Navigating Indian Tourism: How to Use the Government Website?

Planning a trip to India? Discover how the official Indian Tourism Government Website can simplify your travel arrangements. SIXT.VN helps you navigate the best resources and plan your adventure. Learn to maximize your travel plans for an unforgettable trip.

1. Who Can Apply for an Indian e-Visa?

The Indian e-Visa is available to nationals of countries listed on the official indian tourism government website and foreigners planning to visit India for tourism, casual visits, short-term yoga programs, voluntary work, medical treatment, business, or attending conferences. According to the Ministry of Tourism, India, the e-Visa program has significantly boosted tourism by simplifying the visa process. To be eligible, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the application date and have two blank pages for stamping. You must also have a return or onward journey ticket and sufficient funds. Note that individuals of Pakistani origin or holding diplomatic/official passports are not eligible.

2. What is the Application Procedure for an Indian e-Visa?

You can apply for an Indian e-Visa through the official indian tourism government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. The process involves filling out an online application form, uploading a digital photograph, and paying the visa fee. The Ministry of External Affairs, India, emphasizes that using the official website ensures secure and accurate processing of your visa application. After submission, you’ll receive an email confirmation and can check your visa status online.

3. Is the Government Website the Only Place to Apply for an Indian e-Visa?

Yes, the only official website to apply for the e-Visa is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. The indian tourism government website warns against using unofficial websites or intermediaries that may charge extra fees or compromise your personal data. It is advisable to avoid sharing personal information with unauthorized websites. For any clarification, you can contact them at indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in or (+91) 827808 7808 or +91 11 24300666.

4. Are There Additional Fees Besides the Processing Fee for an Indian e-Visa?

No, the indian tourism government website clearly states that there are no additional fees besides the processing fee for the e-Visa application, which is non-refundable. The fee varies depending on your country. Always refer to the official website for the specific fee applicable to your nationality.

5. When Should You Apply for an Indian e-Visa?

For e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference visas, you can apply online a minimum of 4 days in advance of your arrival date, up to 120 days in advance. For a 30-day e-Tourist Visa, apply at least 4 days before arrival, but no more than 30 days in advance. According to the Bureau of Immigration, India, applying within the recommended timeframe helps ensure timely processing.

6. Will You Receive a Confirmation After Submitting Your Indian e-Visa Application?

Yes, after submitting your e-Visa application and making the payment, you will receive a confirmation email on the provided email address. This confirmation ensures that your application has been successfully submitted and is under processing.

7. How Will You Be Informed About Your Indian e-Visa Status?

Your e-Visa application may take 72 hours or more to process. You will be notified about your visa status (Granted or Rejected) via the email address provided in your application. Regular monitoring of your email is crucial during this period.

8. How Can You Check the Status of Your Indian e-Visa Application?

You can check the status of your e-Visa application by visiting the official indian tourism government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and clicking on the ‘Check your Visa Status’ tab. Enter your application ID and passport details to retrieve the current status.

9. What is the Validity Period for Different Types of Indian e-Visas?

• e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years): Valid for 365 days / 5 years from the date of ETA grant, with multiple entries. Maximum stay in India during one calendar year should not exceed 180 days.
• e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Valid for 30 days from the date of your first arrival in India. Double entries are allowed within the e-Visa validity period.
• e-Business Visa: Valid for 365 days from the date of ETA grant, with multiple entries. Continuous stay during each visit should not exceed 180 days.
• e-Conference Visa: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India, with single entry.
• e-Medical Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of first arrival in India, with triple entry allowed.
• e-Medical Attendant Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of first arrival in India, with triple entry allowed.

10. Can an Indian e-Visa Be Converted to Another Type of Visa?

No, the indian tourism government website clearly states that e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. If you require a different type of visa, you must apply for a regular visa through the Indian Mission.

11. Can You Change Your Port of Arrival or Departure on an Indian e-Visa?

You can arrive at 31 designated airports, including Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Delhi, and Mumbai, and 5 designated seaports: Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. You can depart from any of the Indian Immigration Check Posts (ICPs).

12. What Should You Do If You Don’t Receive Intimation After 72 Hours of Submitting Your Indian e-Visa Application?

If you haven’t received any intimation after 72 hours, contact the e-Visa support at (+91) 82 7808 7808 or +91 11 24300666, or email indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in. The indian tourism government website advises applicants to be cautious of unscrupulous agents and intermediaries.

13. Do You Need a Separate Indian e-Visa for a Minor Child?

Yes, each individual, including minor children, requires a separate e-Visa. Ensure that your child’s passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.

14. Will You Get a Refund If You Cancel Your Indian e-Visa Application?

No, the e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable, as it covers the cost of processing the application, regardless of whether the visa is granted or rejected.

15. Do You Need to Pay Anything Else at the Airport for an Indian e-Visa?

No, you do not need to pay any additional fees at the airport. The indian tourism government website advises caution against agents demanding extra payments.

16. Can You Submit a Liquor Permit Application With Your Indian e-Visa Application?

Liquor permit applications fall under the purview of the customs department and are not processed with the e-Visa application.

17. What Should You Do If Payment Is Not Accepted on the Indian e-Visa Website?

Clear your browser history and cookies, and try using a different browser. If the problem persists after multiple attempts, you may need to resubmit the application. Contact Axis Bank Technical Support (ecom[at]axisbank[dot]com) or SBI ePay payment support (+91-22-2753-5773) for payment-related issues.

18. How Can You Get the Invoice/Receipt for Your Indian e-Visa Payment?

Visit the official indian tourism government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and click on ‘Verify Payment/ Pay e-Visa fee’ to retrieve your payment invoice.

19. What Documents Are Needed for an Indian e-Business Visa Besides Your Passport?

You need to upload a business card and details of the Indian firm/company you intend to associate with. For sports-related activities, refer to the instructions page for the list of required documents.

20. What Qualifies as a Business Card for an Indian e-Business Visa?

A business card is a card provided by the company you work for. Alternatively, you can upload an invitation letter from the company in India, including the company’s information, address, and phone number.

21. What Documents Are Required for an Indian e-Medical Visa Besides Your Passport?

A copy of a letter from the hospital in India on its letterhead, including the tentative date of admission/treatment and the patient’s details (name, nationality, passport number).

22. What Documents Are Needed for an Indian e-Conference Visa Besides Your Passport?

You need an invitation from the organizer, political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, and event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (optional).

23. What Should You Do If Your Indian e-Visa (ETA) Is on Your Old Passport, But You Now Have a New Passport?

You may be allowed entry into India with your new passport, provided you carry both your old and new passports, with the ETA issued on the old passport.

24. Can You Enter India Through a Land Border With an Indian e-Visa Issued for an Airport or Seaport?

No, you can only enter through designated airports and seaports listed on the indian tourism government website.

25. How Should You Fill in Previous Visa Details on the Indian e-Visa Application Form?

Providing previous visa details is mandatory. If you do not remember the details, you can write NA, Not Available, or Not Applicable.

26. Can You Get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Indian Airports or Seaports?

Visa on Arrival is available only for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (for UAE nationals who have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular visa for India). Nationals of other eligible countries must apply for the e-Visa online and wait for confirmation before traveling.

27. Can You Get a Refund for a Rejected Indian e-Visa Application?

No, the e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application’s outcome.

28. Can You Use an Indian e-Visa to Enter India on a Cruise Ship?

Yes, entry by cruise ship is allowed through the 5 designated seaports: Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, and Mangalore.

29. What is Meant by ‘Visible Identification Mark’ on the Indian e-Visa Application?

‘Visible identification mark’ refers to moles, birthmarks, permanent scars, or other visible marks that can be shown to the Indian Immigration Authority.

30. Who Needs to Carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card When Traveling to India?

Foreigners arriving in India within 6 days of departure from a yellow fever endemic country must possess a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the list of yellow fever endemic countries on the indian tourism government website or WHO website.

31. What Should You Do If There Is a Discrepancy in Your Indian e-Visa (ETA)?

Check all details, including name, nationality, passport number, and date of birth, before final submission. Contact the e-Visa Support Centre at indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in or (+91) 82 7808 7808 or +91 11 24300666 for assistance at least 24 hours before your journey date.

32. Is the Indian e-Visa Allowed for Employment?

No, e-Visas are not allowed for employment. You must apply for a regular visa for employment purposes.

33. Is the Indian e-Visa Allowed for NGO Activities and Journalism Purposes?

No, e-Visas are not allowed for NGO activities and journalism. However, voluntary work of short duration (up to one month, without monetary payment) is permitted.

34. How Many Attendants Can Accompany a Patient on an Indian e-Medical Visa?

Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted per e-Medical Visa (patient).

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FAQ About Indian e-Visas

1. What is an Indian e-Visa?

An Indian e-Visa is an electronic authorization that allows eligible travelers to enter India for tourism, business, medical reasons, or conferences. It simplifies the visa application process, eliminating the need for physical submission at an embassy or consulate.

2. How do I apply for an Indian e-Visa?

Apply through the official indian tourism government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. Fill out the online form, upload a photo, and pay the fee.

3. How long does it take to process an Indian e-Visa?

It typically takes 72 hours or more to process an e-Visa. You’ll be notified of the status via email.

4. What is the cost of an Indian e-Visa?

The cost varies by nationality. Check the official indian tourism government website for the exact fee.

5. How long is an Indian e-Visa valid for?

Validity depends on the type of e-Visa:

• e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years): 365 days / 5 years from ETA grant.
• e-Tourist Visa (30 days): 30 days from first arrival.
• e-Business Visa: 365 days from ETA grant.
• e-Conference Visa: 30 days from arrival.
• e-Medical Visa: 60 days from first arrival.

6. Can I extend my Indian e-Visa?

No, e-Visas are non-extendable.

7. What if my Indian e-Visa application is rejected?

The fee is non-refundable, and you may need to apply for a regular visa through the Indian Mission.

8. Can I use any port of entry with an Indian e-Visa?

No, you can only enter through designated airports and seaports listed on the indian tourism government website.

9. What do I need to carry with me when traveling to India with an e-Visa?

Carry a printed copy of your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and your passport.

10. Where can I find more information about Indian e-Visas?

Visit the official indian tourism government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ for comprehensive details.