India's captivating history, vibrant culture, and varied landscapes make it a top destination for numerous travellers. For residents of specific nations, experiencing India's timeless beauty becomes even more accessible due to the visa-free policies that India has established with them.
This blog aims to be your exhaustive guide, delving into the countries fortunate enough to share this privilege and delving into the specifics of India visa free and visa-on-arrival arrangements.
Citizens of Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal can enter India without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. This privilege applies to travellers arriving from any country except mainland China.
However, individuals of all nationalities arriving from mainland China are required to obtain a visa before entering India.
Holders of a Persons of Indian Origin Card from the following countries can enter India without a visa:
Travellers who have held an Indian passport, are married to an Indian citizen, or have Indian parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents can apply for a Person of Indian Origin card and bypass the visa application process.
This invitation is generally extended to individuals of Indian Origin. However, eligibility ultimately depends on your nationality. If you meet any of the aforementioned criteria, it's recommended to visit the government website to confirm whether citizens of your country are eligible to apply.
Visa on arrival is available for citizens of three specific countries, allowing them to obtain a visa directly stamped on their passport upon arrival, without the need to apply in advance.
Citizens of Japan and South Korea are eligible for a visa on arrival, allowing them a stay of up to 30 days. However, this applies only if they are not of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin.
Additionally, citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are granted a visa on arrival. This is applicable to UAE nationals who have obtained either an electronic Visa or a paper visa for their travel to India.
For all other scenarios, travellers must apply for a different type of visa in order to visit India.
India provides a range of visa options to cater to diverse visitor requirements:
Which countries are visa-free to enter India?
Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal citizens can enter India without a visa for up to 90 days, except for arrivals from mainland China. Additionally, travellers holding a Persons of Indian Origin Card from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka can also enter visa-free.
Who can apply for a Person of Indian Origin Card?
Travellers who have held an Indian passport, are married to an Indian citizen, or have Indian ancestors can apply for a Person of Indian Origin Card, allowing them to skip the visa process. However, eligibility varies based on nationality, so it's advised to check the government's official site.
Which countries can obtain an Indian visa on arrival?
Citizens of Japan and South Korea can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days, excluding those of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin. United Arab Emirates nationals with an electronic Visa or paper visa are also eligible. Other travellers need to apply for different visa types to visit India.
Q: What are the different types of Indian visas available?
India offers various visas to cater to different needs, including Employment Visa, Business Visa, Project Visa, "X"/Entry Visa, Tourist Visa, Research Visa, Transit Visa, Conference Visa, and Medical Visa, each with specific purposes, durations, and eligibility criteria.
Can Employment Visas and Business Visas be extended?
Yes, Employment Visas and Business Visas can be extended within India based on certain conditions and requirements.
Is a Tourist Visa extendable in India?
No, the Tourist Visa is not extendable within India and has a validity of 30 days.
What is the validity of a Research Visa?
A Research Visa is valid for 5 years and can be extended within India.
What is the purpose of a Transit Visa?
A Transit Visa is for travellers passing through India and is valid for 15 days, but it cannot be extended within India.
Who is eligible for a Medical Visa?
Individuals seeking medical treatment in recognized and specialised hospitals and treatment centres in India can apply for a Medical Visa, which is valid for 1 year.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
