Is the Indian Travel Visa Online Right for Your Trip?

Embarking on a journey to India? An Indian Travel Visa Online, also known as an e-Visa, might be your quickest and most convenient option. SIXT.VN simplifies your travel preparations, ensuring a seamless start to your Indian adventure. Let’s explore everything you need to know about securing your India visa online and how SIXT.VN can further enhance your travel experience.

1. Who Qualifies for an Indian Travel Visa Online (e-Visa)?

An Indian e-Visa is available to citizens of numerous countries, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.

Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:

• Nationality: You must be a national of a country listed on the official e-Visa website.
• Purpose of Visit: Your primary reason for visiting India must fall under one of the following categories:
  • Recreation and sightseeing
  • Casual visits to friends and relatives
  • Attending short-term yoga programs or courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, or medicine (courses must be less than 6 months and not award formal certifications).
  • Short-duration voluntary work (maximum one month, unpaid).
  • Medical treatment, including Indian systems of medicine.
  • Accompanying someone holding an e-Medical visa.
  • Business purposes.
  • Attending conferences, seminars, or workshops.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you apply for the e-Visa. It should also have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
• Financial Stability: You need to have a return or onward journey ticket and enough funds to cover your expenses while in India.
• Exclusions:
  • Individuals of Pakistani origin or holding a Pakistani passport are not eligible. This also applies to those whose parents or grandparents were born or permanently resided in Pakistan.
  • Diplomatic/official passport holders and those with Laissez-passer/international travel documents are not eligible.
  • Individuals endorsed on a parent’s/spouse’s passport require their own separate passports.

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

Applying for an indian travel visa online is a straightforward process, designed for ease and convenience.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official Indian e-Visa portal: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Provide accurate details, including your personal information, passport details, travel plans, and purpose of visit.
3. Upload Required Documents: You’ll typically need to upload a digital copy of your passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page. For certain e-Visas like the e-Business or e-Medical visa, additional documents like business cards or hospital letters may be required.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: The fee varies based on your nationality and the type of e-Visa you’re applying for. Ensure you use a valid credit or debit card for the transaction.
5. Submit Your Application: Review all the information before submitting your application.
6. Receive Confirmation: Once you submit, you’ll receive a confirmation email at the address you provided.
7. Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary, but typically take around 72 hours or more.
8. Check Your Visa Status: You can check the status of your application on the e-Visa portal using your application ID and passport number.
9. Receive Your e-Visa: If approved, you’ll receive your e-Visa via email. Print a copy to present at immigration upon arrival in India.

3. Beware of Unofficial Websites Offering e-Visa Services

The only official website for applying for an indian travel visa online is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. Be wary of unofficial websites that may claim to offer faster processing or additional services. These sites could be fraudulent and compromise your personal information. Always use the official government portal.

Protect yourself by:

• Verifying the website address before entering any personal information.
• Avoiding sites that promise expedited e-Visa processing for a fee.
• Never sharing sensitive personal data with unauthorized sources.

4. Are There Any Fees Besides the e-Visa Processing Fee?

No, the processing fee is the only fee for the e-Visa application. It is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected. The fee amount varies depending on your nationality. Check the official e-Visa website for the fee applicable to your country.

5. When Should I Apply for My Indian e-Visa?

The application timeline depends on the type of e-Visa you need.

• e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, and e-Conference Visa: Apply online at least 4 days before your intended arrival date. You can apply up to 120 days in advance.
• e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Apply online at least 4 days before your intended arrival date. You can apply up to 30 days in advance.

6. How Will I Know If My e-Visa Application Has Been Submitted?

You will receive an email confirmation immediately after submitting your e-Visa application and making the payment. This email confirms that your application has been successfully received.

7. How Long Does It Take to Get My e-Visa and How Will I Be Notified?

The processing time for an indian travel visa online typically takes 72 hours or more. You will receive an email notification regarding the status of your visa application, indicating whether it has been granted or rejected.

8. How Can I Check the Status of My e-Visa Application?

You can easily check your e-Visa application status by visiting the official e-Visa website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and clicking on the ‘Check your Visa Status’ tab. You will need your application ID and passport number to access the information.

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

The validity of your indian travel visa online depends on the type of e-Visa you are applying for:

• e-Tourist Visa (1 year / 5 years): Valid for 365 days / 5 years from the date of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) grant. Allows multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 180 days per calendar year.
• e-Tourist Visa (30 days): Valid for 30 days from the date of your first arrival in India. Allows double entries within the validity period. Your first arrival must be between the issue and expiry dates of the ETA.
• e-Business Visa: Valid for 365 days from the date of ETA grant. Allows multiple entries with a continuous stay not exceeding 180 days per visit. Registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is not required for stays less than 180 days. However, for stays longer than 180 days, registration is required within two weeks of completing 180 days in India: (https://indianfrro.gov.in).
• e-Conference Visa: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India, with single entry allowed.
• e-Medical Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of your first arrival in India, with triple entry allowed within the visa validity period.
• e-Medical Attendant Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of your first arrival in India, with triple entry allowed within the visa validity period.

10. Can I Extend or Convert My Indian e-Visa to Another Type of Visa?

No, e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. If you need a different type of visa or a longer stay, you must apply for a regular visa through an Indian Mission.

11. Can I Change My Port of Arrival or Departure After Receiving My e-Visa?

You can arrive at 31 designated airports:

Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Calicut, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa (Dabolim), Goa (Mopa), Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kannur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Nagpur, Port Blair, Pune, Tiruchirappalli, Trivandrum, Varanasi & Visakhapatnam

and 5 designated seaports:

Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, Chennai and Mumbai.

You can depart from any authorized Immigration Check Post (ICP) in India.

12. What Should I Do If I Haven’t Received Intimation Even After 72 Hours of Submitting My e-Visa Application?

Processing can take up to 72 hours. For inquiries, contact (+91) 82 7808 7808 or +91 11 24300666, or email indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in. Be cautious of unofficial entities. If additional information is requested, provide it promptly, or your application may be rejected.

13. Do I Need a Separate e-Visa for My Minor Child?

Yes, each individual, including minors, needs 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 I Get a Refund if I Cancel My Trip After Paying the e-Visa Fee?

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

15. Do I Have to Pay Anything Else at the Airport for My e-Visa?

No, you do not need to pay any additional fees at the airport. You have already paid the required processing fee online. Beware of individuals demanding extra payments.

16. Can I Submit My Liquor Permit Application Along With My e-Visa Application?

Liquor permits are handled by the customs department, and not related to the e-Visa application.

17. What Should I Do if My Payment Is Not Accepted on the e-Visa Website?

If your payment is not accepted, clear your browser history and cookies, or try using a different browser. If the problem persists after multiple attempts, you may need to resubmit the entire application. For payment support, contact:

• Axis Bank Technical Support:
  • Email: ecom[at]axisbank[dot]com
  • Toll-free Numbers:
    • USA: 18552055577
    • UK: 0808178 5040
    • Singapore: 8001206355
    • Australia: 1800153861
    • UAE: 8000 3570 3218
    • Saudi Arabia: 8008500000
    • Qatar: 00800 100348
    • Bahrain: 80011300
    • Rest of the countries: +91-40-6717-4100
• SBI ePay Payment Support: +91-22-2753-5773 (24 x 7)

18. How Can I Get the Invoice/Receipt for My e-Visa Payment?

Visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and click on ‘Verify Payment/ Pay e-Visa fee’.

19. What Documents Are Required for an e-Business Visa Besides My Passport?

You must upload your business card and details of the Indian firm/company you intend to associate with.

For sports-related activities, refer to the instructions for applicants page for the list of required documents.

20. What Qualifies as a Business Card for the e-Business Visa Application?

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

21. What Documents Are Needed for an e-Medical Visa Besides My Passport?

You need a copy of a letter from the concerned hospital in India on its letterhead. The letter should include the tentative date of admission/treatment and the patient’s name, nationality, and passport number.

22. What Documents Are Required for an e-Conference Visa Besides My Passport?

The following documents are required for an e-Conference Visa:

• Invitation from the organizer (mandatory)
• Political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (mandatory)
• Event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (optional)

23. What If My e-Visa (ETA) Was Issued on My Old Passport, and I Now Have a New Passport?

You can enter India on your new passport if you carry both your new and old passports, with the ETA issued on the old passport.

24. Can I Enter India Using a Land Border With an e-Visa Issued for an Airport or Seaport?

No, you can only enter India through the designated airports and seaports listed on the e-Visa website.

25. How Do I Fill in Previous Visa Details on the e-Visa Application Form?

You must provide previous visa details on the application form. If you do not remember the details, you can write “NA,” “Not Available,” or “Not Applicable.”

26. Can I Get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Indian Airports/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 all other eligible countries must apply for an e-Visa online and wait for confirmation before traveling to India.

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

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

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

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

29. What Is Considered a ‘Visible Identification Mark’ in the e-Visa Application?

A ‘Visible identification mark’ refers to visible moles, birthmarks, permanent scars, etc., that can be shown to the Indian Immigration Authority if requested.

30. Who Needs to Carry a ‘Yellow Fever Vaccination Card’?

All foreigners arriving in India within six days of departure from a yellow fever endemic country must possess a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

31. What Should I Do If There Is a Discrepancy in the Name, Nationality, Passport Number, or Date of Birth on My ETA?

Applicants must verify all details, including Name, Nationality, Passport Number, Date of Birth, and photograph before submitting their e-Visa application. 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.

32. Is the e-Visa Facility Allowed for Employment Visa Purposes?

No, e-Visas are not allowed for employment purposes. Apply for a regular visa instead.

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

e-Visas are not allowed for NGO activities and journalism purposes. However, short-duration voluntary work (for a maximum of one month, unpaid) is permitted.

34. How Many Attendants Can Come With a Patient on an e-Medical Visa?

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

Navigating India: Making the Most of Your Trip with SIXT.VN

Once you’ve secured your indian travel visa online, it’s time to plan the rest of your trip. SIXT.VN offers a range of services to ensure your visit to India is smooth and enjoyable.

Addressing Common Travel Challenges

Many travelers face challenges when planning a trip to India, including:

• Complex Planning: Creating a detailed itinerary can be overwhelming.
• Language and Cultural Barriers: Navigating a new culture and language can be daunting.
• Finding Reliable Services: Identifying trustworthy and high-quality travel services can be difficult.
• Transportation and Navigation: Getting around unfamiliar cities and attractions can be stressful.
• Booking Convenience: Securing accommodations, flights, and activities quickly and easily is essential.

SIXT.VN: Your Solution for Seamless Travel

SIXT.VN is dedicated to providing solutions that make your travel experience effortless:

• Tailored Itinerary Planning: Personalized travel plans to match your interests and schedule.
• Airport Pick-Up Service: Safe and convenient transportation from the airport to your accommodation.
• Accommodation Assistance: A wide selection of hotels to suit every budget and preference.
• Expert Tour and Activity Recommendations: Curated tours and activities showcasing the best of India.
• Flight Booking Services: Assistance in finding the best flight deals and schedules.
• Professional and Engaging Tour Organization: Expertly organized tours for an immersive experience.

SIXT.VN Services: Detailed Offerings

Here’s a detailed look at the services SIXT.VN offers, with the goal of encouraging the reader to use the services:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Indian Travel Visa Online

1. What is the Indian Travel Visa Online (e-Visa)?

The Indian Travel Visa Online, or e-Visa, is an electronic authorization allowing eligible foreign nationals to enter India for tourism, business, medical reasons, or conferences. It streamlines the visa application process by allowing applicants to apply online, reducing the need for in-person visits to embassies or consulates.

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

To apply for an e-Visa, visit the official Indian e-Visa website, fill out the application form with accurate details, upload the required documents, pay the visa fee, and submit your application.

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

The processing time for an e-Visa typically takes 72 hours or more. It’s recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

4. Can I extend my Indian e-Visa if I want to stay longer?

No, Indian e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a regular visa through an Indian embassy or consulate.

5. What types of activities are permitted with an Indian e-Tourist Visa?

The e-Tourist Visa allows you to engage in tourism, sightseeing, recreational activities, and casual visits to meet friends or relatives. It also permits attending short-term yoga programs or courses on local languages, music, dance, arts & crafts, cooking, or medicine.

6. What should I do if I encounter technical issues during the e-Visa application process?

If you experience technical issues during the e-Visa application process, contact the technical support helpline provided on the official e-Visa website. Make sure to note any error messages or codes you receive for quicker assistance.

7. Can I use an e-Visa to enter India for employment purposes?

No, the e-Visa is not valid for employment purposes. If you plan to work in India, you must apply for an appropriate employment visa through an Indian embassy or consulate.

8. What if I have a new passport, but my e-Visa was issued on my old passport?

You can enter India on your new passport as long as you carry both your new and old passports, with the e-Visa issued on the old passport.

9. Is there a specific period within which I must enter India after the e-Visa is granted?

Yes, the validity of your e-Visa starts from the date of grant of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). You must enter India within this validity period, which depends on the type of e-Visa you have applied for.

10. Where can I find reliable information about the latest travel guidelines and health advisories for traveling to India?

For the latest travel guidelines and health advisories, refer to official sources such as the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Immigration Department.

Ready to Explore India?

Securing your indian travel visa online is the first step toward an unforgettable adventure. Let SIXT.VN handle the rest, providing you with personalized service and expert support every step of the way. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip to India.

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