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India showcases breathtaking architecture and natural wonders, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the majestic snow-capped Himalayas.
Most nationalities, with the exception of citizens from Bhutan and Nepal, are required to obtain a visa to visit India, which has been offered in the form of an electronic visa (eVisa) since November 2014.
This comprehensive guide details the process of obtaining an Indian tourist visa through the e-Visa India website. Although I initially created this guide in 2019, it has been continuously updated to ensure you receive the most current information available.
What Is The India eVisa?
The Indian e-Visa is designed for travelers visiting India for short durations, whether for sightseeing, spending time with friends or family, medical treatments, or brief business engagements.
There are five types of eVisas available: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference.
The eVisa can be valid for 30 days, one year, or five years from your date of arrival in India. It allows for double entries for e-Tourists or e-Business, a single entry for e-Conference, and a triple entry for e-Medical. It is crucial to note that the eVisa is non-extendable and non-convertible.
You can conveniently apply online and make the necessary payment anywhere from four to 120 days before your arrival in India, with the stipulation that applications must be submitted at least four days prior to your arrival to be processed.
The eVisa permits entry through 26 designated airports and five seaports across India, including prime locations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Goa. Find the full list of validated airports and seaports here (click the Instructions For Applicant link on the left side).
Who Is The eVisa Available To?
The eVisa is accessible to US citizens and nationals from more than 170 countries. The fee varies according to your country or territory.
For up-to-date fees applicable to American citizens and other nations, you can view the full fee list on the website.
Additionally, a bank transaction fee of 2.5% may apply when processing your application through the eVisa India online portal.
The visa fee is non-refundable, even in cases where your application is denied.
How Can I Get The India eVisa?
The process of obtaining a visa might initially seem complicated; however, it can be broken down into four simple steps:
- 1. Apply Online. Submit your application, including a personal photo and your passport page.
- 2. Pay Visa Fee. Acceptable payment methods include credit, debit cards, or PayPal.
- 3. Receive e-Visa. The eVisa will be emailed to you.
- 4. Visit India. Print the India eVisa and carry it with you during your travel.
Before You Apply For The Indian e-Visa
Completing your visa application accurately and thoroughly is critical, as inaccuracies may lead to rejection.
Before you proceed with your application on the eVisa India website, ensure that you have the following:
- Passport Validity: Your passport should have at least six months remaining before expiration.
- Visa Pages: Your passport must contain two blank pages for stamping.
- Sufficient Funds: While it’s rare for this to be questioned, it is advisable to have sufficient funds for your stay, as well as a return or onward ticket.
You should also have the following documents readily available on your computer:
- Personal Photo: A recent, clear face photo with a white background in JPEG format.
- Passport Photo: The primary passport page in PDF format. If you need assistance converting your passport image to PDF, you can utilize the following website: https://smallpdf.com.
Note: If applying for an e-Business or e-Medical visa, in addition to the above items, you will also require a copy of your business card (for e-Business) or a letter from the Indian hospital on letterhead (for e-Medical).
How To Apply For The India eVisa
When you are prepared to proceed, begin your visa application on the official Indian government eVisa website:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
IMPORTANT: Be aware of unauthorized websites that imitate this one or promise expedited visas, as they are likely scams that can take your money. Only utilize the official website.
Below, you will find example images to assist you through the application process; however, note that these images do not reflect my actual application and are provided for reference only.
Verification & Payment
Upon uploading your passport information, you will reach a confirmation page where you need to review ALL details from your Indian e-Visa application.
Mistakes can be costly at this point, so verify the accuracy of your information meticulously before proceeding to the payment gateway.
At this stage, you can opt to pay for your visa immediately or defer it. Make sure to write down the Application ID for future reference.
International credit or debit cards are acceptable, and utilizing PayPal may simplify your transaction process.
Completion
After submitting your application and processing the payment, you will receive an email from the Indian government confirming that your eVisa application was submitted successfully. The typical processing time is up to 72 hours.
However, many applicants, including myself, often receive their eVisa approval much sooner, sometimes even within 24 hours.
It’s crucial to print the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) email you receive and present it to the immigration officer upon arrival in India. I recommend bringing at least two printed copies for convenience.
Additionally, it is essential to monitor your application status on the official eVisa India website (same link as above) to ensure it indicates granted before you embark on your journey to India.
What If My India Visa Is Rejected?
If your India visa application is declined, there’s no need for concern. You can reapply at any time, as there are no mandatory waiting periods before submitting a new application.
Nonetheless, it’s pivotal to determine the reason for your rejection, as this knowledge will assist you in resolving the issues during your next attempt. Common reasons for visa denials often stem from simple mistakes such as typos or incorrect photo specifications.
When reapplying, be prepared for the question: “Has permission to visit or to extend stay in India previously been refused?”
Your response should reflect the true reason for your rejection. If it was due to a minor error, such as wrong dates or specifications, answering “no” is appropriate as these issues can be remedied without implications regarding your eligibility to visit India.
Safe travels and enjoy your adventure in India!
Disclaimer: The information contained in this e-Visa India guide is accurate to the best of my knowledge as of the date of posting. This guide does not constitute legal advice, and I am sharing my personal experiences without affiliation to the Government of India or their website. Should there be any updates to the eVisa application process after this guide was published, please do inform me in the comments below, and I will ensure the guide is updated promptly.
