What is Indian Visa on Arrival?
The Indian Government has recently launched a new travel visa, known as the Indian Visa on Arrival (TVOA), to boost tourism in the country. This visa is available to citizens from 180 countries, allowing them to apply for a visa to India online without visiting an embassy or consulate in person. Initially designed for tourists, the TVOA has since been extended to cover business and medical visitors to India.
It is important to note that the Indian travel application process can be complex and subject to frequent changes. Therefore, applying for the visa online is recommended, as this is the most reliable and trusted way. Additionally, support is available in 98 languages, and 136 currencies are accepted, making the process more accessible to people worldwide.
If you are planning to visit India, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements for the Indian Visa On Arrival that apply to your specific situation. It is worth noting that significant changes were made to India's immigration and visa policy in 2019, which included the elimination of the previous India Visa on Arrival program for citizens of 75 countries. As a result, the new eVisa India program has replaced the old visa-on-arrival program, making the term "new India Visa on Arrival" outdated.
India offers a variety of visa classes based on the nationality of the visitor and the purpose of their visit. To qualify for an Indian visa, consider these two aspects. In the past, obtaining a visa for India was quite cumbersome, requiring a visit to the local embassy, sending a physical courier with your passport, and waiting for stamping on your passport. However, this outdated process has replaced the more convenient Indian Visa Online system, E-Visa India.
With Indian Visa On Arrival, travelers can complete their visa application form online using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. This new system offers different sub-categories of visas, such as eTourist India Visa, eBusiness India Visa, and eMedical India Visa. The Indian Visa On Arrival process allows visitors to skip the physical embassy visit and the waiting time for passport stamping, making the visa application process more convenient and efficient.
Who can take advantage of the new India Visa on Arrival?
For travelers looking to stay in India for 180 days or less per trip and have intentions related to tourism, recreation, business, or medical purposes, the Indian Visa On Arrival can be a viable option. However, if you plan on staying for more than 180 days or have intentions related to employment, a different type of Indian visa would be necessary. To gain more information on the various Indian Visa types available, please refer to the relevant resources.
How to Apply for the new Indian Visa On Arrival?
If you plan to visit India, you can apply for an Indian Visa online. The Indian Visa On Arrival process is simple and convenient. All you have to do is to fill out the online application form, choose your payment method (such as card, wallet, or PayPal), and submit the necessary documents based on the type and duration of the visa you're applying for. The online application process includes uploading additional documents as required. For more details on how to apply for an Indian Visa On Arrival, please refer to the Indian Visa Application Process.
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Foreign nationals keen to visit India for sightseeing or recreation, casual visits to meet friends and family or short term Yoga programme are eligible to apply for a 5 year India e-Tourist Visa. Learn more at Five Year e-Tourist Visa
What are the preconditions of the new India Visa On Arrival?
If you are thinking of visiting India and want to apply for an Indian visa online, there are some preconditions you need to fulfill. Firstly, your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival in India. If you arrive on 1st January 2023, your passport should be good until 1st July 2023.
Additionally, you may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds during your stay in India by the Indian Government or Immigration Officers at the border. It's essential to have this proof to avoid being denied entry into the country.
To apply for an Indian eVisa, you must provide a photograph of your face, a photo or scan copy of your passport, a reference in India, and an authority in your home country. You should also have a valid email address to receive updates regarding your visa application.
Finally, you will need a valid payment method for the visa fee, such as a PayPal, debit card, or credit card. Remember that the Indian Government doesn't offer a visa-on-arrival facility for most countries, so applying for an eVisa before your trip is crucial.
How long does it take to get Indian Visa On Arrival?
If you are thinking of visiting India and require a visa, you may want to consider the Indian Visa On Arrival, also known as eVisa India. This option is available for most circumstances and typically takes 72 to 96 hours, or four days, to process. However, in certain situations, it may take up to 7 days for the Indian Visa On Arrival to be issued. It is important to note that this visa is not available for all nationalities and travel purposes, so it's advisable to check the eligibility criteria and requirements beforehand.
Can I get India Visa on Arrival at the Airport?
The Indian Visa On Arrival option was discontinued in 2015, travelers must apply for an Indian eVisa online using the India Visa Application Form. Unlike the previous system, there is no paper equivalent for the eVisa. So, if you're planning a trip to India, applying for your eVisa well in advance is essential to avoid potential travel complications.
What does this mean for Travellers to India?
Traveling to India has become more convenient with the introduction of the Indian Visa On Arrival system, which offers a range of benefits for tourists. Firstly, getting any documents attested or notarized is not required, meaning applicants can finish the process online from their homes. Additionally, there is no need to visit the Indian embassy or high commission in person, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming travel.
Another significant advantage is that there is no requirement to courier the passport or obtain a physical paper stamp, as the Indian Visa On Arrival is delivered electronically via email. This streamlined process means that applicants can receive their visa in 3 to 4 business days, making it an ideal choice for those who need to travel on short notice.
Furthermore, the Indian Visa On Arrival system does not require applicants to attend an in-person interview, which can be particularly beneficial for those who live far from the nearest embassy or high commission.
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Indian visas are required for most foreigners, regardless of the length of their stay or the purpose of their visit.Whether it is for visiting India for any specific purpose or even passing through India for transit, majority of travellers will need an Indian visa, en route to another destination. Read more at Complete Guide to Understanding Indian Transit Visa.
Can I Enter from anywhere on this new India Visa On Arrival?
To enter India using the eVisa system, it's important to note that there's a specific set of authorized ports of entry designated by the Indian Government. These ports, which are listed on the Indian Visa On Arrival website, include both airports and seaports. You must enter India through one of these designated ports to be eligible for eVisa India.
If I am not leaving the airport, do I still need an Indian Visa On Arrival?
If you only plan to stay within the airport during a transfer or layover, you typically do not require an Indian Visa On Arrival or eVisa India. However, if you plan on leaving the airport during your layover, you must obtain an Indian Visa On Arrival or eVisa India beforehand. It is essential to note that not all nationalities are eligible for an Indian Visa On Arrival, so be sure to check your eligibility before your trip.
How much time in advance can I apply for an Indian Visa?
If you plan to travel to India in the next 365 days, you can apply for an Indian Visa in advance or opt for an Indian Visa On Arrival. The latter option allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain a visa upon arrival at one of the designated airports in India. However, it's crucial to know that not all countries are eligible for Indian Visa On Arrival, and specific criteria must be met. Therefore, checking the eligibility criteria and applying for the appropriate visa well in advance is advisable to avoid any last-minute hassles.
I have more questions regarding my Indian Visa; how can I get the answers to them?
If you have any further inquiries or uncertainties related to your trip to India or other matters, please get in touch with our help desk using the Contact Us form. We highly recommend checking your eligibility for an Indian eVisa before applying.
For citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, applying for an Indian eVisa is possible through an online application process. However, it's important to note that Indian Visa On Arrival is unavailable.
To avoid any last-minute complications, we suggest applying for an Indian Visa 4-7 days before your scheduled departure. This will give you ample time to complete the application process and receive your visa approval.
You require India e-Tourist Visa or Indian Visa Online to witness the amazing places and experiences as a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on an India e-Business Visa and want to do some recreation and sightseeing in India. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online rather than visiting Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.
