India is an incredibly diverse and culturally rich nation that has always been a popular destination for tourists worldwide. The Government of India introduced the electronic visa (evisa) system in 2014 to make visiting India easier. This system allows travelers to apply for a visa online, making it a more convenient and time-saving option than traditional visa applications.
The India Evisa is available for various purposes, including tourism, business, medical treatment, and conferences. In this article, we will focus on the step-by-step guide on how to apply for India Evisa to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. We will also discuss the requirements, duration, process time, cost of the India Evisa, tips for a smooth application process, and common mistakes to avoid.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information you need to know about the India Evisa process.
Check if your country supports India Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | e-visa |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahamas | visa required |
| Bahrain | visa on arrival |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Benin | e-visa |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa required |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Ecuador | e-visa |
| Egypt | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
| Gabon | visa on arrival |
| Georgia | e-visa |
| Ghana | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | e-visa |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| Iran | e-visa |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | e-visa |
| Jordan | visa required |
| Kazakhstan | e-visa |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kosovo | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa required |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | e-visa |
| Malaysia | e-visa |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | visa on arrival |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa free |
| Nicaragua | visa required |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | visa required |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Panama | visa required |
| Papua New Guinea | e-visa |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Lucia | visa on arrival |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa on arrival |
| Singapore | e-visa |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Africa | visa required |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | e-visa |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Turkey | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | visa required |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa required |
| Zambia | e-visa |
| Zimbabwe | visa on arrival |
India Evisa Requirements
Before applying for an India Evisa, you must understand and ensure you meet the requirements. The conditions may vary depending on the type of Evisa you’re using, but some general requirements apply to all Evisa types. These include:
- A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival in India and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
- A recent photograph: You must upload a recent passport-sized picture with a white background in JPEG or PDF format. The photo should be at most three months.
- A copy of your passport’s information page: You will also need to upload a scanned copy of the information page (the page containing your photograph, personal details, and passport issuance and expiry dates) in either PDF, JPEG, or PNG format.
- A valid email address: As the entire process is done online, you must have a valid email address to receive your Evisa approval and other necessary communication.
- An available credit or debit card: You will need a credit or debit card to pay the Evisa fee online.
Some specific visa types may have additional requirements, so checking the official India Evisa website for the most up-to-date information is crucial.
India Evisa Duration and Process Time
The duration and validity of your India Evisa will depend on the type of visa you apply for. For example, a tourist Evisa can be granted for 30 days, one year, or five years, while a business or medical Evisa is usually valid for one year. Choosing the correct Evisa type and duration is essential based on your travel purpose and itinerary.
The processing time for an India Evisa application can vary, but it typically takes around 72 hours (three business days) to process the application. However, applying for your Evisa at least four days before your intended travel date is recommended to account for any unforeseen delays.
In some cases, applications may be processed faster, while others may take longer due to additional scrutiny or other factors. It’s crucial to remember this and plan your application accordingly to avoid any last-minute issues.
Cost of India Evisa
The cost of an India Evisa can vary depending on the type of visa, duration, and the applicant’s nationality. Generally, the fees for an India Evisa can range from $10 to $80, with additional bank charges applicable. It’s essential to check the official India Evisa website for the most accurate fee information for your specific visa type and nationality.
Please note that the Evisa fee is non-refundable, so it’s crucial to ensure that you meet all the requirements and provide accurate information when applying.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for India Evisa
Now that you know the requirements, duration, process time, and cost of an India Evisa, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to apply for one.
- Visit the official India Evisa website: Begin by visiting the official India Evisa website at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
- Choose the appropriate Evisa type: Select the correct Evisa type based on your travel purpose, such as tourist, business, or medical.
- Complete the online application form: Fill out the form with accurate and complete information. You must provide your personal information, passport details, travel itinerary, and contact information.
- Upload the required documents: Upload the necessary documents, such as your passport-sized photograph and a scanned copy of your passport’s information page.
- Pay the Evisa fee: Pay the Evisa fee using a credit or debit card.
- Receive your Evisa approval: After your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your Evisa approval via email. Make sure to print a copy of the permission to carry when traveling.
- Present your Evisa at immigration: Upon arrival in India, present your Evisa approval, along with your passport and other required documents, to the immigration officer for entry into the country.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Evisa Application Process
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free India Evisa application process, consider the following tips:
- Double-check your information: Before submitting your application, double-check all the information you’ve provided, as any errors or discrepancies can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
- Apply well in advance: Although the processing time for an India Evisa is typically around 72 hours, applying at least four days before your intended travel date is recommended to account for any unforeseen delays.
- Keep track of your application status: You can track the status of your Evisa application on the official India Evisa website. Regularly check the status to stay informed about your application’s progress.
- Follow the document guidelines: Ensure that your uploaded documents, such as your passport-sized photograph and scanned passport copy, meet the specified guidelines in size, format, and quality.
- Keep a printed copy of your Evisa approval: While your Evisa is electronically linked to your passport, carrying a printed copy of your Evisa approval when traveling to India may be required at immigration and other checkpoints.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for India Evisa
To maximize your chances of a successful India Evisa application, it’s crucial to avoid some common mistakes, such as:
- Providing incorrect or incomplete information: Ensure that all the information you provide in your application is accurate and complete, as any errors can lead to delays or rejection.
- Applying too close to your travel date: While the processing time for an India Evisa is usually around 72 hours, it’s essential to use it well in advance to account for any unforeseen delays.
- Uploading low-quality or false documents: Make sure that your uploaded documents, such as your passport-sized photograph and scanned passport copy, meet the specified guidelines in size, format, and quality.
- Not checking your email for Evisa approval: Your Evisa approval will be sent to the email address you provided in your application, so it’s crucial to regularly check your email and keep an eye out for any communication from the India Evisa authorities.
- Overstaying your Evisa: Ensure that you adhere to the validity and duration of your Evisa, as overstaying can lead to penalties and other complications.
How to Get India Evisa: Pickup, Arrival, and Extension
Upon approval of your India Evisa application, you will receive an email containing your Evisa approval. Make sure to print a copy of the approval to carry with you when you travel. When you arrive in India, present your Evisa approval, passport, and other required documents to the immigration officer for entry into the country.
Suppose you wish to extend your stay in India beyond the duration of your Evisa. In that case, you may need to apply for a regular visa at the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in India. Keep in mind that extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to approval.
India Evisa Services
Several reputable India Evisa services can assist you with your Evisa application process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. These services can help you complete the online application form, upload the required documents, and track your application status.
While using an Evisa service can add convenience and peace of mind, choosing a reputable and reliable provider is essential to avoid any potential issues or scams.
Applying for an India Evisa can be straightforward and convenient if you follow the step-by-step guide outlined in this article. By understanding the requirements, duration, process time, and cost of an India Evisa and keeping the tips for a hassle-free application process and common mistakes to avoid, you can ensure a smooth and successful Evisa experience.
Read: How to apply and get Indonesia eVisa
Happy travels, and enjoy your time in the great and diverse nation of India!