India offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (eVisa) to eligible foreign nationals, allowing them to travel to India for tourism, business, medical treatment, or attending conferences. The eVisa system simplifies the application process, eliminating the need for embassy visits.
Types of India eVisas
India provides several eVisa categories:
- e-Tourist Visa (eTV): For tourism purposes.
- e-Business Visa: For business-related activities.
- e-Medical Visa: For seeking medical treatment in India.
- e-Medical Attendant Visa: For accompanying patients seeking medical treatment.
- e-Conference Visa: For attending conferences or seminars in India.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an Indian eVisa, applicants must:
- Hold a passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in India.
- Have at least two blank pages in the passport for entry/exit stamps.
- Travel on the same passport used for the eVisa application.
- Not be of Pakistani origin or hold a Pakistani passport.
- Not be holders of diplomatic, official, or Laissez-passer travel documents.
- Ensure the eVisa is applied for the correct passport; entry into India will not be permitted if the eVisa is granted on an old passport.
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide:
- Scanned copy of the passport’s bio page: Displaying personal details and photograph.
- Recent passport-sized photograph: Clear and without spectacles.
- Additional documents: Depending on the visa type, such as business invitation letters or medical documents.
Fees and Validity
- e-Tourist Visa:
- 30-day: $25 USD (valid from April to June); $10 USD (valid from July to March).
- 1-year: $40 USD.
- 5-year: $80 USD.
- e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference Visas: $80 USD each.
Processing Time
- Standard Processing: Typically 3 to 5 business days.
- Expedited Processing: Available for an additional fee; processing time may vary.
Application Process
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/.
- Select Visa Type: Choose the appropriate eVisa category.
- Complete the Application: Fill in personal, passport, and travel details.
- Upload Documents: Provide scanned copies of the passport bio page and photograph.
- Make Payment: Pay the visa fee using a valid credit/debit card.
- Receive eVisa: Upon approval, the eVisa will be sent to your email.
Important Tips
- Print the eVisa: Carry a printed copy along with your passport when traveling.
- Entry Points: eVisas are valid for entry at designated airports and seaports in India.
- Stay Duration: Stay duration varies by visa type; ensure compliance with the allowed stay period.
- Extension: eVisas are non-extendable and non-convertible.
- Travel Insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies.