All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to obtain a travel visa for India.
Beware – there are many touts and fake websites that say they will get an Indian Visa for you. NONE of them are authorised by the Government of India, and they all charge high fee that you must pay unnecessarily
1. Determine the Type of Visa:
India offers various types of visas, each tailored to different purposes, such as tourism, business, medical treatment, and more. Start by identifying the specific visa category that matches your travel intentions. For most tourists, the “Tourist Visa” (often referred to as a “B-2” visa) is the appropriate choice.
2. Choose the Appropriate Visa Service:
To apply for a visa, we highly recommend that you do so only on the official Indian government website for visas. Most countries/nationalities are eligible for an e-visa. To check if you can get one, click here
An e-visa for tourist travel is easy to get, and you can do so sitting at your home or office. Simply apply online on the Government of India’s e-visa website, pay the fee online, and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be sent to your email. You can then fly into India and present the ETA at the Immigration Check Post in the airport of arrival, where a e -Visa will be stamped on your passport.
For a detailed information spreadsheet on Indian e-Visas, click here.
Contacts for in India for Visa.
The Visa form may require you to give a contact of an Indian national and an Indian address as reference. We are happy to be your reference. Please contact us for more information.
3. Gather Required Documents:
The list of required documents may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. Commonly required documents include:
- Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from India and has several blank pages for visa stamps.
- Visa Application Form: Fill out the online application form accurately. Be prepared to provide information about your travel plans, passport details, and personal history.
- Passport Photos: You’ll need recent passport-sized photos according to the specifications outlined in the application guidelines.
- Proof of Travel: Provide a copy of your round-trip flight itinerary or a booked return ticket.
- Accommodation Details: Include proof of your hotel reservations or an invitation letter from your host if you plan to stay with friends or family.
- Financial Proof: You may be required to submit bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate your ability to cover your expenses during your stay.
4. Pay Visa Fees:
Visa fees are typically non-refundable and vary depending on the type and duration of your visa. Ensure you pay the required fee, which can often be done online through the visa application portal.
5. Schedule an Appointment:
If you are not eligible for an e-visa, complete the online application and schedule an appointment for biometrics and document submission at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
6. Attend the Visa Interview:
Prepare for an in-person appointment where you’ll provide biometric data and submit your documents. Be punctual and have all the required documents ready. The consular officer may ask questions about your travel plans and purpose of visit.
7. Wait for Processing:
After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for the processing period. Visa processing times can vary, so be sure to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
8. Receive Your Visa:
Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker affixed to your passport or an e-visa sent to your email. Ensure the visa details are accurate, including the visa type, entry and exit dates, and passport number.
9. Comply with Visa Conditions:
Once you arrive in India, adhere to the conditions of your visa, such as the duration of stay and travel itinerary. Overstaying a visa can result in fines and legal complications.