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India on your travel bucket list? It’s possible that you might be considering visiting India pretty soon which is perfect as we will tell you all about how to apply for an Indian tourist visa. First things first, you would need an Indian Visa to enter and explore the country hassle-free. There are various types of visas circulated by the Indian government for the welfare of different types of tourists. Specifically when it comes to visas, there are several questions and confusions amongst tourists from different countries.
This comprehensive guide will talk in detail about all aspects of the Indian tourism visa.
This aspect completely depends on the fact that where you originally belong from since not everyone who is out of India would need a visa to visit the country. For example, tourists from Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. In another instance Maldives citizens can enter India without a passport and stay for 90 consecutive days (3 months) and in another instance if you are from Mainland China then you would need a proper visa to enter the country.
In case if you are staying in India for less than 72 hours, you would require a transit visa. This transit visa can be applied with a confirmed airline ticket for leaving India within the time limit of 72 hours since the day of arrival. In case you do not have a confirmed airline ticket then you would be requested to take an Indian tourist visa (completely based on unforeseen circumstances).
There are several types of visa applications like student visa, intern visa, journalist visa and so on and so forth. If your purpose is travel then choose the tourist visa which can be taken for different durations ranging from 60 days to 10 years. No matter how long your tourist visa runs you cannot overstay for more than 90 days in India. Apart from this there should be at least a two month gap between two visits on an Indian tourist visa, even if you are visiting two different regions of India.
Like we mentioned before, tourist visas are available from 60 days to six months for citizens of all countries, some exceptions are there. For example, USA citizens are allowed to have tourist visas with the duration extending up to 10 years. Meanwhile citizens of certain countries like Spain, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Germany, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, South Korea, Vietnam, Mexico, Argentina and others are offered five year long visas. Beyond this duration, tourist visas cannot be extended or converted into other types of visas.
The charges of applying for an Indian visa varies with the country of your nationality. Since 2017, USA citizens were designated to pay $100 for a 10-year tourist visa. Tourists from South Africa, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Afghanistan, Seychelles, Uruguay and others do not have to pay any fee to get tourist visas to India. However, the visa processing fee is a mandatory fee to be paid by the tourists from aforementioned countries.
For most countries, the application process for Indian visas is outsourced to private agencies. The Indian government has reclaimed the licenses of several foreign country agencies and have replaced them with native (Indian) companies. Keeping this in mind, always ask for a license number to ensure that you are dealing with a legible person/agent. Indian visa application starts with an online form which needs to be filled precisely and duly. Along with the cost of visa and processing fee you will have to submit a few other documents.
Here’s a list of all the documents that you would require to apply for an Indian visa:
Submit these documents to the designated visa processing agency. You must provide your original passport along with copies of the other required documents. Once the visa is stamped, your passport will be returned by mail to the address listed in your passport.
Typically, visa agencies advise a waiting period of around 15 working days (excluding weekends and public holidays) for visa processing and delivery. However, this can vary by country. Generally, the Indian Mission takes at least three working days to process the visa application.
Unfortunately, no. Even if you hold a valid India tourist visa and a valid passport, certain restricted areas remain off-limits. These include parts of Arunachal Pradesh, northern Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim, certain regions of Uttarakhand, border areas of Rajasthan, military zones in Jammu and Kashmir, and other sensitive locations. Only registered trekking groups with a Protected Area Permit (PAP) are allowed to visit these regions.
If you wish to visit these protected areas, you can apply for a PAP through Indian embassies or missions in your home country. Each region has its own rules and associated fees for the permit. Generally, tourists are only allowed to travel in groups of at least four people, accompanied by a government-registered travel agent. The PAP is usually valid for 10 days, with the possibility of a 7-day extension.
Travelers from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar can apply for a PAP only after receiving clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Foreign nationals of Indian origin also need a PAP.
An e-Tourist Visa India (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a simpler alternative to a traditional visa. You can apply for an Indian tourist visa online through the government’s official portal. After approval, you will receive a confirmation email or a PDF with your e-visa details. Print this out and present it upon arrival in India to receive your visa stamp. The e-visa is valid for 60 days and permits up to three entries. Even travelers arriving by cruise ship can use an e-visa. The current fee is $102.50, though it may change depending on your country of residence.
If you’re wondering how to apply for an Indian tourist visa from the USA or how the tourist visa fee for India is determined, the easiest route is to apply online through India’s official e-visa platform. This is the most convenient option for US citizens applying for an Indian tourist visa or anyone interested in quick visa processing.
a) An e-visa is issued only for tourists visiting India for tourism, medical treatment, short-term business visit and for family visits.
b) Passport should have at least six months validity and two blank pages.
c) You should have copies of your return ticket, in accordance with the duration, you have mentioned in the form.
d) Children and infants should have separate e-visa
If you are a US citizen applying for an Indian tourist visa, you will first need a valid passport with at least six months of validity and a minimum of two blank pages. Start by making a photocopy of your passport’s first and last pages. Then download the Indian visa application from the official Indian government website.
Make sure the signature on your application matches your passport signature. Attach a passport-sized photo with a white background (no glasses allowed in the photo) to the application. Once completed, submit the form, your original passport, and supporting documents to an authorized visa service agency. After processing, your passport with the India tourist visa will be mailed to the address listed in your passport.
For many travelers, the e tourist visa India is the simplest option, allowing you to apply online without visiting a consulate. Whether you’re looking for how to apply for an Indian tourist visa from the USA, India tourist visa for US citizens, or information on tourist visa fees for India, using the official e-visa portal is a quick and convenient route.
Yes, certain foreign nationals are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in India. To use this facility, you must first apply online at least four days before your travel date. You’ll need to upload your flight tickets, passport details, a passport-sized photograph, and any required supporting documents. After submitting these online, you must pay the non-refundable visa fee.
When you arrive in India, your biometric data will be collected at the airport, and your visa will then be stamped and approved.
Visa on Arrival for India is currently available only at international airports in Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai. VOA is valid for 30 days, except for South Korean citizens, who can receive it for up to 60 days.
If you are looking for how to apply for an Indian tourist visa, tourist visa for India for US citizens, or exploring the e tourist visa India option, remember that VOA is a limited facility and applying online for an Indian tourist visa is usually the most flexible choice.
India offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) facilities to citizens of the following countries, among others:
Immigration authorities may reject your India tourist visa application if:
Planning an Indian vacation with a tourist visa for India or an e tourist visa India can be an unforgettable experience if you prepare well. Prioritize visiting iconic attractions, stay in reputable hotels, and book transportation in advance for a smoother journey. Keep essentials like bottled water, tissues, and hand sanitizer handy. If you are sensitive to spicy food, inform restaurant staff in advance. Bargaining is common in Indian markets, but avoid giving money to beggars, instead, consider donating to a registered NGO. Always be respectful in temples, even if visiting purely for their architectural charm, and explore public transportation for a more authentic experience. Whether you apply for an India tourist visa for US citizens or use the VOA option, India promises rich cultural diversity, historical treasures, and a travel experience like no other.
You are one step closer to having the best journey of your lifetime! Talk to us, write to us all that you have envisioned for your India trip, and one of our travel experts will connect with you on priority. To help you explicitly we have WhatsApp and Email addresses!
