Citizens considering visiting India from any eligible country must make application visa for india to enter the country. The application for Indian visa is fairly simple and need not be overwhelming. The effort is very definitely worth the while to get the opportunity to experience this unique country with its colorful and intriguing multi-faceted culture.
HOW TO OBTAIN AN INDIAN VISA
Indian visa application process is for an Indian visa application online for stays of up to 180 days. The e-Visa covers only short stay visits, irrespective of the type of electronic visa granted by the Indian government which may be any one of the following, depending on the reason for visiting India: 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 or Permit to re-enter within 2 months.
India visa application USA for US citizens must be made online at least 4 days before the envisaged date of arrival, with a window of 30 days. Other nationalities may have a window period of 180 days. Applications will not be processed in cases where the fee is not paid at least four (4) days prior to the expected date of travel as stipulated on the application. Care must be taken with making the payment as the application is blocked following 3 unsuccessful attempts in which case the process must begin again from scratch. Applicants should wait at least 4 hours for a status update after making final submission and payment to be sure that all is in order.
The application may be rejected or delayed if any errors or omissions occur on the application form, or where supporting documents fall short of specifications. The visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India. On arrival in India, the Immigration Officer will capture the traveler’s biometrics, which must match the passport and the information contained on the visa.
For stays, over 365 days, a regular visa is required, for which application must be made through the Indian Consulate handling the applicant’s jurisdiction. This procedure begins with the same online application as the e-Visa but requires an interview in person with the Consulate and additional supporting documentation.
Persons of Indian origin must renunciate their Indian passport immediately after acquiring their new nationality. A Surrender or Renunciation certificate is mandatory, and the passport must be stamped as “canceled due to acquiring foreign nationality.”
APPLYING FOR AN INDIAN e-VISA
The e-Visa scheme was launched by the Government of India for foreigners traveling to India for the purpose of Tourism, Business, or short-term medical treatment. Travelers must hold a valid passport, and a printout of the Visa authorization received via email before leaving for India. Online visa agents are able to process an India visa application online in as little as four (4) business days provided the applicant is a national from one of the many countries eligible for this electronic travel authorization. The online application form can be accessed through Indian Visa Online, and progress can also be tracked on their website.
The online procedure is the same for every e-Visa, and Indian Visa Online can assist in the simple 3-step process:
- Step 1: Apply online
- Step 2: Submit Payment (PayPal payments accepted)
- Step 3: The Electronic Travel Authorization is emailed in PDF format and must be printed out and carried on the person for the duration of the trip to India.
The India Visa Application online must be accompanied by the scanned first page of passport in PDF format AND a digital photograph in JPEG format. The photo must be taken against a plain light colored or white background, it must be square and of equal height and width, between 10 KB and 1 MB in size, centered within the frame without a border, presenting full face from the top of hair to bottom of the chin, front view, with eyes open.
No interview or visit to the Consulate is necessary for an e-Tourist Visa. Indian Visa Online assists travelers in processing the online Indian visa application. As an Indian Visa Agency, no affiliation exists to any organizations or the Government of India.