Online – India E Visa

1. What is an India E Visa?


An India E Visa is an electronic authorization that allows eligible foreign citizens to enter and travel within India for a specific period of time, for purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. It is obtained online through the Indian government’s official website and does not require a physical stamp or label in the passport. It has replaced the traditional visa application process where applicants had to visit an Indian embassy or consulate in person.

2. Who can apply for an India E Visa?


The following individuals are eligible to apply for an India E Visa:

1. Citizens of all countries, except Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, China, Iran and Iraq.

2. Foreign nationals of Indian origin who are holding a passport of any other country (such as PIO or OCI card holders).

3. Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require a visa to enter India.

4. Chinese citizens may only apply for an e-visa if they are part of an organized tour group through a designated tour operator.

Please note that those who wish to visit India for purposes such as research, volunteering or journalism may not be eligible for an e-visa and must apply for a regular visa through the Consulate or Embassy of India. Additionally, travelers with diplomatic/official passports must also obtain a regular visa instead of an e-visa. It is recommended to check the official website before applying to ensure eligibility for an e-visa.

3. How do I apply for an India E Visa?


To apply for an India E Visa, follow these steps:

1. Go to the official India E Visa website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html).
2. Click on the “Apply for e-Visa” button.
3. Select your country of citizenship and the appropriate e-Visa category (e-Tourist visa, e-Business visa, or e-Medical visa).
4. Read the instructions carefully and click on “Continue”.
5. Fill in all the required details in the application form including personal information, passport details, travel information, and contact details.
6. Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and a scanned copy of your passport bio page.
7. Review all the information entered and make changes if necessary.
8. Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card or any of the other available payment options.
9. Submit the application and take note of your Application ID for future reference.
10. Within 3-4 working days, you will receive an email with your electronic visa (e-visa) approval letter attached.
11. Print out a copy of this approval letter and carry it with you when traveling to India.

Note: The Indian E Visa is only valid for entry through designated airports, seaports and land ports. Make sure to check if your port of entry is listed before applying for an E Visa.

4. What documents are required for an India E Visa application?


The following documents are required for an India E Visa application:

1. A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least two blank pages.

2. A passport-sized photo with a white background, taken within the last six months.

3. Proof of travel plans, such as flight tickets or itinerary.

4. Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses during your stay in India.

5. Personal information and references, including full name, address, nationality, occupation, and contact details.

6. For business visits: Letter from the sponsoring organization stating the purpose of visit, expected duration of stay, and who will be responsible for financial support.

7. For medical visits: Letter from the hospital/doctor in India indicating the nature of illness and treatment plans along with a letter from your doctor in your own country stating the reason for seeking specialized medical treatment abroad.

8. For conference/ seminar visits: Invitation letter from organizer/host requiring foreign participants to attend specific conferences/ seminars/workshops for their respective events/conferences/seminars /workshops etc

9. Other supporting documents may be required based on your specific visa category or purpose of visit to India. It is recommended to check with the Indian embassy or consulate in your country before submitting your application.

5. Can I apply for multiple entry with an India E Visa?


Yes, you can apply for a multiple entry India E Visa. However, the visa must be specifically requested for multiple entries and is subject to approval from the Indian government. Additionally, the duration of stay for each entry will be limited to 60 days.

6. How long is the India E Visa valid for?

The India E Visa is valid for multiple entries within one year from the date of approval. The maximum length of stay with an E Visa is 180 days per visit, with the exception of US, UK, Japan and Canadian nationals who are eligible for a maximum stay of 365 days. The validity period and length of stay may vary depending on the type of E-Visa obtained.

7. Can I extend my stay in India with an E Visa?

Yes, you are allowed to extend your stay in India with an E Visa. However, the duration of the extension may vary depending on the type of visa you hold and the reasons for your request for an extension. You will need to apply for an extension through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or the Foreigners Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs at least 60 days before your current E Visa expires. It is best to contact these offices directly for more information on extending your E Visa.

8. How much does an India E Visa cost?


The cost of an India E Visa varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa being applied for. In general, the fee ranges from $25 to $100. Applicants can also opt for expedited processing for an additional fee. It is recommended to check the official website of the Indian government for specific pricing information based on your individual circumstances.

9. Is the visa fee refundable if my application gets rejected?


Typically, the visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is accepted or rejected. This is because the fee covers the processing costs for your application, which have already been incurred by the embassy or consulate. However, in some cases, there may be exceptions to this rule. For example, if you can provide evidence that you were unable to travel due to extenuating circumstances that were out of your control (such as a serious illness), you may be able to request a refund. It is best to check with the specific embassy or consulate where you submitted your application to see if they have any specific policies in place regarding refunds for rejected visa applications.

10. How long does it take to process an India E Visa application?


The processing time for an India E Visa application can vary, but it typically takes around 4-7 business days. However, in some cases it can take longer due to additional processing requirements or delays. It is recommended to apply for the E Visa at least a week before your intended travel date to allow for any potential delays in processing.

11. Can I use the e-Visa at any port of entry in India?

No, the e-Visa can only be used at designated international airports and seaports in India. You can check the list of eligible ports of entry on the official Indian government website or in your e-Visa approval email.

12. Do I need a printed copy of my e-Visa or is a digital copy sufficient?

A digital copy of your e-Visa is sufficient. You can present it on your electronic device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) when entering the country. However, it is always a good idea to have a printed copy as a backup in case of technical difficulties or if you are asked for a physical copy by immigration officials.

13. Do I need to provide proof of travel bookings when applying for an e-Visa?

No, you do not need to provide proof of travel bookings when applying for an e-Visa. However, you may be asked to present this information upon arrival at your destination as part of the entry requirements. It is always a good idea to have proof of onward travel and accommodation arrangements with you when traveling, even if it is not required for your e-Visa application.

14. Can I work on an e-Visa in India?

Yes, you are allowed to work in India on an e-Visa, but only in certain categories such as business, medical and employment. If your purpose of travel is sightseeing or for tourist activities, you are not allowed to work while on an e-Visa. It is important to check the terms and conditions of your specific e-Visa before entering India for work purposes.

15. How many times can I enter India on one e-Visa?

You can enter India multiple times within the validity period of your e-Visa. However, each entry must be separated by at least two months from the previous entry. For example, if you enter India on your e-Visa in January, you must wait until April to enter again on the same visa.

16. Will my e-Visa be accepted as a valid travel document by airlines and immigration officials?


Yes, e-Visas are considered valid travel documents by airlines and immigration officials. However, it is recommended to carry a printed copy of your e-Visa confirmation with you when traveling to avoid any potential issues.

17. Are there any restrictions on activities that can be done on an e-Visa in India?


Yes, there are certain restrictions on activities that can be done on an e-Visa in India. The e-Visa is issued only for certain purposes such as tourism, business, medical treatment, and visiting friends and family. Activities not allowed on an e-Visa include:

1. Employment or paid work
2. Journalism or film making
3. Research activities
4. Missionary or religious activities
5. Internship or volunteer work
6. Mountaineering, trekking, and other adventure sports
7. Wildlife photography or sport fishing
8. Prospecting, mountaineering, and explorations of sensitive areas like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

If you plan to engage in any of these activities, you will need to apply for a different type of visa from the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

Additionally, e-Visas have specific restrictions based on the type of visa:

1. Tourist e-Visas are valid for recreation activities like sightseeing, visiting family/friends or attending yoga programs; but NOT permitted for visiting monastery.
2. Business e-visas are restricted from working cross-country placement arrangements.
3. Medical e-visas are allowed only for specific purpose along with necessary prescriptions/medicine supplies etc.
4. Medical Attendant e-visas up-to two entries allowed either alone while accompanying patient under separate E-Medical Visa.

It is important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions specified on your e-Visa before planning your trip to India to avoid any difficulties during your stay.

18 Can I use the e-Visa to enter at land borders or through seaports?


No, the e-Visa is only valid for entry at certain airports in India. It cannot be used to enter at land borders or through seaports.

19 What should I do if my passport information needs to be updated after submitting my e-visa application?


If your passport information needs to be updated after submitting your e-visa application, you should contact the relevant embassy or consulate immediately. Provide them with the correct and updated passport information and request for your application to be amended accordingly.

In most cases, you will need to submit a written request along with supporting documents such as a copy of your new passport and any other relevant documents. The embassy or consulate will review your request and update your application if necessary.

It is important to note that some changes may require you to cancel your existing application and submit a new one with the updated information. Again, it is best to contact the embassy or consulate directly to find out their specific procedures for updating passport information on an already submitted e-visa application.

If you have already received your e-visa with incorrect passport information, it is imperative that you apply for a correction or replacement visa before traveling to avoid any complications at the border. Keep in mind that this process may take time so make sure to plan accordingly.

20 Are there any special requirements for minor applicants (under 18 years old. when obtaining an e-Visa for their trip to India?


Yes, there are some special requirements for minor applicants (under 18 years old) when obtaining an e-Visa for their trip to India. These include:

1. Consent from parents or legal guardians: Minors must have the consent of their parents or legal guardians to apply for an e-Visa. This consent can be given in the form of a written statement.

2. Supporting documents: Minors must provide additional supporting documents along with their e-Visa application, such as a copy of their birth certificate and proof of parent’s or legal guardian’s identity.

3. Accompanying adult: Minors must travel with an adult during their trip to India. The accompanying adult can be either one of the parents or a relative who is at least 18 years old.

4. Entry and exit points: Minors must enter and exit India through the same port/airport as their accompanying adult.

5. Immigration clearance: The accompanying adult must obtain immigration clearance from the immigration authorities at the designated airport in India before leaving with the minor.

6. Validity: The e-Visa for minors is valid for up to 60 days from the date of arrival in India or until the minor turns 18 years old, whichever is earlier.

7. Type of visa: Minors traveling to India on an e-Visa must select “Tourist” as their purpose of visit while applying for the visa.

It is recommended that minors also carry a notarized letter from their parents or legal guardians stating their contact information and details about their trip to India, including flight details and accommodations.

It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the nationality of the minor and any additional requirements may be requested by Indian immigration officials upon arrival. It is advisable to contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate for more specific information regarding minor travel requirements.