India e-Visa Updates

India's rich culture, cuisine, iconic landmarks, and diverse sites attract millions of travellers annually. To ensure a hassle-free journey, it's crucial to check visa requirements. 

Fortunately, citizens of over 150 countries can apply for the Indian Electronic Visa, a user-friendly online system accessible from anywhere in the world via smartphone or computer, streamlining the application process.

Meaning of an India e-Visa

An Indian Electronic Visa, or e-Visa, is an official document granting legal entry to India, electronically linked to your passport, eliminating the need for physical stamps or labels.

There are three primary types of Indian e-Visas available for application:

• e-Tourist Visa: This type of e-Visa is designed for individuals visiting India for tourism purposes. It allows you to stay in the country for a specified duration.

• e-Business Visa: The e-Business Visa is intended for those travelling to India for business-related activities. Like the e-Tourist Visa, it comes with its own set of guidelines.

• e-Medical Visa: If you are travelling to India for medical treatment, the e-Medical Visa is the appropriate choice. It has specific provisions, including limitations on the duration of your stay.

The application process for these electronic visas is straightforward and user-friendly, and you can access the online application form conveniently on the official website.

The validity of Indian e-Visas varies depending on the type:

• Tourist Visa: This visa is valid for one year from the date of issue and allows for multiple entries into India during that time, providing flexibility for travellers.

• Business e-Visa: Similar to the tourist visa, the business e-Visa also offers a one-year validity period with multiple entry options.

• Medical e-Visa: Unlike the other two, the Medical e-Visa has distinct rules. While it grants triple entry into India, individuals holding this visa are restricted from staying in the country for periods exceeding 60 days in total.

Required Documents for an India e-Visa

To apply for an Indian e-Visa, the required documents can vary depending on the type of visa you are seeking. For a commonly requested tourist visa, the following documents are typically necessary:

Tourist e-Visa

• Applicant's Photo
• Passport Scan
• Last Page of Passport (if applicable)

Medical e-Visa

• Hospital Letter (if applicable)
• Applicant's Photo
• Passport Scan
• Last Page of Passport (if applicable)

Business e-Visa

• Applicant's Photo
• Passport Scan
• Last Page of Passport (if applicable)

Recent changes by the Indian Government have aimed to enhance the tourism industry by simplifying the e-Visa application process. These changes include:

• Extending the allowed duration of stay under the Electronic Visa to 180 days Per Entry, a significant increase from the previous 30-day allowance.

• Allowing Multiple Entry for both tourist and business e-Visas, while the medical e-Visa permits Triple Entry.

• The e-Visas are valid for one year from the date of issuance, providing flexibility for travellers to plan visits and stay for a maximum of 180 days Per Entry. 

These changes are designed to make travel to India more accessible and convenient for visitors worldwide.

The cost of an Indian e-Visa

The cost of an Indian e-Visa varies based on nationality, visa type, and processing speed (Standard, Rush, or Super Rush). For example, a Tourist e-Visa for American passport holders has a specific price, but prices may differ for other nationalities. 

• Standard Processing: This is a popular choice among applicants due to its affordability and you can expect to receive your visa within 4 days.

• Rush Processing: If you require a faster turnaround, the Rush Processing option is available at a slightly higher cost but you will receive your e-Visa in 2 days.

• Super Rush Processing: For the most expedited service, the Super Rush Processing option is offered. It comes at a higher price but you will receive your e-Visa in as little as 30 hours.

Obtaining an Indian e-Visa

To obtain your Indian e-Visa, you can conveniently apply online through the official platform. The application process is straightforward and can be completed swiftly, typically within 15 minutes.

The application process consists of three simple steps:

Step 1 - General Information

In this initial step, you will be required to provide your basic personal information. Additionally, you will need to select the processing time for your visa application, choosing from the options mentioned earlier based on your preferences and urgency.

Step 2 - Review

The second step involves a quick review of the information you provided in step one. This is to ensure accuracy and completeness in your application.

Step 3 - Payment

The final step is to make the payment for your e-Visa application. You can complete this step securely through the online payment system provided.

What to expect upon compilation of the online application process

After filling out the online application form, providing the required photo and passport copy, you'll receive your Indian e-Visa via email as a PDF attachment. Simply print it out and have it with you when you travel to India, ensuring a hassle-free entry.

As for the usability of the Electronic Visa, it can now be utilised at a broader range of entry points. Instead of the previous 16 airports, the e-Visa is now valid at 24 airports across India. 

These include Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, and Varanasi. 

This expanded list of airports provides greater convenience and flexibility for travellers arriving in India using the Indian Electronic Visa.

Will I print a copy of the Indian Tourist e-visa once I arrive at the airport?

Yes, it's advisable to print a copy of your Tourist e-Visa when you arrive at the airport, as it will be required for presentation upon entry to India. Upon approval, you'll receive an email from the Government of India with your e-Visa details, including application ID, visa number, and validity. Keeping a printed copy of this confirmation, along with a copy of your passport, is strongly recommended for reference.

FAQS

What is an Indian e-Visa?

An Indian e-Visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter India for various purposes, such as tourism, business, or medical treatment. It is electronically linked to the traveller's passport.

What are the different types of Indian e-Visas?

There are three main types of Indian e-Visas: Tourist e-Visa, Business e-Visa, and Medical e-Visa. Each serves a different purpose and has specific requirements.

How long is an Indian e-Visa valid for?

The validity of an Indian e-Visa depends on its type. Tourist and Business e-Visas are typically valid for one year from the date of issue, while Medical e-Visas have their own specific rules, allowing multiple entries with a maximum stay of 60 days in total.

What are the recent changes to Indian Electronic Visas?

Recent updates have extended the duration of stay for e-Visa holders to 180 days per entry (an increase from the previous 30-day allowance). Additionally, both tourist and business e-Visas now offer multiple entries, while the medical e-Visa allows for triple entries.

How much does an Indian e-Visa cost?

The cost of an Indian e-Visa varies based on factors such as nationality, visa type, and processing speed. It's recommended to check the exact pricing on the official application website or service provider.

How do I apply for an Indian e-Visa?

The application process for an Indian e-Visa is typically done online. Travellers need to fill out an online application form, upload required documents, select a processing speed, review the information, make the payment, and then await approval.

Do I need to print a copy of my Indian e-Visa upon arrival at the airport?

Yes, it is advisable to print a copy of your Indian e-Visa as you will be required to present it upon arrival in India. The e-Visa confirmation email received from the Government of India should also be kept for reference.

Where can I find more information about the Indian e-Visa?

For additional information or assistance with the Indian e-Visa process, you can visit the official website for e-Visa applications or utilise customer support services provided by authorised service providers.