Planning a trip to India? One of the first and most crucial steps for many international travelers is to apply for an Indian travel visa. Fortunately, the Indian government has streamlined this process with the introduction of the e-Visa, making it significantly easier for eligible citizens to obtain the necessary travel authorization online. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for an Indian e-Visa, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start to your Indian adventure.
Who is Eligible for an Indian e-Visa?
The e-Visa facility is designed for foreigners visiting India for specific purposes. It’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria before you begin your application to avoid any complications.
Who Can Apply for an e-Visa?
You are likely eligible for an Indian e-Visa if you meet the following conditions:
- Nationality: You must be a national of a country listed on the official e-Visa website. A comprehensive list is available at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/.
- Purpose of Visit: Your primary reason for visiting India must fall under one of the permitted categories:
- Tourism: Recreation, sightseeing, and general travel.
- Casual Visits: Meeting friends or relatives.
- Short-Term Yoga Programs/Courses: Attending yoga or courses in local languages, arts, music, dance, cooking, medicine, etc., that are non-formal and under 6 months in duration, without certification.
- Short-Term Voluntary Work: Unpaid voluntary work for a maximum of one month.
- Medical Treatment: Seeking medical care, including Indian systems of medicine.
- Medical Attendant: Accompanying someone holding an e-Medical visa.
- Business Purposes: Engaging in business-related activities.
- Conference/Seminar/Workshop Attendance: Participating in conferences, seminars, or workshops.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you Apply For Indian Travel Visa and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamping. You should also possess a re-entry permit if required by your country’s law.
- Financial Stability and Return Ticket: You should have a return or onward journey ticket and sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in India.
Who is NOT Eligible for an e-Visa?
Certain individuals are not eligible for the e-Visa and must apply for a regular Indian visa through an Indian Mission. These include:
- Pakistani Origin or Passport Holders: Foreigners of Pakistani origin or holding a Pakistani passport are not eligible. This also extends to individuals who are not Pakistani nationals but whose parents or grandparents were born or permanently resided in Pakistan.
- Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders: Holders of Diplomatic or Official passports, Laissez-passer, or international travel documents are not eligible for e-Visa.
- Individuals Endorsed on Parent’s/Spouse’s Passport: Each traveler, including minors, must have their own separate passport.
- Employment Purposes: The e-Visa is not for employment. If you plan to work in India, you need to apply for a regular Employment Visa.
- NGO Activities and Journalism: Engaging in NGO activities or journalism is not permitted under the e-Visa. However, short-term voluntary work (unpaid, up to one month) is allowed.
Types of Indian e-Visas
When you apply for Indian travel visa online, you will encounter different categories of e-Visas, each tailored to the purpose and duration of your visit. Understanding these types is crucial for selecting the correct one for your needs.
-
e-Tourist Visa (30 days):
- Validity: 30 days from the date of your first arrival in India.
- Entry: Double entry, meaning you can enter India twice within the 30-day validity period.
- Best For: Short tourist trips, vacations, and casual visits.
-
e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years):
- Validity: 365 days (1 year) or 5 years from the date of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) grant.
- Entry: Multiple entries allowed.
- Stay Limit: Maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days.
- Best For: Frequent travelers to India for tourism over a longer period.
-
e-Business Visa:
- Validity: 365 days from the date of ETA grant.
- Entry: Multiple entries allowed.
- Stay Limit: Continuous stay during each visit should not exceed 180 days. Registration with FRRO/FRO is required if staying longer than 180 days in a calendar year.
- Best For: Business-related activities, attending meetings, exploring business opportunities.
-
e-Conference Visa:
- Validity: 30 days from the date of arrival in India.
- Entry: Single entry only.
- Best For: Attending conferences, seminars, or workshops in India.
-
e-Medical Visa:
- Validity: 60 days from the date of first arrival in India.
- Entry: Triple entry allowed within the 60-day validity.
- Best For: Seeking medical treatment in India.
-
e-Medical Attendant Visa:
- Validity: 60 days from the date of first arrival in India.
- Entry: Triple entry allowed within the 60-day validity.
- Number of Attendants: Maximum of two e-Medical Attendant Visas are granted per e-Medical Visa holder (patient).
- Best For: Accompanying a patient holding an e-Medical Visa.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Indian Travel Visa Online
The process to apply for Indian travel visa online is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
1. Access the Official e-Visa Website
The only official website to apply for Indian travel visa is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. Be cautious of unofficial websites and intermediaries that may claim to expedite the process or charge extra fees. Using the official website ensures the security of your personal information and a legitimate application process.
2. Initiate Your Application
On the homepage, find and click on the “Apply now for e-Visa” button. This will direct you to the online application form.
3. Fill in the Application Form
The application form requires you to provide detailed personal information, passport details, travel plans, and answer security questions. Ensure you have the following information readily available:
- Personal Details: Name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, religion, marital status, etc.
- Passport Details: Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, place of issue.
- Contact Information: Address, email ID, phone number.
- Travel Plans: Purpose of visit, intended port of arrival, expected duration of stay, address of stay in India.
- Previous Visa Details: If you have held an Indian visa before, you’ll need to provide details. If you don’t remember the exact details, you can write “NA” or “Not Available”.
- Visible Identification Mark: Identify any visible marks on your body like moles or scars.
- Business Card/Invitation Letter (for Business Visa): You’ll need to upload a business card or an invitation letter from the Indian company you’ll be associated with.
- Hospital Letter (for Medical Visa): A letter from the concerned hospital in India on its letterhead, including patient details and tentative dates of treatment.
- Invitation and Clearances (for Conference Visa): Invitation from the organizer, political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, and event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (optional).
Important Note: Double-check all information before submitting. Any discrepancies in name, nationality, passport number, or date of birth can lead to issues even after the ETA is granted.
4. Upload Required Documents
You will need to upload a digital photograph and a scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page. Ensure these documents meet the specified size and format requirements mentioned on the website.
5. Pay the e-Visa Fee
After filling out the application and uploading documents, you will be directed to the payment gateway to pay the non-refundable e-Visa processing fee. The fee amount varies depending on your nationality and the type of e-Visa. You can find the country-specific fee details on the official website.
Make sure to use a valid credit/debit card or other payment methods accepted on the portal. If you encounter payment issues, refer to the website’s FAQ section for troubleshooting or contact the payment support helplines provided.
6. Submit Your Application
Once the payment is successful, submit your application. You will receive an acknowledgement of submission via email, confirming your Application ID. Keep this ID for tracking your application status.
7. Wait for Processing and Check Your Visa Status
The e-Visa processing time can take up to 72 hours or more. You will be notified of your visa status (Granted or Rejected) via email. You can also check your e-Visa application status online by visiting the official website and clicking on the “Check your Visa Status” tab.
If you haven’t received any intimation after 72 hours, you can contact the e-Visa support team via phone or email for assistance.
8. Receive and Print Your ETA
If your e-Visa application is granted, you will receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in your email. Print a copy of the ETA and keep it with your passport to present to immigration authorities upon arrival in India.
Important Considerations Before You Apply
Before you apply for Indian travel visa, keep these crucial points in mind for a smoother process:
Passport Validity and Requirements
- Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from the date you apply for Indian travel visa and planned date of arrival in India.
- Your passport must have at least two blank pages.
- If you have a new passport but your ETA is on an old passport, you can still enter India by carrying both passports, provided the details are consistent except for the passport number.
When to Apply
- e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference visa: Apply online at least 4 days in advance, and up to 120 days before your date of arrival.
- e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Apply online at least 4 days in advance, and up to 30 days before your date of arrival.
- Applying within the recommended timeframe helps ensure your visa is processed in time for your travel dates.
Designated Ports of Entry and Exit
- Entry Airports: You can arrive at 31 designated airports, including major international airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata, among others. Always check the latest list on the official website.
- Entry Seaports: Entry is permitted through 5 designated seaports: Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, and Mumbai.
- Exit: You can depart from any authorized Indian Immigration Check Post (ICP).
- Land Borders: Entry via land borders is not allowed on an e-Visa.
Documents You Will Need
- Passport: Valid for at least six months.
- Digital Photograph: As per the specifications on the website.
- Scanned Copy of Passport Biographical Page: PDF format.
- Business Card or Invitation Letter (for e-Business Visa).
- Hospital Letter (for e-Medical Visa).
- Invitation and Clearances (for e-Conference Visa).
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days of departure.
Understanding the Visa Fee and Payment
- The e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable and country-specific. Check the exact fee for your nationality on the official website before you apply for Indian travel visa.
- The fee is for processing the application, regardless of whether the visa is granted or rejected.
- Be aware of payment gateway issues. Clear browser history and cookies, try a different browser, or use the payment support helplines if needed.
What to Do After Your ETA is Granted
- Verify Details: Check your ETA immediately for any discrepancies in your personal information. If you find errors, contact the e-Visa support center for assistance at least 24 hours before your journey.
- Print ETA: Carry a printed copy of your ETA along with your passport when you travel.
- Immigration Check: Present your ETA and passport to immigration authorities upon arrival at the designated port of entry.
Limitations of e-Visa
- Non-Convertible and Non-Extendable: e-Visas cannot be converted to other types of visas or extended beyond their validity period.
- Restricted Purposes: e-Visas are only for tourism, business, medical, and conference purposes, and certain short-term activities. They are not for employment, journalism, or NGO activities (except for short-term voluntary work).
Troubleshooting and Support
Encountering issues while you apply for Indian travel visa is rare, but here’s how to handle common problems:
Contacting Support
- Official Support Channels: For any clarifications or assistance, contact the official e-Visa support team.
- Email: indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in
- Phone: (+91) 827808 7808 or +91 11 24300666
Dealing with Discrepancies in ETA
- If you notice errors in your ETA (name, nationality, passport number, date of birth), contact the e-Visa support center immediately. They can guide you on the necessary steps, especially if you are close to your travel date.
Beware of Unscrupulous Elements
- The e-Visa process is entirely online, and no intermediaries or agents are required. Be wary of individuals or websites claiming to offer expedited services or demanding extra payments. Always use the official website and avoid sharing personal information with unauthorized sources.
Conclusion
Applying for an Indian e-Visa is a streamlined and efficient process designed to make your travel planning easier. By understanding the eligibility criteria, types of e-Visas, and the step-by-step application process, you can confidently apply for Indian travel visa and look forward to your trip to India. Always refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information and ensure you apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. With your visa sorted, you can focus on planning the exciting experiences that await you in India!
