India is a popular destination for travelers due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. With the introduction of the e-visa system, traveling to India has become a lot easier and hassle-free. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about India travel e-visa, including the application process, eligibility criteria, fees, and more.
What is India Travel E Visa?
India travel e-visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign citizens to enter India for tourism, business, medical, and conference purposes. The e-visa system was introduced in 2014 to simplify the visa application process and promote tourism in India. The e-visa is a single-entry visa that is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India.
Who is Eligible for India Travel E Visa?
Foreign citizens from over 150 countries are eligible for India travel e-visa. However, there are certain eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill to be eligible for e-visa. The eligibility criteria include:
- You must hold a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India.
- You must have a return ticket or onward journey ticket and sufficient funds to support your stay in India.
- You must not have a residence or occupation in India.
- You must not have visited India for more than 2 times in a year.
- You must apply for e-visa at least 4 days before your date of arrival in India.
What are the Types of India Travel E Visa?
India travel e-visa is available in three categories:
- Tourist Visa: This is for foreign citizens who want to visit India for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting friends or family, or attending a cultural event.
- Business Visa: This is for foreign citizens who want to visit India for business purposes, such as attending a trade fair, business meetings, or establishing a business in India.
- Medical Visa: This is for foreign citizens who want to visit India for medical treatment or surgery.
How to Apply for India Travel E Visa?
The application process for India travel e-visa is simple and can be done online. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Visit the official website of India e-Visa.
- Select the type of e-visa you want to apply for and fill in the application form with your personal details, passport details, and travel details.
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport’s data page and a recent photograph. Make sure the photograph meets the requirements specified by the Indian government.
- Pay the e-visa fee using a credit or debit card. The e-visa fee varies based on the type of visa and nationality of the applicant.
- Submit the application form and wait for the confirmation email. The processing time for the e-visa is usually 72 hours.
What are the Fees for India Travel E Visa?
The fees for India travel e-visa vary based on the nationality of the applicant and the type of visa. Here are the fees for some of the common nationalities:
Nationality | Tourist Visa Fee | Business Visa Fee | Medical Visa Fee |
---|---|---|---|
USA | $100 | $160 | $80 |
UK | $10 | $100 | $80 |
Australia | $10 | $110 | $80 |
Canada | $100 | $160 | $80 |
New Zealand | $10 | $110 | $80 |
What are the Documents Required for India Travel E Visa?
The following documents are required for India travel e-visa:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India.
- A recent passport-size photograph scanned in JPEG format. The photograph should have a white background and no borders.
- A return ticket or onward journey ticket.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in India.
What are the Do’s and Don’ts of India Travel E Visa?
If you are planning to apply for India travel e-visa, here are some do’s and don’ts that you must keep in mind:
- Do apply for e-visa at least 4 days before your date of arrival in India.
- Don’t overstay your e-visa. Overstaying your e-visa can result in fines, deportation, and blacklisting.
- Do carry a printout of your e-visa and keep it with you at all times during your stay in India.
- Don’t engage in any illegal activities while you are in India. Doing so can result in imprisonment and deportation.
- Do respect the local culture and customs while you are in India.
- Don’t carry any prohibited items, such as drugs, firearms, and counterfeit currency.
Conclusion
India travel e-visa has made traveling to India a lot easier and hassle-free. By following the guidelines mentioned in this article, you can ensure a smooth application process and a comfortable stay in India. Remember to respect the local culture and customs, and enjoy your trip to one of the most beautiful countries in the world.