India e-Visa

Planning a trip to India? Simplify your travel with the Indian e-Visa, a convenient electronic travel authorization for tourism, business, medical visits, and conferences. This streamlined process allows eligible passport holders to apply online and receive their visas electronically, eliminating the need for physical stamps. Learn about the five types of e-Visas, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and essential travel tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to India. Discover how to apply today and unlock the wonders of India!

Important information

• The India e-Visa allows eligible foreign nationals to enter India for tourism, business, medical visits, or conferences.
• You can apply for an e-Visa up to 120 days in advance, but it’s recommended to apply at least four days before your trip. Processing typically takes up to 72 hours.
• Five types of e-Visas are available: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference. Each has specific entry limits and a maximum 60-day stay.
• You must apply through the official Indian government website. Required documents include a valid passport, passport photo, and potentially additional documents depending on the visa type.
• Upon arrival, you’ll provide biometric data at one of the designated entry points (29 airports and 5 seaports). The e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible, and you can submit a maximum of two applications per year.

What is India e-Visa?

India’s e-Visa simplifies short-term travel, providing electronic authorization without the need for passport stamps. Apply online and receive your visa electronically, streamlining tourism, business trips, medical visits, and conferences. This modern, convenient application process offers today’s traveler a hassle-free experience. You can use the e-Visa for:

• tourism,
• business trips,
• medical visits,
• conferences.

Types of India e-Visas

India offers five convenient e-Visa options for various travel purposes:

• e-Tourist Visa: ideal for vacations.
• e-Business Visa: covers business trips like meetings, conferences, and trade activities.
• e-Medical Visa: essential for medical care.
• e-Medical Attendant Visa: allows companions to travel with patients.
• e-Conference Visa: facilitates attendance at conferences.

Select the e-Visa that aligns with your travel plans.

e-Tourist Visa

The e-Tourist Visa grants two entries for up to 60 days and can be used for tourism, visiting friends and family, or short recreational courses.

e-Business Visa

Foreign nationals can visit India for business activities with the convenient e-Business Visa. This visa is valid for 60 days and allows two entries, making it ideal for short business trips.

e-Medical Visa

Foreigners seeking medical treatment in India can obtain an e-Medical Visa, valid for three entries within a 60-day period.

e-Medical Attendant Visa

India’s e-Medical Attendant Visa permits two attendants to accompany a medical patient traveling to India. This visa is electronically linked to the patient’s e-Medical visa.

e-Conference Visa

The Indian e-Conference Visa simplifies entry into India for conference attendees, facilitating participation in professional events. It allows participants to readily engage in discussions, network with colleagues, and share valuable knowledge. This visa streamlines the application process, making it significantly easier to attend Indian conferences, fostering international collaboration and promoting professional development within the country. It’s a valuable tool for anyone wishing to attend these important events.

Eligibility Criteria for India e-Visa

To obtain an Indian e-Visa, you will need the following: a valid passport from an eligible country with at least six months of remaining validity, an e-Visa type that aligns with your travel purpose (e.g., a tourist visa for tourism), a functional email address, sufficient funds to cover your trip, and a clean criminal record. Adherence to all health and safety regulations is mandatory.

Who Can Apply for India e-Visa?

Planning a trip to India for tourism, business, or medical care? An e-Visa might be the perfect solution for citizens of many countries. This convenient system requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Diplomatic and Official passport holders, as well as those with prior immigration violations, are ineligible.

Exclusions for India e-Visa

Pakistani citizens, including those of Pakistani descent (individuals with parents or grandparents who were permanent residents), are ineligible for the India e-Visa. This restriction also applies to Diplomatic or Official passport holders. The e-Visa prohibits activities such as journalism, research, and employment. Access to certain border areas may be restricted.

How to Apply for India e-Visa

Applying for an Indian e-Visa is entirely online through the official Indian government website. You will need your passport, personal details, and travel itinerary. Upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport. Pay the fee. After processing, your e-Visa will arrive by email. Print this document and present it upon arrival in India.

Online Application Procedure

Applying for an Indian e-Visa is a completely online process, starting up to 120 days before your intended travel date. While you have a large window to apply, submitting your application at least four days prior to your trip is advisable. The application itself is straightforward, requiring your personal and travel details, passport information, and supporting documents, all submitted online. The fee is also paid online. Upon approval, your e-Visa will arrive via email, ready to be printed and carried with you throughout your Indian travels.

Required Documents for e-Visa Application

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, you will need a few key documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months with two blank pages, and provide a scanned copy. A recent passport-sized photo is also necessary. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. For instance, a business e-Visa necessitates an invitation letter, while a medical e-Visa requires supporting medical documentation. All submitted documents must adhere to the specified guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Payment and Processing Time

Indian e-Visa payments are non-refundable. Processing typically takes up to 72 hours, but could occasionally require more time. Applicants receive an email confirmation upon submission.

Authorized Entry Points for India e-Visa

India e-Visa holders can enter the country through 29 designated airports and 5 seaports.

Entry is only permitted through these authorized points, which are subject to change by the Indian government.

Designated Airports and Seaports

India provides e-Visa access through numerous entry points. These include 29 airports and 5 seaports. Major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai offer easy access for e-Visa holders. Other key airport entry points include: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam. Designated seaports accepting e-Visas are Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Validity and Conditions of India e-Visa

India e-Visas allow a maximum stay of 60 days. The number of entries permitted depends on the visa type. E-Tourist visas offer double or multiple entries. E-Conference visas allow only one entry. E-Business, e-Medical, and e-Medical Attendant visas provide three entries. These e-Visas are non-extendable and cannot be converted to other visa categories. You can return to India after your departure if your passport is still valid and you meet all other eligibility requirements.

Duration and Number of Entries

Non-extendable and Non-convertible Conditions

Indian e-Visas generally can’t be extended or converted. E-Medical Visas may offer some flexibility. Plan your trip carefully within your visa’s timeframe. Overstaying requires departure from India and a fresh visa application.

Repeat Visits Policy

India’s e-Visa program limits foreign applicants to two applications per year to safeguard its integrity.

Guidelines for International Travelers with India e-Visa

Planning your trip to India with an e-Visa? Here’s what you need:

Travel Requirements and Advisory

For your trip to India with an e-Visa, print a copy to present with your passport at immigration. You might also need proof of onward travel or accommodation, so checking the latest requirements is recommended. Ensure you also comply with all health and safety regulations.

Biometric Data and Immigration Check

When you arrive in India with an e-Visa, you will need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial scan. This mandatory immigration check securely confirms your identity and speeds up your entry into the country.

Carrying Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Traveling to India with an e-Visa? Keep your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) accessible. This document confirms your e-Visa’s validity and is essential for immigration checks throughout your trip.

Common Issues and Precautions for India e-Visa Applicants

Applying for an Indian e-Visa? Avoid common mistakes that can hinder your application. Use the official Indian government portal, as fraudulent websites are a major concern. Ensure your application is complete and accurate, double-checking every detail. Discrepancies in personal information can lead to rejection. Confirm your eligibility and gather all required documents before applying. Taking these precautions increases your chances of a smooth e-Visa approval.

Fraudulent Websites and Secure Application

Beware of fake e-Visa websites that impersonate official government sites to steal your personal and financial information. To ensure your safety and security, apply for your Indian e-Visa only through the official Indian government website.

Important Considerations and Tips