How to Get Indian Visa

When it comes to how to get Indian visa, it is fairly simple. Accessible by Land, Sea and Air, the countries repeal of a previous law preventing re-entry within two months makes it very easy to visit neighboring countries such as Sri-Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan.

Any amount of money in excess to $5000.00 USD on arrival is required to be declared. It is prohibited to import more than one laptop, two liters of alcohol, 100 cigarettes or equivalent numbers in packs, or gifts and souvenirs worth over ₹8000.

A valid passport and an onward or return ticket and visa are required before entering. The passport should be valid for 6 months or more upon arrival, two or more blank pages. If your passport is ever lost or stolen immediately report it and seek help at your country’s representative.

 

It is adviced to email copies of passport and plane tickets to yourself for safe keeping. Visas with only countries such as Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal being visa exempt, everyone else needs to apply for a visa before arriving to India. It is possible for more than 100 nationalities to apply for a 30 day Electronic Tourist visa or Visa on Arrival before arriving in India. One will need to apply for a 6 months tourist visa for trips longer than 30 days, which is valid from the date of issue unlike the e-visa which is valid from the day of arrival to India.

 

Visas are available at Indian missions worldwide, though many countries have processed applications by a separate private company.

▪ A standard 180-day tourist visa permits multiple entry for most nationalities.

▪ Currently, it is required to submit two digital photographs with your visa application (format jpeg 10-300kb)

▪ Some visas require an onward travel ticket.

▪ Visas are priced in the local currency and may have an added service fee.

▪ Extended visas are possible for those of Indian origin (excluding those in Pakistan and Bangladesh) who hold a non-Indian passport and live abroad.

▪ Check with the Indian embassy in your home country for any special conditions that may exist for your nationality.

Most tourists are permitted to transit freely between India and the neighboring countries. If you plan to fly out of India and don't have a visa covering re-entry to India already, it's a real hassle getting a new visa in Kathmandu. However, citizens of China, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, foreigners of Pakistan and Stateless persons are barred from re-entering India within two months of the date of their previous exit.

 

It is possible to apply for a visa on arrival for over 100 countries. Check your country’s status and apply here at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in, with a minimum of 4 days and maximum of 30 days before departure. The fee is US$60, and it's necessary to upload a photograph as well as a copy of your passport, have at least six month's validity in your passport, and at least two pages blank.

 

Although you can exit through any airport, the facility is available at 16 airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Kochi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Thiruvanathapuram airports, You should also possess a return or onward ticket. You will receive a confirmation email which you would need to print and take with you, when your application is approved. Then you would receive a electronic stamp on arrival.