Planning a successful international vacation to India involves more than packing luggage and booking flights. If you’re planning a trip to India primarily to visit the country for sightseeing or to visit family, you’ll likely be applying for a tourist visa.
The crucial first step is getting your credentials in order. The process is relatively straightforward, but you need to make sure you get it right. Applying for the wrong visa stream or incorrectly uploading your details could lead to delays or even rejection.
If you want some advice on how to apply for an Indian tourist visa, continue reading, and we’ll guide you through everything. You’ll be ready for takeoff in no time!
India Tourism: Travel Permit Types
For short-term visitors, India offers a tourist e-visa, a non-extendable permit which is subdivided into several classifications.
You apply for and receive it online, and it’s valid for periods up to 60 days. Most nationalities can enter the country multiple times during each term but can’t stay past the specified period. Repeat visits are allowed two times per calendar year.
To avoid delays to your trip, begin the application up to 120 days in advance of your arrival. You’ll likely need to upload your documentation in PDF format for your visa application. However, it can be helpful to convert from PDF to Word as you’re gathering your itinerary details together, so you can more easily edit your important information such as trip dates and accommodation addresses before finalising it into an easily legible PDF file.
Standard Tourist Visa
For visitors planning a longer-term journey exploring India, you’ll probably want to apply for the standard tourist visa. This is also a better choice for people preferring the traditional application process through Indian consulates or embassies in their country of origin.
Transit Visa
The transit visa grants two entries during the same journey for people making flight connections to destinations outside India. Stopovers during this trip may not exceed 3 days. This option is best if you only plan to visit India for a day or two on your way to or from somewhere else.
Group Tourist Visa
Foreign national groups of at least four persons using a recognised travel agency are granted a group tourist visa. If you’re travelling on an Indian tour package, speak to your operator to find out if this visa stream would be applicable for your excursion.
Note: Japanese nationals visiting India for business, tourism, conferences, or medical purposes must use the visa-on-arrival system. Upon arrival, they must approach the designated counter and fill out an application form with assistance from the immigration officer.
What Documents Are Required For Your Application?
Specific forms vary depending on the visa type and your nationality, but certain documents are often required. You’ll need to upload a scan of a valid passport with an appropriately-sized self photograph in JPEG format, or a printed picture. Make sure it has a white background with a clear, straight-on-face view.
A detailed travel itinerary is also required. Include your travel dates and flight reservations. Also, list your planned entry and exit points, and hotel or other accommodation arrangements. There is a list of registered international ports from which you are able to enter India on a tourist visa.
Provide a current copy of your bank and credit card balances to demonstrate your ability to pay for lodging and travel. Finally, provide other supporting documents including group tour information, or an invitation letter from your host in India if you’re planning to visit with friends or family.
The Application Process For India Tourist Visas
Here are the steps to apply for both e-tourist & standard tourist visas
e-Tourist Visa Application
1. Access the Indian government’s official portal and click on the e-tourist visa option. You’ll see permits which are valid for one month, one year, and five years. Note that the maximum stay in India during one calendar year must not exceed 180 days for the 1 and 5-year options.
2. Enter your personal information, including flight numbers, airline selection, travel dates, and passport data. Double-check everything before you click to the next section.
3. Next, upload relevant documents, including a scanned PDF version of your passport and a recent facial photograph in JPG format.
4. Pay the visa fee using your preferred online payment method and wait for the email confirming the financial transaction. Expenses range from $10 to $100, with some nationals qualifying for free or discounted applications. The exact cost is displayed within the application process on the portal.
5. Finally, you’ll wait up to 72 hours for your eTV approval. It’s recommended to print out three copies. Keep one in your luggage and the others on you in case your bags don’t arrive. You’ll need one to present to immigration officials upon arrival in India.
Regular Tourist Application
1. Go to your country’s Indian Embassy or Consulate’s website and download the application forms. Fill in the required fields and enter the date and your signature.
2. Gather your supporting documents, including your travel itinerary, lodging information, airline information, passport, and photo.
3. Schedule an appointment with your local Indian Consulate or visa centre to submit your application and pay applicable fees. These costs vary depending on your country of origin and duration of stay. Additional charges may arise from processing fees involved at a visa centre or Consulate. Also, note that visa fees are non-refundable should your application be denied or withdrawn by you.
You can track your e-TV application status by monitoring your email. For regular visas, you can use the tracking number provided during submission by visiting the online portal.
Make Your India Tourist Visa Application As Simple As Possible
Applying for a tourist visa to a foreign country can seem daunting. However, by following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that the process is straightforward. Being proactive and preparing your documents ahead of time will ensure a stress-free experience, whether you’re organising the solo trip of a lifetime or planning an unforgettable honeymoon.
Approaching your visa application in the right way will allow you to spend more time enjoying your travels in India, instead of worrying about getting your documentation prepared.
