Indian visas and their changing policies are issues that many travelers to India have to face. As of June 19, 2018, the fee for the Indian Electronic Visa (ETA) has increased from $50 to $80. However, to promote the tourism industry, the Indian government adjusted the Indian visa fee again in August 2019 and adopted the off-peak season, making the visa policy a major variable in the travel plan.
Since 2014, India has introduced an electronic travel authorization or e-visa, allowing travelers from 180 countries to avoid the hassle of applying for a traditional visa paper, without visiting the Indian embassy or consulate in person, and only need to apply online. In March 2019, the validity of the e-Tourist Visa was changed to one year, with multiple entries and a maximum stay of 90 days at a time, giving you more freedom to visit India.
Even though visa fees and policies change frequently, the steps to apply for a visa remain stable. Here, we will provide you with simple illustrated steps on how to apply for an eVisa to India on your own, so that you can start your journey to India smoothly. Apart from being convenient to apply, the Indian eVisa has also become the fastest route to enter India, saving you more time for your travel plans.
What is the Indian e-Visa?
The Indian Electronic Visa (eVisa) is an electronic version of the visa that travelers can access directly on their smartphones or tablets. This visa is aimed at travelers who wish to conduct business and tourism, allowing foreigners to avoid the cumbersome procedures of applying for a visa normally.
The Indian government has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorization or eTA for this country, allowing citizens from 180 countries to travel to India without having to stamp their passports. In addition, this new type of authorization is called eVisa India, and it covers 5 main purposes of visit, including tourism/leisure, short courses, business, medical visits, or conferences.
All foreign travelers are required to have an India eVisa or Regular/Paper Visa before entering India. However, it is worth noting that travelers can obtain an Indian visa online and do not need to visit the Indian Embassy or the Indian High Commission. Once your eVisa is issued, you can either carry an e-copy on your mobile device or a printed copy of this eVisa.
There are six types of Indian e-Visas: Sightseeing, Business, Conference, Medical, Medical, and Emergency. In 2022, India added the e-Emergency X-Misc Visa to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees, allowing Afghans to stay in India for up to six months.
The official Indian visa website provides detailed information and instructions for various visas. However, some fraudulent websites try to deceive travelers, so applicants should be careful to confirm the correctness of the website they are applying for. On the official Indian visa website, click on the e-Tourist Visa and the relevant visa information will be displayed on the right side of the page. The Indian eVisa is a safe, secure, and preferred method of application by the Indian government.
Check Eligibility:
Verify your eligibility for an e-visa based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Ensure that you meet all the requirements for the specific type of e-visa you need.
1. Complete the Application Form:
Fill out the online application form with the correct and complete your information. Fill Provide all the necessary details, including personal information, passport details, travel plans, etc.
2. Choose the Urgent Processing Option (if available):
Some e-visa applications may offer an option for expedited or urgent processing. Check the application form for any such options and select the one that suits your needs.
3. Pay the Visa Fee:
Pay the required visa online fee. Ensure that you make the payment using a valid and accepted payment method.
4. Submit Supporting Documents:
Upload any required supporting documents, such as a passport-sized photograph and a copy of your passport’s bio page.
5. Review and Confirm:
Before submitting your application, carefully review all the information you’ve entered to avoid errors. Once you’re satisfied, apply.
6. Contact Support (if necessary):
If there’s an option to contact customer support or if there’s an emergency contact number provided on the official website, use it to inquire about expedited processing or to explain your urgent situation.
7. Monitor Application Status:
After submitting your application, monitor the status online. Some e-visa systems update the processing status, and you may receive notifications via email.
8. Receive and Print E-Visa:
Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive it via email. Please Download and print a copy of your e-visa. Carry this printed copy with you during your travel.
What do I require to apply for my Indian visa online?
The eVisa India application is simple with us, you don’t need to go to the India visa embassy or talk to an immigration officer. We only need the following information to get your India e-visa online:
• Applicant’s photo. – A recent photo of yourself, taken against a white or gray background. Applicant’s passport personal details scan the first page of the passport showing your photograph and passport details.
NOTE: Your passport should have at least six months of validity from your date of arrival in India your passport, and at least two blank pages. It is also advised to have sufficient money to support the duration of your visit.
