Guide to Indian Visa application for tourists

Most countries need a Visa to go to India, even just for tourism reasons. However, getting an Indian Visa is much easier than ever, and the Indian Visa application process now includes the option to get an e-Visa. It’s also cheaper than before. Canadians, Americans, Australians, and British nationals are all among the long list of countries now eligible for 10-year tourist Visas and the new e-Visa for India. To find out if your nationality is on the list, click here: Indian Visa Online.

There are essentially two types of Indian Visas for tourists

To apply for a six-month (or longer) tourist Visa, you need to apply at an Indian mission (see links above for examples of Consulate Generals and High Commissions). You have to apply online, print the form and bring it to your local consulate. There will be many very specific rules, such as the exact dimensions of the photos you need to bring. If you don’t follow the guidelines precisely, and to the letter, they will not accept your application. Likewise, if there are any mistakes, such as a name misspelled.

To get detailed information about the e-Visa

To apply for the new e-Visa facility, you can apply online on this page: Indian Visa Online. See below for more details.

E-Visa (Indian Visa) process

The e-Visa is for: “International Travellers whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration medical treatment or casual business visit” according to the Indian government website.

Indian Visa

The currency crisis may be keeping the number of Indian visa applicants down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the lull. Travel Visa Pro’s team of experts can assist you with getting your visa for India whether you’re just looking for an escape to Agra or need to arrange a meeting with important business clients.

Indian Visa Services

Applying for an Indian visa online gives travelers 30 days in the country, and you don’t even have to hand over your passport; just print the electronic visa and have it ready at immigration when you arrive. Flying to India has never been easier now that the government accepts applications for e-visas online. We provide most India travel visa types. International travelers whose sole objective is sightseeing or a short visit to meet friends or relatives are eligible for a tourist visa in India. Travel Visa Pro will walk our clients through the process from start to finish and get you on your flight with a smile on your face and a passport ready to be stamped. As always, US passport holders should have at least six months’ validity from the date of arrival in India and at least two blank pages for immigration. In addition, travelers may be required to submit proof of their onward journey and sufficient money for their stay in India.

Indian visa application form

Filling out an Indian visa application, like any other piece of paperwork issued by a foreign government, can be confusing even for weathered travelers. Visa applies to your visit to India. Those with short stays of 30 days or less qualify for Tourist Visas and e-Tourist Visas. Travelers coming to India for work qualify for Business Visas or Employment Visas.

Start Your Indian Visa Application Online

Complete our enquiry form online or come into one of our nine offices across the US. Our staff is available in every city containing an Indian consulate or embassy. As always, US citizens are expected to carry a passport with at least six months’ validity and enough room in its pages to accommodate an Indian visa; one blank page is recommended. In addition, you should come with a Travel Visa Pro order form, your Indian visa application, and any other information relevant to your trip, including flight schedule, hotel confirmation emails, and business contacts when applicable.

Advertisement

E- Tourist Visas | Indian Visa on Arrival | Indian E tourist Visa

Introduction:

Government of India has introduced e-Tourist Visa Facility (eTV) scheme for the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

The eTV is allowed for a maximum validity of 30 days with single entry facility by the Immigration Officers at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Goa airports. eTV is allowed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year to a foreigner with a minimum gap of two months between two visits. eTV shall be non-extendable and non-convertible.

The foreigners of above mentioned countries may avail of eTV for a period up to 30 days for tourism, medical treatment, casual business or to visit friends/relatives, etc. The eTV facility is not applicable to the holders of Diplomatic/Official Passports. Further, eTV shall not be granted to the foreigners who have permanent residence or occupation in India. Such persons can visit India on normal visa, as applicable.

Eligibility:

• International Tourists who are travelling to India with the motto of meeting friends or relatives, sightseeing, recreation, medical treatment or casual business meets.
• Passport must have validity of six months
• International Travellers should carry return ticket or onward journey ticket, and they must have sufficient money with them to spend during her/his stay in India.
• International Tourists with Pakistani Passport or Pakistani origin have to apply for regular Visa at Indian Mission.
• Not available to Official / Diplomatic Passport Holders.
• Applicants of the countries eligible for this criterion may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 30 days.
• Applicant has to upload a latest front facing photograph with white background along with the photo page of passport having personal details like name, date of birth, expiry date, nationality etc. However, the confirmation of the application is subject to rejection if the uploaded document is not clear or as per specification.
• The fees for eTV is non-refundable.
• Applicant should carry a copy of ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) while travelling to India.
• Biometric Details of the traveller will be collected compulsorily at Immigration on arrival in India.
• The validity of Visa will be 30 days from the date of arrival in India.
• ETA is valid to let the travellers enter into the country through 9 reputed airports of the country, i.e, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Cochin, Goa, Mumbai, Hyderabad & Trivandrum.
• This facility is available in addition to the existing visa service.
• Tourist Visa on Arrival (eTV) is allowed for a maximum of two visits in a calendar year.
• Applicants can easily track their application status online clicking Visa Status.
• The documents required for Tourist Visa On Arrival are:
• Scanned copy of the First Page of Passport in PDF Format, size should be minimum 10 KB to maximum 300KB.
• The digital photograph that needs to be uploaded along with the Visa application should meet the following criteria:
• The photograph to be uploaded should be in JPEG Format, size should be minimum 10 KB and must not exceed 1 MB.
• The photo must be equal in both height and width.
• Photo should display Full Face, Front View with your eyes open.
• Centre head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
• Background should be plain light coloured or pure white.
• No shadows on the face or on the background.

Business Travel Requirements for an India Visa for Australian Citizens

Choosing to process an application through our website means having the approved e-Tourist Visa in hands. E-Tourist Visa Online Application is double-checked before submission. Once completed the entire process, the request will be reviewed and then submitted. Applicants usually receive their visas within 12 to 16 hours if they apply for urgent processing. However, some may take longer to process up to 5 to 7 working days.

Visa Validity

Visa is valid from the date of issue. Entry and exit must occur within the validity of the visa. The validity of the issued visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary to that advertised.

Duration of Stay

Holders of this visa can remain in the country for the entire validity of the visa. Please note: Persons holding visas with a validity of longer than 6 months who are intending on remaining in India longer than 180 days must register with the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Offices in India as soon as possible after arrival. Please check the special endorsements section of the issued visa for any stipulations on when registration may be required by. The duration of stay issued on the visa is at the discretion of the Embassy/Consulate and may vary to that advertised.

Passport

The applicant’s actual passport. The passport must:

• Be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa
• Have two blank facing visa pages
• Be Machine Readable
• Holders of handwritten passports will not be permitted entry into India. Passports must be Machine Readable.

Letter of Invitation

For visa requests with validity greater than 6 months, a letter of invitation from the applicant’s host is required. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:

• Be on company letterhead including the full address and contact details of the host
• Be addressed to Indian High Commission
• Specify the purpose and duration of stay
• Specify the type of visa, validity, and number of entries requested (must match what is requested on the visa application form)
• Include an acceptance of financial responsibility for the applicant
• Be signed by the applicant’s host

Indian Emergency Service

The Indian Emergency Service is available to customers who will not be able to obtain their visa within the standard visa issuing delays. Applicants must be able to provide a confirmed flight itinerary showing departure ex Australia within 48-72 hours from the date of visa lodgement to have their request considered. This is not a guaranteed service and is subject to approval by the local Indian Consulate or Embassy. The Emergency Service is not available to:

• Non-Australian passport holders in possession of Temporary Residency visas for Australia
• Non-Australian passport holders who have not been Permanent Residents of Australia for 2 years or more
• For more information regarding this service please contact Visas Direct.

How to Apply U.S Citizens for Indian Visa | Indian E Tourist Visa

It’s during the holiday season, and you are probably looking forward to that vacation in the Goa. It could even be that work errand to or from India you need to get too urgently, and you are wondering how to get a visa without a tussle.

In the 21st century acquiring a visa has been made easy. You could apply for it online, by mail or by reporting directly to their offices. Payments for visas have also changed through time. Now you may use Visa tokens to pay for your visa. There are several requirements you will need to fulfill to obtain your entry visa.

Requirements Set by the India Visa:

Passport:

You will require an original signed passport and a photocopy of passport information. The passport should be valid for six months beyond your stay in India, and it should be signed.

Indian visa application forms:

You must have a signed Indian visa application form. Have an extra copy as well just in case need arises. Your signature on both the Visa application form and passport must match. Remember to sign on both pages of your visa application form.

Photograph:

For your Indian e Visa enquiry you will need a recent colored 2×2 passport type photo with a plain background. You should not wear sunglasses when the photo is taken. The photo should not be stapled to the application either. Alternatively you can upload your passport photo to the Global Service Order Form instead of providing physical photos.

An Additional particulars form:

This is just a fill-out form on other important information to verify your identity as being legitimately your own. Preferably avoid the use of the term ‘N/A’ in questions that do not apply.

Proof of residential address:

Here you will have to provide a clear photo of your drivers’ license or state issued ID. The address should match exactly your present address on the visa card. Alternatively, a recent major utility bill like on electricity, gas, water, sewage or a current lease containing both the tenant and landlord may be accepted.

Letter of invitation from India:

In case you are coming to India for a company job, a letter of invitation from the Host Company or individual explaining their relationship to you as the applicant is important. The purpose of the travel should also be stated. The letter must be signed and sealed on company letterhead by the host in India. As a measure of being on the safe side, you may include the business cover letter.

Business letter:

A letter from your employer or sponsoring company from outside the country introducing you, the applicant, is important. The letter should include the applicants’ employment status in the company and a clearly stated purpose of going to India.

A tourist visa on arrival scheme exists currently for nationals of listed counties. Here you can apply for and receive the visa on arrival to the country. This visa is only valid for 30 days, and can only be used for tourism purposes.

As soon as you submit your visa application form you will receive a receipt number that allows you to track the progress of the processing of your e-Tourist Visa. It takes a minimum of 4 working days to get e-Tourist Visa approval. Once you receive a confirmation email with the approval of your application form you must print a copy and keep it with you at all times during your trip to India.

Top 5 Guidelines to Getting an E-Visa for India | Indian E Tourist Visa

Visitors to India can either apply for a regular visa or an e-Visa. The e-Visa hassle-free to obtain, although it’s valid for a shorter duration. Here’s what you need to know about it. The Indian government has also widened the scope of the visa scheme to include short duration medical treatment and yoga courses, and casual business visits and conferences. Previously, these required separate medical/student/business visas.

The “e-Tourist Visa” scheme became known as “e-Visa”. It was divided into three categories:

• E-Tourist Visa
• E-Business Visa
• E-Medical Visa

What is the Procedure for Obtaining an E-Visa?

As well as entering you travel details; you will need to upload a photograph of yourself with a white background that meets the specifications listed on the website, and the photo page of your passport that shows your personal details. Your passport will need to be valid for at least six months. Additional documents may be required depending on the type of e-Visa required.

How long is the Visa Valid For?

It’s now valid for 60 days (increased from 30 days), from the time of entry. Two entries are permitted on e-Tourist visas and e-Business visas, while three entries are permitted on e-Medical visas. The visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.

Which Indian Entry Points Accept E-Visas?

You can now enter at the following 25 international airports (increased from 16) in India: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kochi, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi, and Vishakhapatnam.

Important: Scams to be Aware of

When applying for your e-Visa, do be aware that a number of commercial websites have been created to look similar to the government of India’s official website, and they claim to provide online visa services to tourists. These websites are:

• co.in
• org
• com

Indian Tourist Visa from Canada | Indian E Tourist Visa

India uses an E-VISA system. Processing takes 3 to 10 working days. Canadians will get their visas stamped into their passports upon arrival at one of twenty-four major airports or three major seaports in India once their e-Visa is approved and emailed to them. This applies to Tourists, Business, Medical and Family Visitors. The visa is valid for a double-entry of India, with a stay of up to 60 days. You must apply at least 7 days PRIOR to travel. Everything is done on-line. You do not send in your real passport.

The Government of India website to fill the online application. You must go via the links on the website. Simply fill in the widget and it will guide you through the entire VISA application process.

Eligibility

A tourist visa is appropriate for those who would like to visit India for tourism or other non-business related purposes. You are required to possess a valid passport with a valid Indian visa before you start your travel to India. Every traveler, including minor children, must each have a valid visa to travel to India.

Duration & Validity

• Tourist Visa is generally issued with multiple entry endorsement.
• Validity of Tourist Visa commences from the date of visa issuance and not from date of entry into India.
• The Period of stay for each visit is maximum up to 6 (SIX) months from the date of entry.
• Applicants applying for Emergency visas.

A valid passport and tourist visa are required to visit India

Passport Requirements:

• Original passport and one photocopy of passport information and signature page.

India Visa Application Form:

• One signed India visa application form plus one copy.
• The traveler must sign their own visa application form, and signatures on the application must match the signature in the applicant’s passport.
• The Indian visa application form must be printed on two pages, and signed on both pages. The applicant must sign under the photo on the first page, and at the bottom of the second page.
• This is an online application form. On the Indian E Tourist Visa website, select the orange button on the left that says “Regular Visa Application” to start the visa application form.

Photo Requirements:

• One recent 2 x 2 passport type photograph, in color, front view and with a plain/white background. Glasses should not be worn in these photos; photos should not be stapled to the application.

Proof of State Residency:

A clear photocopy of the applicant’s driver’s license or state issued ID is the best proof of address. The address on the ID must match the present address on the visa application exactly. Alternatively, the most recent major utility bill (Water, Gas, Electric, Sewage), or a copy of a valid/current lease containing both the landlord and tenant signature, may also be accepted.

How to Apply For an Indian Visa from the UK?

Apply for Indian online Visa

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. All Individual visa seekers are requested to apply for the Indian Visa through Online application in order to make an application for getting the Indian visa. The duly signed physical copy of the application form completed in all respect and submitted successfully, is to be submitted at the concerned Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) or directly to Indian Mission/Post, on the scheduled date of interview along with the requisite supporting documents. The instructions for filling the form and scheduling the appointment can be seen at Instructions for Online Visa Application. Important technical information for filling online Indian visa application can be referred at Technical Instructions.

Indian Visa from UK

If you want to stay in India for longer than 60 days then an e-visa will not be appropriate for you.  This article is going to explain step by step, in-depth, how to apply for an Indian visa from the UK. I have a similar post on how to apply for an Indian visa from the USA.  A long term tourist visa will allow you to have a visa to enter India between 1 and 5 years with multiple re-entries. The visa lets you stay in India for a maximum of 180 days per trip. If you want a 5-year visa, Biometric information will be collected at the VFS Centre. You cannot apply for a 5-year visa by post.

Apply Online UK Visa Process

Step 1– Click through to the Online Visa Application

Select Country– United Kingdom

If you live in Scotland you must select “UK- Edinburgh” as Mission, while filling the online application form. When booking the appointment you can select Edinburgh or Glasgow.

If you live in:          

Birmingham, Durham, Humberside, Isle of Man, Isle of Scilly, Manchester, Shropshire, Yorkshire (North), Lancashire, Midlands (West), Staffordshire, Yorkshire (South), Leicestershire,

Northumberland, Cleveland, Yorkshire (West), Lincolnshire, Cheshire, Tyne and Wear, Cumbria and Derbyshire, Merseyside, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire.

You will need to select “UK- Birmingham”, as Mission while filling the online application form, appointments can then be booked the offices in Birmingham, Leicester, Manchester, Liverpool, Bradford, and Newcastle

If you live in any other part of the UK, including the counties mentioned above, you can book appointments at any of the 2 offices in London (Goswell Road and Hounslow), Bristol, Cardiff, and Belfast.

If you want to do a postal application please select UK-London. Visa applications by post can be made as long as it less than a  5-year visa duration. ALL applicants requiring a 5-year tourist visa will need to make an appointment application as biometric information is required (fingerprints and photo).

Step 2 – DOB, Email, Date of Arrival

Select– Tourist Visa and select purpose that best matches your trip.

Applicant Details- Complete all fields for the person wishing to obtain a long term Tourist Visa, for Citizenship ID No insert- NA.

Step 3 – Passport Details- Insert the details of the person wishing to obtain a long term Tourist Visa. Family Details– Father and Mothers Name, Nationality, Place of Birth (Town), Country of Birth.

Step 4 – Marital Status– Single or Married, provide details if married.

Step 5- Parents/Grandparents Pakistan Nationals or Belong to Pakistan Area– If yes provide information.

Step 6 – Profession/Occupation of Traveller– Present Occupation (select from list), Employer/Business Name, Address, Past Occupation, if any, Military Services (Yes/No- if yes provide details).

If You Know About More Details Regarding Online Visa Application Process Click Here .

 

 

How to Apply For a Canadian Visa | Indian E Tourist Visa

Visa applications and carries out visa tasks for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in India. VFS Global is also responsible for providing general information and administrative services pertaining to all the Temporary Resident Visa such as the visitor visa, study visa, work permits, and travel documents for permanent residents of Canada. The online application allows the applicants to extend their visa validity while it also facilitates the platform to immigrate under the skilled worker category. Applicants under the age of 18 are required to furnish a letter of consent from parents or legal guardians.

From processing the visa applications, sending out notifications to returning the passports with visa decisions, Canada Visa Application Center (CVAC) offers a broad range of services to the visa aspirants.

 

Canada Visa Types

Canada offers four types of visa based on the applicant’s requirements:

• Temporary Resident Visa
• Study Permits
• Work Permits
• Permanent Resident Travel Document

Temporary Resident Visa

In order to enter or transit through Canada, the citizens from other nations are required to complete the online visa application process and get an approval for their application. Based on the type of the visa, the applicant can fill in the specific form, furnish necessary documents, and pay the visa fee to carry out the application process.

Eligibility Factors

• Passport or any other valid travel document
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay
• Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
• Completed VFS Consent Form
• Documents based on the visa type

Application Process

Applicants can choose to opt for either the online or offline (on paper) method. Once the application is submitted, it goes under review to determine whether it can be approved or renewed. The applicant may be asked to submit medical test results, police certificate or to appear for an interview. VFS Global will send out notifications to the applicant through text SMS/email to keep them updated. The application gets processed within few weeks (subject to the requirement of any additional steps). The application needs the passport to be submitted which is returned along with the visa decision. The passport must have a blank page to provide space for visa stamping. Based on the nationality of the applicant, duration of stay, etc., the visa fee varies for different types of visas.

Extending Temporary Resident Visa

By keeping a check on the temporary resident status, individuals can apply for an extension before the visa expires. Applicants are recommended to carry out the application process at least 30 days before the visa expiry date.

Study Permits

The Study Permits allow foreign students to live and study in Canada for a specific period of time depending on the application and other important factors. Based on the applicant’s profile, the visa may have restrictions on the level of studies, permission to work, duration of stay, etc. During the course, the applicant may be provided with an option to work part-time. Students under the study permits are allowed to spend an extra 90 days after the completion of the course/study to prepare for their departure or to apply for a visa extension.

Eligibility Factors

• Passport or any other valid travel document
• Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay
• Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
• Completed VFS Consent Form
• Documents based on the visa type

Application Process

The applicant must obtain the letter of acceptance from a DLI for their respective course or study program in order to be eligible for the Study Permits. The application can be carried out online or offline based on the applicant’s convenience. Once the completed application form along with the VFS consent form and required documents are submitted, the applicant will need to pay the visa fee. The visa fee varies for each category based on the applicant’s nationality, duration of stay, and many other factors. The application may require the applicants to provide additional documents such as Medical Certificate, Police Certificate, etc. The processing time will take up to six weeks or vary depending on the particular CVAC and any additional step, if required by the IRCC.

Work Permits

The Work Permits allows individuals to live and work in Canada. Whether the applicant is within Canada or from outside of Canada, the application can be carried out online as well as off lines based on the eligibility factors. Applicants under the Global Skills Strategy can take advantage of the two-week processing facility when they are applying from outside of Canada. Based on the applicant’s nationality and other factors such as age, language requirements, education qualification, work experience, etc., the applicant can choose a suitable program that will allow him/her to live and work in Canada.

Eligibility Factors

 

• Passport or any other valid travel document
• Offer of employment
• Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
• Documents based on the visa type
• Completed VFS Consent Form
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay

Application Process

Based on the duration of employment, the nationality of the applicant, visa category, etc., the applicant will need to complete the application form and submit it along with all other specified documents and the VFS Consent Form. In order to process the application, the applicant must pay the visa fee which is based on various factors. Both the online and offline application offers an extensive range of payment mode options. The processing time may take up to 11 weeks.