I am a Canadian citizen hoping to visit India for tourism in Dec-Jan 2024. When will the tourist eVisa be open. Thanks
India's rich culture, cuisine, iconic landmarks, and diverse sites attract millions of travellers annually. To ensure a hassle-free journey, it's crucial to check visa requirements.
Fortunately, citizens of over 150 countries can apply for the Indian Electronic Visa, a user-friendly online system accessible from anywhere in the world via smartphone or computer, streamlining the application process.
An Indian Electronic Visa, or e-Visa, is an official document granting legal entry to India, electronically linked to your passport, eliminating the need for physical stamps or labels.
There are three primary types of Indian e-Visas available for application:
The application process for these electronic visas is straightforward and user-friendly, and you can access the online application form conveniently on the official website.
The validity of Indian e-Visas varies depending on the type:
To apply for an Indian e-Visa, the required documents can vary depending on the type of visa you are seeking. For a commonly requested tourist visa, the following documents are typically necessary:
Tourist e-Visa
Medical e-Visa
Business e-Visa
Recent changes by the Indian Government have aimed to enhance the tourism industry by simplifying the e-Visa application process. These changes include:
These changes are designed to make travel to India more accessible and convenient for visitors worldwide.
The cost of an Indian e-Visa varies based on nationality, visa type, and processing speed (Standard, Rush, or Super Rush). For example, a Tourist e-Visa for American passport holders has a specific price, but prices may differ for other nationalities.
To obtain your Indian e-Visa, you can conveniently apply online through the official platform. The application process is straightforward and can be completed swiftly, typically within 15 minutes.
The application process consists of three simple steps:
Step 1 - General Information
In this initial step, you will be required to provide your basic personal information. Additionally, you will need to select the processing time for your visa application, choosing from the options mentioned earlier based on your preferences and urgency.
Step 2 - Review
The second step involves a quick review of the information you provided in step one. This is to ensure accuracy and completeness in your application.
Step 3 - Payment
The final step is to make the payment for your e-Visa application. You can complete this step securely through the online payment system provided.
After filling out the online application form, providing the required photo and passport copy, you'll receive your Indian e-Visa via email as a PDF attachment. Simply print it out and have it with you when you travel to India, ensuring a hassle-free entry.
As for the usability of the Electronic Visa, it can now be utilised at a broader range of entry points. Instead of the previous 16 airports, the e-Visa is now valid at 24 airports across India.
These include Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Tiruchirapalli, Trivandrum, and Varanasi.
This expanded list of airports provides greater convenience and flexibility for travellers arriving in India using the Indian Electronic Visa.
Yes, it's advisable to print a copy of your Tourist e-Visa when you arrive at the airport, as it will be required for presentation upon entry to India. Upon approval, you'll receive an email from the Government of India with your e-Visa details, including application ID, visa number, and validity. Keeping a printed copy of this confirmation, along with a copy of your passport, is strongly recommended for reference.
What is an Indian e-Visa?
An Indian e-Visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter India for various purposes, such as tourism, business, or medical treatment. It is electronically linked to the traveller's passport.
What are the different types of Indian e-Visas?
There are three main types of Indian e-Visas: Tourist e-Visa, Business e-Visa, and Medical e-Visa. Each serves a different purpose and has specific requirements.
How long is an Indian e-Visa valid for?
The validity of an Indian e-Visa depends on its type. Tourist and Business e-Visas are typically valid for one year from the date of issue, while Medical e-Visas have their own specific rules, allowing multiple entries with a maximum stay of 60 days in total.
What are the recent changes to Indian Electronic Visas?
Recent updates have extended the duration of stay for e-Visa holders to 180 days per entry (an increase from the previous 30-day allowance). Additionally, both tourist and business e-Visas now offer multiple entries, while the medical e-Visa allows for triple entries.
How much does an Indian e-Visa cost?
The cost of an Indian e-Visa varies based on factors such as nationality, visa type, and processing speed. It's recommended to check the exact pricing on the official application website or service provider.
How do I apply for an Indian e-Visa?
The application process for an Indian e-Visa is typically done online. Travellers need to fill out an online application form, upload required documents, select a processing speed, review the information, make the payment, and then await approval.
Do I need to print a copy of my Indian e-Visa upon arrival at the airport?
Yes, it is advisable to print a copy of your Indian e-Visa as you will be required to present it upon arrival in India. The e-Visa confirmation email received from the Government of India should also be kept for reference.
Where can I find more information about the Indian e-Visa?
For additional information or assistance with the Indian e-Visa process, you can visit the official website for e-Visa applications or utilise customer support services provided by authorised service providers.
Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
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