficient credit card limit on the card being used
• Card is not reported as “lost or stolen”
• Entering the correct OTP. Have access to device for accessing OTP or Static password
• Card supports transactions in INR and USD
• Amount has not exceeded the daily maximum allowed amount by your issuer
• Number of transactions have not exceeded the daily maximum allowed count by your issuer
• Issuer and card not enrolled for 3DS
• Timeout occurred while receiving the OTP from issuer or while entering OTP on the payment page

SBI e-Pay Payment Gateway :-

• SBIePay is the Payment Aggregator service of State Bank of India which provides multiple payment options on a single payment page for the convenience of applicants. SBIePay has enabled Debit and Credit issued by MasterCard and VISA.
• SBIePay facilitates online payments all Credit and Debit Cards issued by MasterCard and VISA.
• SBIePay is certified with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) ver 2.0 certified, which reinforces our promise of security. The payment system fully supports 3DSecure - Verified by Visa and MasterCard Secure Code, wherever it is applicable. Further SBIePay is secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption which ensures that payment information never sent over the Internet unencrypted and cannot be viewed by unauthorised individuals.
• SBIePay has enabled international card issued by MasterCard and VISA both with and without 3D Secure authentication.
• The applicant after filling details on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ and clicks 'Pay Now'. The applicant is redirected to SBIePay payment page and is presented with payment options like MasterCard and VISA. Applicant enters his card details and clicks “Proceed”. Then the applicant may see one of the two options: i. 3 D Secure page of the Card issuing page for inputing 3D Secure password/OTP ii. Transaction is processed without 3D Secure page. After successful completion of transaction, the applicant is redirected on to the https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ with a successful receipt of payment.
• The applicant shall be presented with a payment successful page along with reference number. If the applicant does not receive any success message even after card account has been charged, a refund shall be initiated after due reconciliation to the applicants card account.
• If a transaction has failed but the applicants card account is debited more than once, the amount shall be refunded to the applicants card account after reconciliation process within seven (7) days of transaction.
• The banking charges are 2.5% on the applicable e-Visa fees. These charges are charged to the applicant at the time of making online e-visa fee payment.
• SBIePay provides technical support for all payment related transactions at +91-22-2753-5773 is (24 x 7).
• An applicant can perform maximum of three transactions for a single application ID.
• If the applicant cannot succeed in three attempts, a new application is required to be filled and transaction has to be carried out with new application ID.
• An applicant shall be charged for only once against an application ID. Any double/triple debit shall be refunded after due reconciliation within seven (7) days of transactions.

Ans- The following are the eligibility conditions for availing e-Visa services-   i. Nationals of countries listed on the e-Visa website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ are eligible to apply for e-Visa Services.   ii. Foreigners whose sole objective for visiting India is     (a) Recreation and sightseeing     (b) Casual visit to meet friends and relatives     (c) Attending short term yoga programme or short term courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, medicine etc. which should not be a formal or structured course/programme      (courses not exceeding 6 months duration and not issuing a qualifying certificate/diploma etc. to the participants)     (d) Voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which do not involve any monetary payment or consideration of any kind in return)     (e) Medical treatment, including treatment under Indian systems of medicine     (f) As attendant to e-Medical visa holder     (g) Business purpose     (h) Attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop.   iii. Passport should have at least six months validity at the time of making application for grant of e-Visa and a re-entry permit, if that is required under the law of the country of nationality of the applicant.    The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.   iv. The foreigner should have return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.   v. Foreigners of Pakistani origin or having Pakistani Passport are not eligible for e-Visa. Foreigners who are not Pakistani nationals, but whose parents or grandparents (either paternal or maternal) was born    in, or was permanently resident in Pakistan, are also not eligible for e-Visa. They may apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.   vi. Not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer/ international travel document holders.   vii. Not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.

Ans- For details regarding procedure for applying, please visit our website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/

Ans- No, https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ is only the official website to apply for the e-Visa Services.    Note - Services of e-Visa are completely online and no facilitation is required by any intermediary / travel agents etc. It is advised not to believe or fall in trap of any such unscrupulous elements who claim    speedy/express grant of e-Visa and charge money for it.    Do not share your personal information with any unauthorized website as it may lead to leakage of your personal data. Only visit the official website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ for e-Visa    service.    For any clarification, you may write us on our email id ' indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in ' or contact us on +91 11 24300666 .

Ans- No, there is no fee other than the processing fee for e-Visa application and it is non-refundable. Please visit our website to know the fee applicable for your country as it is country-specific.

Ans- (i) For e-Tourist Visa (01 year / 05 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant and e-Conference visa, applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance    of the date of arrival. Such application can be made 120 days in advance from proposed date of travel.    (ii) For e-Tourist Visa (30 days) , applicants of the eligible countries/territories may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival. Such application can be made 30 days in advance from    proposed date of travel.

Ans- Yes. Immediately after you submit your e-Visa application and make the payment, you will receive a confirmation of submission of your application on the email id provided by you while filling up your    application form.

Ans- Your e-Visa application may take 72 hours or more for processing. You will be intimated about your Visa status (Granted or Rejected) on your email id provided by you in the e-Visa application.

Ans- Yes, you may check the status of your e-Visa application by visiting our website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and clicking on 'Check your Visa Status' Tab provided on the website.

Ans- The validity of e-Visa would be according to the e-Visa service you have requested in the application form as -    For e-Tourist Visa (01 year / 05 years) , the validity would be 365 days / 05 years from the date of grant of ETA with Multiple entries and Maximum stay in India during one Calender Year should not exceed 180 days.    For e-Tourist Visa (30 days) , the validity would be 30 days from the date of your first arrival in India. Double entries will be granted within the e-Visa validity period stamped on your Passport. Your first    arrival must be between the date of issue and expiry of ETA.    For e-Business Visa , the validity would be 365 days from the date of grant of ETA with Multiple entries and continuous stay during each visit which shall not exceed 180 days and no registration would be    required if stay is for a period of less than 180 days. However, if the intention is to stay for more than 180 days, then the foreigner shall get himself/herself registered with the FRRO/FRO concerned     (https://indianfrro.gov.in) within two weeks after the expiry of 180 days of his/her arrival in India.    For e-Conference Visa , the validity would be 30 days from the date of arrival in India with Single entry.    For e-Medical Visa , the validity would be 60 days from the date of first arrival in India and triple entry will be allowed within the e-Visa validity period stamped on your Passport.    For e-Medical Attendant Visa , the validity would be 60 days from the date of first arrival in India and triple entry will be allowed within the e-Visa validity period stamped on your Passport.

Ans- No, e-Visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.

Ans- You may arrive at 31 designated Airports i.e. Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa(Dabolim), Goa(Mopa), Guwahati, Hyderabad,Indore    Jaipur,Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi & Visakhapatnam, and 5 designated seaports (i.e. Cochin, Goa, Mangalore,    Chennai and Mumbai seaports). You may depart from any of the Indian Immigration Check Posts (ICPs).

Ans- Your e-Visa application may take upto 72 hours for processing. For more enquiries on your e-Visa application, you can contact us at +91 11 24300666 or e-mail at indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in    The applicants are advised to beware of unscrupulous elements/ travel agents/ intermediaries in this regard. In cases where applicants have been asked for correct details or additional information    where application is incomplete, the same must be sent immediately. If such information is not provided within 72 hours, the application is liable to be rejected.

Ans- Yes, ensure that your child’s passport is valid at-least for next 06 (six) months from the date of arrival in India.

Ans- e-Visa processing fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either Grant or Rejection of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Ans- No. You have already paid the required processing fee online. The applicants are advised to beware of unscrupulous elements/ travel agents/ intermediaries demanding extra payment.

Ans- This pertains to customs department.

Ans- Make sure you delete the browser history and cookies before trying to make payment. Also try to change the browser if the problem persists.    In case you have already tried more than thrice, then you may have to re-submit the entire application form once again.    Payment Support helpline :-     Axis Bank Technical support. Email address: ecom[at]axisbank[dot]com    Contact No Toll free Numbers from:    USA : 18552055577 UK : 0808178 5040 Singapore : 8001206355 Australia : 1800153861 UAE : 8000 3570 3218 Saudi Arabia : 8008500000 Qatar : 00800 100348 Bahrain : 80011300    For rest of the countries: + 91-40-6717-4100     SBI ePay payment support provides technical support for all payment related transactions at +91-22-2753-5773 (24 x 7).

Ans- Please visit our website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and click on 'Verify Payment/ Pay e-Visa fee'.

Ans - You have to upload the business card along with the details of Indian Firm/Company (which you intend to associate yourself with) for business activities. For Sports Related Activity under e-Business Visa, please refer Instructions for applicant page for the list of documents required.

Ans- Business card means 'a card provided to you by the company you are working for' OR you can also upload 'an invitation letter from the company in India including company's information, address and    phone number in India'.

Ans - A Copy of Letter from the Hospital concerned in India on its letterhead which includes the tentative date of admission/treatment in the hospital mentioning the name, nationality and Passport number of    the patient/ e-Medical Visa applicant.

Ans- For e-Conference Visa, following are the required documents:    (i) Invitation from organizer (mandatory)    (ii) Political clearance from Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India (mandatory)    (iii) Event clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India (optional)

Ans- You may be allowed entry into India on the new passport even if ETA has been issued on the old passport with the condition that you must carry the new Passport and old passport on which ETA was    issued.

Ans- No, You can only enter through the designated airports/seaports which are listed on the e-Visa website.

Ans- You have to put the Previous visa details in the application form as it is mandatory. You can write NA or Not Available or Not Applicable or any other suitable phrase according to you in the application    form if you do not remember your earlier Visa number/details.

Ans- The Visa on Arrival facility is only for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had earlier obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India). For the nationals of all other    countries eligible for e-Visa, the e-visa application have to be filled online and the applicant must wait till the confirmation/Grant of ETA for travelling to India.

Ans- e-Visa processing fee once submitted is non-refundable as the fee is for processing of the application and is not dependent on either grant or Rejection of the Application.

Ans- Entry by cruise ship is allowed with the ETA through 5 designated seaports namely Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Goa and Mangalore seaports.

Ans- 'Visible identification mark' generally means moles, birthmarks, permanent scars etc. which are visible and can be shown if askd for by the Indian Immigration Authority.

Ans- All the foreigners arriving in India within 6 days of departure from any yellow fever endemic country are required to possess (in original) a valid yellow fever certificate of vaccination.    List of Yellow fever vaccination countries-     https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Updated%20List%20of%20Yellow%20Fever%20Endemic%20Countries%20by%20WHO_0.pdf

Ans- The applicant must check all the details including Name, Nationality, Passport Number and Date of Birth, photograph/self image etc before final submission of e-Visa application. The applicant would be    responsible for any discrepancy irrespective of grant/rejection of e-Visa application. However, if any discrepancy found on ETA, e-Visa Support Centre may be contacted at indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in or     +91 11 24300666 for assistance at least 24 hours before the journey date.

Ans- e-Visa is not allowed for employment. You may apply for a Regular Visa.

Ans- e-Visa is not allowed for NGO activities and journalism purposes. However, Voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which do not involve any monetary payment or    consideration of any kind in return) are allowed.

Ans- Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted against one e-Medical Visa (patient).

Authorized Immigration Checkposts

Entry points.

Persons holding eVisa will be allowed to enter into India only through the designated international airports (31) namely :

• Thiruvananthapuram
• Goa(Dabolim)
• Visakhapatnam
• Bhubaneswar

eVisa facility is also been provided for entry at 5 major Indian seaport for cruise tourists:

• New Mangalore

Exit Points

• Bhubaneshwar
• Tiruchirapalli
• Vishakhapatnam
• Attari Road
• Changrabandha
• Gauriphanta
• Kailashahar
• Lalgolaghat
• Srimantapur
• Kawarpuchia
• Bedi Bunder
• Mormagoa Harbour
• Mumbai Seaport
• Nagapattinum
• Nhava Sheva
• Vishakapatnam
• Agati and Minicoy Island Lakshdwip UT
• Vallarpadam
• Krishnapatnam
• Munabao Rail Check Post
• Attari Rail Check Post
• Gede Rail and Road Check Post
• Haridaspur Rail Check Post
• Chitpur Rail Checkpost

Technical information for e-visa: This site is best viewed in Mozilla Firefox,Google Chrome,Internet Explorer (Windows) version 9.0 and above.The applicant must also have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or higher installed on your PC in order to download and print the completed application form. This website is compatible with Android and IOS devices.

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• Home › Public Notices & Circulars › Travel advisory and visa restrictions related to COVID-19

Travel advisory and visa restrictions related to COVID-19

For latest travel advisory and visa restrictions related to COVID-19, please check the Bureau of Immigration’s website:  https://boi.gov.in/

To know the impact of COVID-19 outbreak in India, please go to Ministry of Health, Government of India’s website:  https://main.mohfw.gov.in/

Consulate General of India

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Page last updated on: May 03, 2024

• India in Germany

What are you looking for?

Information for holders of a german residence permit currently staying in india due to the pandemic.

Please note that the visa section can neither provide any information about the validity of your residence permit nor extend it. The only authority responsible for this is your Foreigners Authority, which you have to contact directly. The visa section is also not authorized to forward applications for the extension of residence permits. Please contact the relevant immigration authority directly for assistance. If the immigration authority agrees to issue a “Fiktionsbescheinigung”, they may send this document directly to the Consulate to hand it out to you. Within the validity of this document, you may then return to Germany. Please also note the following: As a general rule, German residence permits expire automatically (despite the mentioned validity date and also if issued as “permanent residence permit” (Niederlassungserlaubnis)) after a stay of more than six months outside Germany, the permanent residence permit EU (Daueraufenthalt- EU ) allows you to be absent for up to 12 months. Some exemptions to this rule apply e.g. for holders of a permanent residence permit married to a German citizen. The alien authority in Germany may issue a confirmation about these exemptions on request. Please contact your immigration authority directly. Under special circumstances, the immigration authority can grant longer absences. You cannot file such applications via the visa section Mumbai; you have to contact your immigration authority in Germany directly.

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Visa and Stay in Germany

Do i need a visa for germany, where can i get a visa for germany, what documents do i need to apply for an entry visa, how do i know which visa is right for me, when and where do i need to register as a resident of frankfurt after my arrival, when should i extend my visa / apply for a residence permit in germany, where do i go to extend my visa and how do i get an appointment, which documents do i need in order to extend my visa / apply for a residence permit, how much does it cost to extend a visa / apply for a residence permit, what is an electronic residence permit (elektronischer aufenthaltstitel, eat) and what is it used for, when should i apply for my electronic residence permit (elektronischer aufenthaltstitel, eat), how do i find out that my electronic residence permit (elektronischer aufenthaltstitel, eat) has been issued and is ready for collection.

• What is a temporal residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung) and when do I get one?
• Can I travel with a temporal residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung)?

How do I terminate my registration with the City of Frankfurt before I leave Germany?

What do i need to do if my husband/wife would like to follow me to germany, what do i need to do if i would like to invite visitors from abroad to germany.

Citizens from EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland usually do not require an entry visa. This also applies to the citizens of Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Great Britain, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, and the USA. Citizens of all other non-EU member states need to apply for a visa to enter Germany. In case one of the states mentioned above applies to you, please nevertheless consider entering Germany with a visa for purposes such as starting gainful employment directly after your arrival. You can find more information on our website:  Visa . For a detailed overview of each country, please visit the homepage of the  Federal Foreign Office .

If you would like to apply for a visa for Germany, please refer to the German diplomatic mission (embassy/consulate) in your home country. You will either receive an initial entry visa, which you will be able to extend after your arrival in Germany, or you will receive a one-year visa up front. You can find more information and a checklist of the required documents on our website:  Visa

You can find a checklist of the documents that you need in order to apply for a visa on our website:  Visa .

There are many different types of visa and residence permits that an international researcher in Germany could apply for. You can take a look at our list of the different types of visa to find the one that suits your needs:  Types of Visa .

If you will be staying in Germany for more than three months and your place of residence is located within the city of Frankfurt, you need to register as a resident of Frankfurt with the Citizens' Office. You can do this at one of the several offices ( Bürgeramt ) all over town. In case you live in another town that is not Frankfurt, you need to register with the respective Citizens' Office. You will need to book an appointment to register; required are your passport and a document from your landlord called “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung" which proves when and where you moved in.

You usually travel to Germany with a visa that is valid for 3 months / 90 days. Therefore, if you are planning to stay longer than this period of time, you should extend your visa / apply for a residence permit as soon as possible after your arrival in Germany. If you arrived without a visa as a national of the eligible states listed above, you are also only allowed to stay for 3 months unless you apply for a residence permit. You can find all of the important information about this on our website:  Extending a visa .

In order to extend your visa / apply for a residence permit, you will need to apply at the Foreigners Office responsible for the city in which you are registered. The Foreigners Office ( Ausländerbehörde ) for the city of Frankfurt is located at  Rebstöcker Straße 4 ; however, you will need a scheduled appointment to visit. If you would like to start your application, please contact the Goethe Welcome Centre well in advance before the expiry of your visa. We will be happy to guide you through the process, assist with required documents, and make an appointment on your behalf. 

As an indication, you can find a list of documents you will most likely need to apply for a residence permit on our website:  Extending a visa . Please mind, however, that different and/or additional documents may be required depending on your individual application. All foreign language documents or certificates require a German translation by a certified, sworn translator.

For adults, the fee currently amounts to a minimum of €113 per person depending on the kind of application. For children, it is €56,50. The fee is to be paid during your appointment at the Foreigners Office; accepted are cash and debit cards but no credit cards.

The electronic residence permit is issued in card format. It replaces the former sticky label on your passport. You can find everything you need to know about the electronic residence permit in this guide .

Since it can take about 4-8 weeks to process your application at the Foreigners Office, we recommend that you apply to extend your current visa or residence permit 8-10 weeks before it is due to expire. Processing times are heavily influenced by various factors including, but not limited to, the time of the year (i.e. around Christmas) and the urgency depending on your visa's/permit's expiry date. .

After your appointment, your electronic residence permit will be ordered by the Foreigners Office. In a first step, you will receive a letter from Berlin with your PIN and PUK code to enable the permit's online functions. The electronic residence permit is produced in Berlin and, once ready, will be sent to the Foreigners Office Frankfurt where it will be double-checked and send to your home in a second letter. Some other Foreigners Offices outside of Frankfurt do not offer this service and you will need to pick up your card instead.

What is a temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung) and when do I get one?

A temporary residence permit is a substitute document which you receive if your visa or residence permit is due to expire before the new electronic residence permit has been issued. It fictionally extends all specifications of your visa / residence permit. You can find more information on our website:  Temporary Residence Permit .

Can I travel with a temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung)?

If possible, you should avoid travelling outside the EU with a temporary residence permit. Indeed, the type of temporary residence permit that you have will determine whether travel outside of Germany is at all possible. You can find more detailed information on our website:  Temporary Residence Permit .

If you wish to leave Frankfurt permanently and will no longer be residing here, you need to de-register with the Citizens' Office ( Bürgeramt ) where you initially registered as a resident of Frankfurt. This process of de-registration is called “Abmeldung". You can de-register 14 days before your departure at the earliest. To de-register, simply fill out the form entitled “Abmeldung bei der Stadt Frankfurt" and hand it in / send it in electronically along with a copy of your passport at the Citizens' Office. Deregistration is also possible once you have left Germany. You may find more information about the procedure and required formalities on our website: Departure .

If your spouse, and also maybe your children, would like to follow you to Germany, the first thing you need to do is file an application for each family member with the German diplomatic mission (embassy/consulate) in your home country. You can find more information about the required documents and the procedure on our website: Subsequent Arrival of Family Members.

If you would like to invite visitors from abroad who require a visa for Germany, you need to submit an official invitation via the Foreigners Office. You can find all preconditions and the necessary forms on our website:  Inviting Visitors .

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What is a Fiktionsbescheinigung?

The Fiktionsbescheinigung is a proof that you can stay in Germany without a residence permit. It’s just a piece of paper. You get it while you wait for another residence permit.

How to get a Fiktionsbescheinigung ➞

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

India - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.

Do not travel to:

• The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest .
• Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary : Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined India has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers .
• Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for India.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Sporadic violence occurs particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating India and Pakistan, and in tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open but confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Northeastern States – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast.

U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without special authorization from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata.

Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Naxalites have conducted frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.

Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorization from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months beyond date of visa application to obtain a visa.

Two pages required.

Yes. Travelers must enter in either on a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.

Required for yellow fever if the traveler is arriving from an infected area; others are suggested.

The possession of satellite phones is prohibited in India; Currency in excess of USD $5,000 must be declared. Please check with the Indian Embassy in Washington if you are planning to carry a large amount of currency into India.

Check local law for reporting requirements for exiting with large quantities of foreign currency and Indian rupees.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy new delhi.

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (11) 2419-8000 Fax: +(91) (11) 2419-0017 [email protected]

The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi   serves American citizens in the Indian states of  Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the union territories of Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and the country of Bhutan.

U.S. Consulate General Mumbai (Bombay) C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 India Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) (22) 2672-4000 If you are calling from within India, but outside Mumbai, first dial 022. Fax: 91-(0)22-2672-4786 [email protected]

The Consulate General in Mumbai provides consular services for the states of Goa, Gujarat, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and the union territory of Diu and Daman, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

U.S. Consulate General Kolkata (Calcutta) 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India Telephone: +(91) (33) 3984-2400 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(91) 99030 42956 or +(91) (33) 3984-2400 then dial "0" Fax: +(91) (33) 2282-2335

The United States Consulate General in Kolkata provides consular services for the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Assam. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) 220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle Chennai, India 600006 Telephone: +(91) (44) 2857-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for American Citizen Services.(Within India, but outside Chennai, first dial 044. From the United States, first dial 011-(91) (44) ) Fax: +(91) (044) 2811-2020

The Consulate General in Chennai provides consular services for the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and Lakshwadeep Islands. [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032 Phone: 040 6932 8000

The Consulate General in Hyderabad provides services to the U.S. citizens in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. [email protected]

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Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

All U.S. citizens need a valid passport as well as a valid Indian visa or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, to enter and exit India for any purpose. Travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa may be denied entry into India. Indian visa regulations and instructions change frequently, often with little advance notice. Travelers are urged to check the  website of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.  before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist you if you arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India solely for tourist purposes for stays of less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days prior to their arrival. Please visit the  Indian government's website for electronic travel authorization for additional information and to submit an application.  

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as a tourist for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services to individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-visa .

Diplomatic and Official visa applications are accepted directly at the Indian Embassy and Consulates. All U.S. government employees traveling on official orders, including military personnel, must obtain country clearance for travel to India. Once you have received your visa, check it carefully to ensure that the type of visa and number of entries is appropriate for your travel plans.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, as well as the pages containing the Indian visa and Indian immigration stamps with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, copies will help you apply for a replacement passport and an exit visa from the Indian government. Replacing a lost visa, which is required in order to exit the country, may take four or five business days.   

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to administrative processing and should expect additional delays when applying for Indian visas.

Foreign citizens who visit India to  study, do research, work, or act as missionaries,  as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days,  are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)  closest to where they will be staying in addition  to having the appropriate visa  when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the  Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)  section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.

If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit  the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal  to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  

For the most current information on entry and exit requirements, please contact the  Embassy of India  at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 939-9806 or the Indian Consulates in Atlanta ,  Chicago , Houston ,  New York , or  San Francisco . Outside the United States, inquiries should be made at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

General information regarding Indian visa and immigration rules, including the addresses and telephone numbers for the FRRO offices, can be found at the  Indian Ministry of Home Affairs Bureau of Immigration website.

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS:  There are no disclosure requirements or restrictions for HIV/AIDS patients who enter India on a tourist visa. Disclosure regarding HIV/AIDS is required of anyone seeking a resident permit in India. Foreign residents found to be suffering from HIV/AIDS will be deported. Please verify this information with the  Embassy of India  before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

U.S. citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect U.S. citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups, some on the U.S. government's list of foreign terrorist organizations, are active in India, including Islamist extremist groups such as Harkat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami, Harakat ul-Mujahidin, Indian Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. The U.S. government occasionally receives information regarding possible terrorist attacks that could take place in India, monitors such information to determine credibility, and advises U.S. citizens accordingly.  Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive messages from the Embassy automatically.   

Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas. Attacks have taken place during the busy evening hours in markets and other crowded places, but could occur at any time.  Alerts are usually more frequent around major holidays. The Maoists (also known as “Naxalites”) are the most active insurgent group in India. The Naxalites typically attack Indian government officials, but have also derailed trains, targeted other government buildings such as police stations, and conducted other criminal activity.  In eastern India’s Bihar state, 10 security personnel were killed and five injured in a Naxalite-triggered Improvised Explosive Device blast on July 18, 2016.  In the eastern state of Jharkhand, seven policemen were killed and eight others injured in a landmine blast by Naxalites on January 27, 2016.   

Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services  Facebook  page, and enroll with the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.

The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai will post information about routine demonstrations on the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates General websites, under the heading “Demonstration Notices.” Please monitor our websites regularly for information about protest activities in the country. Please note that the Embassy and Consulates General will issue emergency/security messages for other purposes, as necessary.

Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in the past. 

Swimming in India:  You should exercise caution if you intend to swim in open waters along the Indian coastline, particularly during the monsoon season. Every year, several people in Goa, Mumbai, Puri (Odisha), off the Eastern Coast in the Bay of Bengal, and other areas drown due to strong undertows. It is important to heed warnings posted at beaches and to avoid swimming in the ocean during the monsoon season. Trained lifeguards are very rare along beaches.

If you visit the Andaman Islands, be aware that there have been reports of crocodile attacks in salt water resulting in fatalities.  Ask local residents about dangerous sea life before swimming and keep a safe distance from animals at all times.

Wildlife safaris:  India offers opportunities for observation of wildlife in its natural habitat and many tour operators and lodges advertise structured, safe excursions into parks and other wildlife viewing areas for close observation of flora and fauna. However, safety standards and training vary, and it is a good idea to ascertain whether operators are trained and licensed. Even animals marketed as “tame” should be respected as wild and extremely dangerous. Keep a safe distance from animals at all times, remaining in vehicles or other protected enclosures when venturing into game parks.

Trekking in India:  Trekking expeditions should be limited to routes identified for this purpose by local authorities. Use only registered trekking agencies, porters, and guides, suspend trekking after dark, camp at designated camping places, and travel in groups rather than individually or with one or two companions. Altitudes in popular trekking spots can be as high as 25,170 feet (7,672 m); please make sure that you have had a recent medical checkup to ensure that you are fit to trek at these altitudes and carry sufficient medical insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.

Train Travel:  India has the third largest rail network in the world, and train travel in India generally is safe. Nevertheless, accidents and on-board fires are sometimes caused by aging infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, overcrowding, and operator errors. Train accidents and fires have resulted in the death and serious injury of passengers.

Areas of Instability: Jammu & Kashmir:  The Department of State strongly recommends that you avoid travel to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir because of the potential for terrorist incidents as well as violent public unrest. A number of terrorist groups operate in the territory targeting security forces, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) separating Indian and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, and those stationed in primary tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Since 1989, as many as 70,000 people (terrorists, security forces, and civilians) have been killed in the Kashmir conflict. Foreigners are particularly visible, vulnerable, and at risk. In the past, serious communal violence left the territory mostly paralyzed due to massive strikes and business shutdowns, and U.S. citizens have had to be evacuated by local police. The Indian government prohibits foreign tourists from visiting certain areas along the LOC (see the section on Restricted Areas, below).

India-Pakistan Border:  The Department of State recommends that you avoid travel to areas within ten kilometers of the border between India and Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official India-Pakistan border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the state of Punjab between Atari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but you are advised to confirm the current status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. A Pakistani visa is required to enter Pakistan. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise you should apply for a Pakistani visa in your country of residence before traveling to India.

Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakoram mountain range that includes the Siachen glacier. Travel or mountain climbing in this area is highly dangerous. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak; Apsarasas I, II, and III; Tegam Kangri I, II and III; Suingri Kangri; Ghiant I and II; Indira Col; and Sia Kangri. Check with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi for information on current conditions.

Northeastern states:  Incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets, occur occasionally in the northeast. While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, it is possible that you could be affected as a bystander. If you travel to the northeast, you should avoid travel by train at night, travel outside major cities at night, and crowds. U.S. government employees at the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are prohibited from traveling to the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur without permission from the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata. Restricted Area Permits are required for foreigners to visit certain Northeastern states (see the section on Restricted Areas, below.) Contact the U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata for information on current conditions.

East Central and Southern India:  Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in East Central India primarily in rural areas. The Naxalites have a long history of conflict with state and national authorities, including frequent terrorist attacks on local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials, and are responsible for more attacks in the country than any other organization through an ongoing campaign of violence and intimidation Naxalites have not specifically targeted U.S. citizens but have attacked symbolic targets that have included Western companies and rail lines. While Naxalite violence does not normally occur in places frequented by foreigners, there is a risk that visitors could become victims of violence.

Naxalites are active in a large swath of India from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal, particularly in rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and on the borders of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travelers to states with Naxalite activity must receive authorization from the U.S. Consulate responsible for the area to be visited. U.S. officials traveling only to the capital cities in these states do not need prior authorization.

Restricted/Protected areas:  While the Indian Government has designated that travelers to “portions” of certain areas need special advance permission, actual practice has been to require a permit to enter any portion of certain states or territories. Areas requiring a permit include:

• The state of Arunachal Pradesh
• Portions of the state of Sikkim
• Portions of the state of Himachal Pradesh near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) near the Chinese border
• Portions of the state of Rajasthan near the Pakistani border
• Portions of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir near the Line of Control with Pakistan and certain portions of the union territory of Ladakh
• The union territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• The union territory of the Laccadives Islands (Lakshadweep)
• Portions of the state of Manipur
• Portions of the state of Mizoram
• Portions of the state of Nagaland

More information about travel to/in restricted/protected areas can be found from India’s  Bureau of Immigration .

“Restricted Area Permits" are available outside India at Indian embassies and consulates abroad, or in India from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division) at Jaisalmer House, 26 Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim maintain official guesthouses in New Delhi, which can also issue Restricted Area Permits for their respective states for certain travelers. While visiting Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) in Tamil Nadu, be aware the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center, Kalpakkam, is located just south of the site and is not clearly marked as a restricted and dangerous area.

For the latest security information, travelers should enroll in  STEP  to receive updated security information and regularly monitor travel information available from the  U.S. Embassy in New Delhi  as well as the U.S. Consulates General in  Mumbai  (Bombay),  Chennai (Madras),  Hyderabad , and  Kolkata  (Calcutta).

CRIME:  Petty crime, especially theft of personal property (including U.S. passports), is common, particularly on trains or buses, at airports, and in major tourist areas. Pickpockets can be very adept and women have reported having their bags snatched, purse-straps cut, or the bottom of their purses slit without their knowledge. If you are traveling by train, lock your sleeping compartments and take your valuables with you when leaving your berth. If you travel by air, be careful with your bags in the arrival and departure areas outside airports. Violent crime, especially directed against foreigners, has traditionally been uncommon, although in recent years there has been a modest increase. Be cautious about displaying cash or expensive items to reduce the chance of being a target for robbery or other crime, and be aware of your surroundings when you use ATMs. ATM card scams have been used to clone credit card details to withdraw money.

Sexual Assault:  Travelers should be aware that there have been reported cases of sexual assault, including rape, of U.S. citizens traveling throughout India. U.S. citizens, particularly women, are cautioned not to travel alone in India. Women traveling in India are advised to respect local dress and customs. Customary everyday dress for Indian women throughout the country is conservative, and even more so in non-urban areas,  with women wearing clothing that covers their legs and shoulders. Exceptions are vacation resorts catering to foreign clientele and some neighborhoods of the major cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. Western women, especially those of African descent, continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by individuals and groups of men. Known locally as “Eve-teasing,” these incidents of sexual harassment can be quite frightening and can quickly cross the line from verbal to physical. Sexual harassment can occur anytime or anywhere, but most frequently has happened in crowded areas such as in market places, train stations, buses, and public streets. The harassment can range from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to catcalls to outright groping. The Government of India has focused greater attention on addressing issues of gender violence. One outcome has been greater reporting of incidences of sexual assault country-wide, and Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Among large cities, Delhi experienced the highest number of reported crimes against women. Although most victims have been local residents, recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas across India underline the fact that foreign women are at risk and should exercise vigilance.

Women should observe stringent security precautions, including avoiding use of public transport after dark without the company of known and trustworthy companions, restricting evening entertainment to well-known venues, and avoiding isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Keep your hotel room number confidential and make sure hotel room doors have chains, deadlocks, and peep holes. Travel with groups of friends rather than alone. In addition, only hire reliable cars and drivers and avoid traveling alone in hired taxis, especially at night. Use taxis from hotels and pre-paid taxis at airports rather than hailing them on the street. If you encounter threatening situations, call “100” for police assistance (“112” from mobile phones).

Scams:  Major airports, train stations, popular restaurants, and tourist sites are often used by scam artists looking to prey on visitors, often by creating a distraction. Beware of taxi drivers and others, including train porters, who solicit travelers with "come-on" offers of cheap transportation and/or hotels. Travelers accepting such offers have frequently found themselves the victims of scams, including offers to assist with "necessary" transfers to the domestic airport, disproportionately expensive hotel rooms, unwanted "tours," unwelcome "purchases," extended cab rides, and even threats when the tourists decline to pay.  There have been reports of tourists being lured, held hostage and extorted for money in the face of threats of violence against the traveler and his/her family members.

You should exercise care when hiring transportation and/or guides and use only well-known travel agents to book trips. Some scam artists have lured travelers by displaying their name on a sign when they leave the airport. Another popular scam is to drop money or to squirt something on the clothing of an unsuspecting traveler and use the distraction to rob them of their valuables. Tourists have also been given drugged drinks or tainted food to make them more vulnerable to theft, particularly at train stations. Even food or drink prepared in front of the traveler from a canteen or vendor could be tainted.

Some vendors sell carpets, jewelry, gemstones, or other expensive items that may not be of the quality promised. Deal only with reputable businesses and do not hand over your credit cards or money unless you are certain that goods being shipped are the goods you purchased. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is best avoided. Most Indian states have official tourism bureaus set up to handle complaints.

There have been a number of other scams perpetrated against foreign travelers, particularly in Goa, Jaipur, and Agra that target younger travelers and involve suggestions that money can be made by privately transporting gems or gold (both of which can result in arrest) or by taking delivery abroad of expensive carpets, supposedly while avoiding customs duties. The scam artists describe profits that can be made upon delivery of the goods, and require the traveler to pay a "deposit" as part of the transaction.

India-based criminals use the internet to extort money from victims abroad.  In a common scam, the victim develops a close romantic relationship with an alleged U.S. citizen they meet online. When the “friend” travels to India, a series of accidents occur and the victim begins to receive requests for financial assistance, sometimes through an intermediary.  In fact, the U.S. citizen “friend” does not exist; they are only online personas used by criminal networks. Victims have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in these schemes. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and carefully read the Department of State’s advice on  international financial scams . 

U.S. citizens have had problems with business partners, usually involving property investments. You may wish to seek professional legal advice in reviewing any contracts for business or services offered in India. The U.S. Embassy and/or consulates are unable to provide legal advice or intervene on behalf of United States citizens with Indian courts on civil or criminal matters.  A list of local attorneys is available on the Embassy and Consulates General  websites .

In another common scam, family members in the United States, particularly older people, are approached for funds to help callers claiming to be grandchildren or relatives who have been arrested or are without money to return home. Do not send money without contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General to confirm the other party’s situation. You can also call our Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Review our information on  Emergency Assistance to Americans Abroad . 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for more information on scams.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police, then inform the U.S. Embassy or local Consulate.

Report crimes to the local police by calling “100” or “112” from a mobile phone.                      

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Please note that you should ask for a copy of the police report, known as a “First Information Report” (FIR), from local police when you report an incident. Local authorities generally are unable to take any meaningful action without the filing of a police report. 

If your passport is stolen, you should immediately report the theft or loss to the police in the location where your passport was stolen. A FIR is required by the Indian government in order for you to obtain an exit visa to leave India if the lost passport contained your Indian visa. Although the Embassy or Consulate General is able to replace a stolen or lost passport, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are responsible for approving an exit permit. This process usually takes three to four working days, but can take longer.

In cases of sexual assault or rape, the Embassy or Consulates General can provide a list of local doctors and hospitals, if needed, to determine if you have been injured and to discuss treatment and prevention options for diseases and pregnancy. You should be aware that in order for evidence of an assault to be submitted in a court case, Indian authorities require that the medical exam be completed at a government hospital. Therefore, if a victim goes to a private hospital for treatment, the hospital will refer them to a government hospital for this aspect of the medical process. 

There are a number of resources in India for victims of rape and sexual assault. The specific toll-free Women’s Helpline Service number in Delhi is 1091; in Mumbai it is 103; in Kolkata, 1090; in Chennai, 1091 or 2345-2365; and in Hyderabad one can dial 1-800-425-2908 or 1098 for crimes in general.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in India is “100.” An additional emergency number, “112,” can be accessed from mobile phones.

Please see our  information for victims of crime , including possible victim compensation programs in the United States. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some activities are crimes under U.S. law and can be prosecuted in the U.S. regardless of whether they are allowed under local law.  For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.

Drugs:  Several U.S. citizens have been arrested at Indian airports for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs from India.  All claimed that they did not realize they were carrying narcotics.  Never transport or mail packages that do not belong to you and maintain direct control of your luggage at all times.

Beef and Cow Hide: Several states in India impose various types of prohibition on beef.  In some rural areas, cow protection vigilantes have attacked people they suspected of selling or consuming beef, or possessing items made with cow hide.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Dual nationality: India does not permit its citizens to hold dual nationality. In 2006, India launched the "Overseas Citizens of India" (OCI) program, which does not grant Indian citizenship but is similar to a U.S. "green card" in that you can travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties). If you are a U.S. citizen and obtain an OCI card you will not become a citizen of India; you will remain a citizen of the United States. An OCI card holder does not receive an Indian passport, cannot vote in Indian elections, and is not eligible for Indian government employment. The OCI program is similar to the Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) card except that PIO holders must still register with Indian immigration authorities, and PIO cards are not issued for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for PIO or OCI cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington, or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest FRRO office (please see “Entry/Exit Requirements” section above for more information on the FRRO). U.S. citizens are required to travel on a U.S. passport when traveling in and out of the United States.

Religious activities and faith-based travelers:  See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report .  If you plan to engage in religious proselytizing you are required by Indian law to have a "missionary" visa. Immigration authorities have determined that certain activities, including speaking at religious meetings to which the general public is invited, may violate immigration law if the traveler does not hold a missionary visa. Foreigners with tourist visas who engage in missionary activity are subject to deportation and possible criminal prosecution. The states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh have legislation that regulates or places restrictions on conversion from one religious faith to another. If you intend to engage in missionary activity, you may wish to seek legal advice to determine whether the activities you intend to pursue are permitted under Indian law.

Tourists should also be mindful of restrictions and observances when planning to visit any religious establishment, whether Hindu temples, mosques, churches, or other locations considered sacred by the local population. Many individual temples and mosques do not permit non-members to enter all or parts of the facilities, and may require the removal of shoes, the covering of the head, or have other specific requirements for appropriate attire.  

Customs restrictions: Before traveling to or from India, you are urged to inspect all bags and clothing thoroughly to ensure they do not inadvertently contain prohibited items. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested or detained when airport security officials discovered loose ammunition (even spent individual bullets and casings) or weapons in their luggage. If you are found to have loose ammunition or bullets (including empty bullet shells used in souvenirs) on your person or in your bags, you could be charged with violation of the Indian Arms Act, incarcerated, and/or deported from India.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been arrested for possession of satellite phones. Satellite phones, personal locator beacons, and hand-held GPS devices are illegal in India.

Indian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from India of such items as, antiquities, electronic equipment, currency, ivory, gold objects, and other prohibited materials. Permission from the Government of India is required to bring in restricted items, even if you are only transiting through India. If you do not comply with these regulations, you risk arrest or fine or both and confiscation of these items. If you are charged with any legal violations by Indian law enforcement, have an attorney review any document before you sign it. The Government of India requires the registration of antique items with the local police along with a photograph of the item. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of India in Washington or one of India's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. More information is available from the Indian Central Board of Excise and Customs .

Indian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business , 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, or email USCIB for details. Please see our section on Customs Information for more information.

Natural disaster threats: Parts of northern India are highly susceptible to earthquakes. Regions of highest risk, ranked 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, include areas around Srinagar, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Dehra Dun, the northern parts of Punjab, northwest Gujarat, northern Bihar, and the entire northeast. Ranked 4 (high damage risk) is an area that sweeps along the north through Jammu and Kashmir, Eastern Punjab, Haryana, Northern Uttar Pradesh, central Bihar and the northern parts of West Bengal. New Delhi is located in zone 4. Severe flooding is common in hilly and mountainous areas throughout India. Flooding in 2013 in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and other areas left thousands of people presumed dead and temporarily stranded dozens of U.S. citizens.

Typhoons/cyclones and subsequent flooding are common along the Indian coasts, in particular the Eastern coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, and have at times resulted in massive loss of life.  Tourists and residents in areas prone to these events should remain vigilant during severe weather, monitor local media for latest developments, and heed all municipal warnings.  Residents in these areas should have contingency plans for loss of power and inavailability of goods and services, including supplies for multiple days after a severe weather event.

Accessibility: While in India, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than what you find in the United States. Despite legislation that all public buildings and transport be accessible for disabled people, accessibility remains limited. One notable exception is the Delhi metro system, designed to be accessible to those with physical disabilities.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Students:  See our   Students Abroad  page and FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Section 377 of India’s penal code makes same-sex sexual acts illegal in India. On September 6, 2018, the Supreme Court of India declared unconstitutional the application of Section 377, barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, effectively legalizing homosexuality in India. Reports of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons, particularly in rural areas, persist. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Zika is present in India. See the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information.

The quality of medical care in India varies considerably. Medical care in the major population centers approaches and occasionally meets Western standards, but adequate medical care is usually very limited or unavailable in rural areas.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance (our webpage) to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of India to ensure the medication is legal in India.  Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you are arriving in India from Sub-Saharan Africa or other yellow-fever areas, Indian health regulations require that you present evidence of vaccination against yellow fever. If you do not have such proof, you could be subjected to immediate deportation or a six-day detention in the yellow-fever quarantine center. If you transit through any part of sub-Saharan Africa, even for one day, you are advised to carry proof of yellow fever immunization.

Dogs and bats create a high risk of rabies transmission in most of India. Vaccination is recommended for all prolonged stays, especially for young children and travelers in rural areas. It is also recommended for shorter stays that involve occupational exposure, locations more than 24 hours from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment, adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers. Monkeys also can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.

Influenza is transmitted from November to April in areas north of the Tropic of Cancer (north India), and from June through November (the rainy season) in areas south of the Tropic of Cancer (south India), with a smaller peak from February through April; off-season transmission can also occur. All travelers are at risk. Influenza vaccine is recommended for all travelers during the flu season.

Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1 virus) occur intermittently in eastern India, including West Bengal, Manipur, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam. For further information on pandemic influenza, please refer to the Department of State's 2009-H1N1, Pandemic Influenza, and H5N1 Fact Sheet .

Malaria prophylaxis depends on time of year and area the traveler is visiting. Please consult the CDC website for more information. Dengue fever presents significant risk in urban and rural areas. The highest number of cases is reported from July to December, with cases peaking from September to October. Daytime insect precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and mosquito repellent are recommended by the CDC.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in India. For further information, please consult the CDC’s Travel Notice on TB .

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in India, and you should consult your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you.  The air quality in India varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons.  It is typically at its worst in the winter. Anyone who travels where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Current air quality data can be found on the Embassy’s Air Quality page . The data on this site are updated hourly.

Rh-negative blood may be difficult to obtain as it is not common in Asia.

For emergency services, dial 112 from a cell phone; from a land line, dial 100 for police, 102 for ambulance (108 in parts of South India), and 101 for fire. Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment, and traffic does not yield to emergency vehicles. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Most hospitals require advance payment or confirmation of insurance prior to treatment. Payment practices vary and credit cards are not routinely accepted for medical care.

Medical Tourism: Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. Companies offering vacation packages bundled with medical consultations and financing options provide direct-to-consumer advertising over the internet. Such medical packages often claim to provide high quality care, but the quality of health care in India is highly variable. People seeking health care in India should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and refer to the information from the CDC . Persons traveling to India for medical purposes require the proper “medical” visa. Please check with the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more information.

Despite reports of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals, in general travelers should not delay or avoid treatment for urgent or emergent medical situations. However, health tourists and other travelers who may be contemplating elective procedures in this country should carefully research individual hospital infection control practices.

Surrogacy: Commercial surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in India, subject to complex local regulation.  For additional information, visit the Government of India’s official information on foreigner surrogacy . 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India maintain lists of local doctors and hospitals, all of which are published on their respective websites under "U.S. Citizen Services." We cannot endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths and a number of U.S. citizens have suffered fatal traffic accidents in recent years. You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas, and try to use only cars that have seatbelts. Seatbelts are not common in three-wheel taxis (autos) and in taxis’ back seats. Helmets should always be worn on motorcycles and bicycles.Travel at night is particularly hazardous.

On Indian roads, the safest driving policy is always to assume that other drivers will not respond to a traffic situation in the same way you would in the United States. Buses and trucks often run red lights and merge directly into traffic at yield points and traffic circles. Cars, autos, bicycles, and pedestrians behave only slightly more cautiously. Use your horn or flash your headlights frequently to announce your presence. It is both customary and wise.

Inside and outside major cities, roads are often poorly maintained and congested. Even main roads frequently have only two lanes, with poor visibility and inadequate warning markers. On the few divided highways one can expect to meet local transportation traveling in the wrong direction, often without lights. Heavy traffic is the norm and includes (but is not limited to) overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders en route to weddings, bicycles, and free-roaming livestock.

Public Transportation: Buses, patronized by hundreds of millions of Indians, are convenient in that they serve almost every city of any size. However, they are often driven fast, recklessly, and without consideration for the rules of the road. Accidents are quite common.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in India moves on the left. It is important to be alert while crossing streets and intersections, especially after dark as traffic is coming in the "wrong" direction. Travelers should remember to use seatbelts in both rear and front seats where available, and to ask their drivers to maintain a safe speed.

In order to drive in India, you must have either a valid Indian driver’s license or a valid international driver’s license. Because of difficult road and traffic conditions, you may wish to consider hiring a local driver.

If a driver hits a pedestrian or a cow, the vehicle and its occupants are at risk of being attacked by passersby. Such attacks pose significant risk of injury or death to the vehicle's occupants or risk of incineration of the vehicle. It could be unsafe to remain at the scene of an accident of this nature, and drivers may instead wish to seek out the nearest police station. Protestors often use road blockage as a means of publicizing their grievances, causing severe inconvenience to travelers. Visitors should monitor local news reports for any reports of road disturbances.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Emergency Numbers: The following emergency numbers work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata:

• Fire Brigade 101
• Ambulance 102

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of India’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of India’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . Travelers are urged to use caution while booking private helicopters for travel, especially in the northeast. 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

India was cited in the State Department’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  India . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Can I travel with a Fiktionsbescheinigung to my country of origin and return back to Germany/EU

Please log in or register to add a comment., please log in or register to answer this question..

As I am not a lawyer I cannot provide legal advice but some information about travelling with a Fiktionsbescheinigung. With the type you have (§ 81 Abs. 4) you can travel. Bring it and your expired permit with you when travelling.

Here is information confirming this from the German Embassy in India (originally in German, I translated it online):

https://india-diplo-de.translate.goog/in-de/vertretungen/-/2464364?openAccordionId=item-2464374-2-panel&_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Here is also confirmation of it from the immigration authorities in Berlin:

If a currently valid residence permit (temporary residence permit or national visa for long-term durations - Category D - ) is available, a fictional certificate according to § 81 Section 4 of the Residence Act will be issued. In this case, the residence permit and all supplementary regulations (also regarding the stipulations concerning gainful employment) remain in force until a decision has been made in relation to the application. Journeys abroad and re-entry into the area of the Republic are possible with a valid fictional certificate in accordance with § 81 Section 4 of the Residence Act.

https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/326233/en/

Best, Éanna

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