India has an allure like no other country, and an increasing number of people are catching onto this and wanting to visit the country and see all it has to offer. As is the norm currently, countries have an increased need to safeguard their borders to ensure the wellbeing of their citizens and tourists visiting their shores. India is no different in this regard, and as such, travel visas are a requirement for entry. The reasons for visiting India may be purely recreational, visiting family or friends, medical in nature, somewhat mystical, or to conduct short term business trips. Indeed, India has much to offer in many aspects: shopping, Bollywood, beaches, sightseeing, history, ashrams, and spiritual and yoga retreats.

U.S. citizens, whether of Indian origin or not, need a valid passport and visa to visit India. The passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the stay in India, signed and with at least two blank passport pages to accommodate the India visa stamps. Different visas are available at the india visa washington dc embassy from the Indian government depending on the reason for traveling to India from the U.S: e-Visa, Business Visa, Conference Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Employment Visa, Emergency Visa, Entry Visa, Journalist Visa, Medical Visa, Missionary’s Visa, Research Visa, Student Visa, Tourist Visa, Transit Visa, Intern Visa, Film Visa, and Permit to re-enter within 2 months.

For U.S citizens traveling to India for the purpose of pleasure or tourism for short stays, the application can be made for the e-Tourist Visa online without consulting a consulate. This electronic visa does not take the form of a stamp or label placed in the passport. To be eligible for the e-Visa, U.S citizens must apply between 4 and 120 days prior to entry into India for a stay of up to 60-days and must arrive by air or sea at specific airports and seaports.

For stays over 60 days, U.S. applicants should consult the Indian Consulate closest to them to apply for a regular visa. Indian embassy DC visa is one such Consulate. This procedure starts with an online application, and handwritten applications are not acceptable wherever online facilities are provided. After submitting the online visa application, the procedure is as follows: an application ID is automatically generated to be used for further communication with the Indian Mission; an appointment is scheduled with the appropriate Consulate General of India and payment is requested. Supporting documentation required includes proof of state residency, signed application, a recent 2 x 2 passport type color photograph, and signed additional particulars form. The visa will not be granted unless all the stipulated documentation is included in the application, and the full fee is paid. Travelers would be well advised to check the website of the India visa Washington D.C. embassy before finalizing travel arrangements to India. Indian visas are available throughout the U.S. through the Government of India’s visa contractor, Cox & Kings Global Services. Diplomatic and Official visa applications and applications of U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent must be made through whichever indian embassy washington dc visa and/or Consulate facilitates the applicable jurisdiction:

Consulate General of India – Chicago, Illinois

Consulate General of India – Honolulu, Hawaii

Consulate General of India – New York

Consulate General of India – San Francisco, California

Consulate General of India – Houston, Texas

Applying for a visa, whether online or through the Consulate, can be overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants. Indian Visa Online assists U.S. travelers in processing the online Indian visa application. As an Indian Visa Agency, no affiliation exists to any organizations or the Government of India.