India Visa FAQs
India e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization document for foreigners intending to travel to India by air, sea, or land. It is available for tourism, medical, conference, or business travel purposes. After successful application online, the approved travel authorization document will be sent via email. Have it printed in colour, it will be presented during flight check-in and upon arrival in India. E-Visa does not involve any physical paperwork or visiting the embassy/consulate.
There are five (5) types, they are:
- Indian e-Tourist Visa
- Indian e-Business Visa
- Indian e-Medical Visa
- Indian e-Medical Attendant Visa
- Indian e-conference Visa
The Indian e-Visa has different validity based on the type of e-Visa. Indian e-Tourist visa can have 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years validity. Indian e-Business visa has 365 days validity, India e-Conference visa has 30 days validity, and Indian e-Medical/Attendant visa has 60 days validity. Refer to section on visa validity above to know how long you can stay on each visa and the number of entries allowed.
It depends. The 30 days e-Tourist visa is valid for 30 days (double entry) from the date it was issued, and travelers can stay on this e-Visa for up to 30 days counting from the date of arrival in India.
1 year e-Tourist visa is valid for 365 days (multiple entry) from the date it was issued, and travelers can stay on this e-Visa for up to 90 days per visit.
Indian 5 years e-Tourist visa is valid for 5 years (multiple entry) from the date it was issued, and travelers can stay on this e-Visa for up to 90 days per visit. However, nationals of USA, UK, Canada and Japan can stay continuously for up to 180 days during each visit on 1 year and 5 years e-Tourist visa.
Indian e-Business visa is valid for 365 days (multiple entry) from the date it was issued, and travelers can stay on this e-Visa for up to 180 days per visit. The stay can be extended for more than 180 days if traveler register with FRRO/FRO two weeks before the expiry of the 180 days.
Indian e-Conference visa is valid for 30 days (single entry) from the date it was issued, and travelers can stay on this e-Visa for up to 30 days counting from the date of arrival in India.
Indian e-Medical/Attendant visa is valid for 60 days (triple entry) from the date it was issued
Unlike the regular visa, e-Visa is processed entirely online, there is no paperwork involved and physical presence at the embassy/consulate is not required. It is simple, fast, hassle-free, and reliable. However, the regular visa requires your physical effort, takes a lot of time, involves lot of paperwork, and has high rejection rate.
NO. It is required that the traveler apply for e-Visa and get it printed (coloured) before going to the designated airports. You can apply for an e-Visa at any time provided you have access to an internet connection and a device to access the website. No airline will allow you onboard without a valid travel document.
Immediately you complete your e-Visa application online, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provided during application. It is advisable that you use a valid email address.
Processing takes about 1 to 5 days, depending on your visa application processing time and you will be intimated about your e-Visa application status via the email address which you provided during application.
India is one of the countries affected by this pandemic. In other to curb the further spread of the coronavirus, the Indian government has restricted all international travels and until further notice, all India international borders have been closed.
YES, even if your child is registered on your passport, minors are to have their separate passports. It must be valid for at least six months during application and after the arrival date.
The fees paid after submitting an e-visa is non-refundable. Even if the application is not granted, the fee is still non-refundable.
NO. Apart from the payment made online during the application, no other payment is involved.
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It depends, citizens of Yellow Fever affected countries and travelers coming from these countries must first get themselves vaccinated and also come along with a YELLOW FEVER VACCINE CARD which will be presented at the landing airport. Failure to present this card will lead to compulsory 6 days quarantine upon their arrival.
Yes. The processing is very fast, thus, it’s the most convenient and efficient way to get a visa for a group of people. Regular visa involves complicated processes and will also consume time.
In case of e-Visa ineligibility, you have to contact the nearest Indian Embassy and file for a regular stamped visa.
No. The Indian e-visa can only be used to travel by air and by cruise ship. There are designated ports of entry for foreign visitors. Currently, there are 28 airports and 5 seaports (Check above for the list of authorized ports of entry).
Foreigners who wish to extend their stay must submit application for extension of e-Visa at least 60 days before the date of expiry of the respective e-Visa.
The payment is made online and you can pay with your debit or credit card.
Visitors who enter India with the e-Tourist visa are restricted to a number of activities:
- Sightseeing
- Recreation
- Meeting friends or relatives They can’t engage in any form of paid work, whether voluntary or not.
You may be permitted to enter India if you have a new passport (unexpired) and also carry the old passport with the unexpired travel authorization.
Although the e-Visa will be processed within a week, we advise our clients to apply six (6) weeks before their travel dates. It is better to have more than enough time in case any issue comes up during application.
YES. If the applicant is unable to complete his/her application at one sitting, such a person can save the application and continue later. Once the application is submitted, it cannot be edited or canceled.
Only two (2) medical attendants are permitted to follow a patient. While the patient applies for an e-Medical visa, the attendants will apply for an e-Medical attendant visa.
No. Travelers cannot undertake NGO and journalistic activities on India e-Visa. Nevertheless, voluntary aid work not exceeding one month and does not involve payment of salary/wage is allowed.
Maybe. Always check that you submit correct information during the filling of online form. Applicant is held liable for error, omission or discrepancies. Should you wish to report any discrepancy on your e-Visa, contact the India e-Visa Support Center for assistance.
Yes. Visible Identification mark refers to moles, birthmarks, permanent scars, etc. which are visible.
Yes and No. If you have travelled outside of your resident country before, you are mandated to fill previous visa details in the application form. If you have not traveled out of your resident country before, you may write Not Applicable.
It depends on the customs officer. Submit a liquor permit application with them and you will be allowed to come in with the liquor at their discretion.