Planning a visit to one of the world’s oldest countries, India? Most importantly, you’ll need to prepare your travel itinerary and gather the necessary documents to obtain an Indian visa. If this is your first time, take a look at the guidelines provided below.
How to Get an Indian Visa?
Indian authorities offer clear instructions for individuals intending to apply for an Indian visa. Applicants have the option to apply either online or through the embassy in their respective countries.
In addition to submitting valid documents, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the dos and don’ts of the Indian visa application process. For comprehensive information on various aspects of the visa policy, visit the official website of the Indian authorities.
What to Consider Before Getting an Indian Visa?
Before delving into more complex matters, it’s essential to understand several crucial aspects, outlined in the following key points:
1. Make Sure Your Country is on the List
Begin by determining your country of citizenship and whether it qualifies for visa exemption. Most countries allow their citizens to apply for a visa.
However, not all nationalities can apply for a visa online. Individuals holding citizenship from approximately 70 specific countries, such as Afghanistan, Macau, Somalia, and more, must contact the embassy for authorization.
Additionally, citizens of neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives can visit India without a visa.
Click here to see the list of Indian visa exemption countries.
2. Decide Your Purpose of Visit
India, a country steeped in culture, history, and spiritual philosophy, attracts visitors for various reasons. Below is an overview of the motivations for visiting this land rich in spices:
- For tourism activities. Those holding tourist visas can indulge in exploring numerous attractions for up to three months per visit. Additionally, there is a provision for double entry, permitting a 30-day stay.
- For business arrangements. With rapid advancements in agriculture and manufacturing, international companies flock to India for business collaborations through investments or other avenues. Business visas are valid for one year, with a maximum stay of 180 days per visit.
- For medical matters. Visitors seeking medical assistance can obtain medical visas, allowing them to make up to three visits. The initial stay is limited to 180 days, with subsequent visits capped at 60 days each. Additionally, authorities permit two adults to apply together as companions.
- For transit reasons. Those in transit are granted visas allowing stays of up to 15 days.
- For long-term stays, individuals seeking a residence permit in India for more than three months due to work, study, or other purposes are eligible to apply for a visa. They must meet the Indian visa requirements.
3. Visa Application Fees
Regarding Indian visa fees, the standard fees in many countries are not necessarily the same. Moreover, the visa type and validity period also impact the application fees. Here are the details of visa application fees:
| Type of Visa | Details |
| Transit visa | INR or USD 19 (single/double-entry) |
| Tourist visa | INR 7461 or USD 90 (up to 1 year, single/multiple-entry) |
| INR 14672 or USD 177 (up to 5 years, multiple-entry) | |
| Conference visa | INR 5969 or USD 72 (up to 6 months, single/multiple-entry) |
| Business visa | INR 8787 or USD 106 (up to 1 year, single/multiple-entry) |
| INR 18319 or USD 221 (1-5 years, single-entry) | |
| INR 22049 or USD 266 (1-5 years, multiple-entry) | |
| Student visa | INR 5969 or USD 72 (up to 5 years, multiple-entry) |
| Medical visa | INR 5969 or USD 72 (up to 6 months, single/multiple-entry) |
| INR 8870 or USD 107 (up to 1 year, multiple-entry) |
The table above provides estimated fees. The actual costs may vary from the figures listed.
Meanwhile, applicants have the option to pay using debit or credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, through the bank designated by the authority for visa payments, SBI ePay. Additionally, applicants submitting visa applications via the embassy can make payments using cash, cards, or bank drafts.
Applying for an Indian Visa
India’s visa application service authority offers two registration methods: online registration and registration via the embassy. Here’s an explanation of each method:
Online
Remember to apply for an e-visa at least four days before your planned arrival date. Below are the steps for applying for an Indian e-visa:
- Visit the Indian e-visa application site and gather the necessary document files for uploading, such as passports and photos.
- Fill out the Indian visa application form with your information. Make sure to save your registered ID and passport details if you need to resume filling out the form later.
- Double-check the accuracy of your personal data before submitting your visa application.
- Pay the visa application fee as calculated by the system.
- You will receive an email notification from the authority regarding the authorization process, typically within approximately 72 hours.
- Once approved, print your e-visa for presentation upon arrival.
Via Embassy
The visa permit process via the embassy typically takes around 7 days. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply for Indian visa as early as possible. The application steps via the Embassy are outlined below:
- Visit the Indian e-visa application site.
- Fill out the application form and receive an ID registration, which will be emailed to you by the Authority.
- Confirm your application through a notification sent automatically by the system. You will receive information regarding the appointment time, date, and visa fee calculation.
- Print the completed visa application form.
- Submit your documents to the nearest embassy.
- Pay the application fee and await approval from the embassy.
- Once your visa is granted, you are ready to proceed with your travel plans to India.
To conclude, many of the inconveniences associated with applying for an India visa can now be quickly resolved with the knowledge of the basics. Additionally, explore the top flight and hotel deals for your Indian adventure exclusively on Airpaz!
