Tourism Of India is now more accessible than ever with the advent of the e-Visa, and SIXT.VN is here to guide you through the process. Are you planning a trip to experience the rich culture and heritage of India? This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about the India e-Visa, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. Let SIXT.VN take care of your travel needs, providing convenient services such as airport transfers, hotel bookings, and guided tours, so you can focus on enjoying your Indian adventure. We prioritize your convenience and safety, offering reliable travel assistance throughout your journey.
1. E-Visa Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
You are eligible for e-Visa services if you meet the following conditions:
- You are a national of a country listed on the official e-Visa website.
- Your primary purpose for visiting India is:
- Recreation and sightseeing
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Attending short-term yoga programs or courses (lasting no more than 6 months and not issuing formal certifications)
- Short-duration voluntary work (up to one month, without monetary compensation)
- Medical treatment, including Indian systems of medicine
- Accompanying an e-Medical visa holder
- Business purposes
- Attending conferences, seminars, or workshops
Alt text: Sample Indian e-Visa highlighting key information such as visa type, validity, and conditions.
- Your passport must have at least six months’ validity from the date of application and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamping.
- You must possess a return or onward journey ticket and sufficient funds for your stay in India.
- Individuals of Pakistani origin or holding a Pakistani passport are ineligible for e-Visa. Those with parents or grandparents born or permanently residing in Pakistan are also ineligible and should apply for a regular visa at an Indian Mission.
- Diplomatic/official passport holders or Laissez-passer/international travel document holders are not eligible.
- Each individual must have a separate passport; endorsements on a parent’s/spouse’s passport are not accepted.
2. E-Visa Application: How Do I Apply?
Applying for an Indian e-Visa is a straightforward process. Visit the official website, https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/, for detailed instructions on how to apply. The process is entirely online, eliminating the need for intermediaries or travel agents.
SIXT.VN can assist you in gathering the necessary documents and ensuring your application is accurately filled. We recommend booking your travel arrangements through SIXT.VN to take advantage of our comprehensive support services.
3. Official E-Visa Website: Is There Only One?
Yes, the only official website for applying for e-Visa services is https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. Be cautious of unofficial websites that may claim to offer speedy e-Visas for a fee. These are often scams. Never share your personal information with unauthorized websites to avoid data leakage.
Alt text: Screenshot of the official Indian e-Visa application website, emphasizing its authenticity and secure application process.
SIXT.VN advises its clients to only use the official website and offers assistance in navigating the application process. For any clarification, you can contact the official e-Visa support team at indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in or call (+91) 827808 7808 or +91 11 24300666.
4. E-Visa Fees: Are There Additional Charges?
No, there are no additional fees other than the processing fee for the e-Visa application. This fee is non-refundable. The fee amount varies by country, so check the official website for the fee applicable to your nationality.
SIXT.VN ensures transparency and provides accurate fee information to avoid any surprises. We offer payment assistance to ensure your transaction is secure and hassle-free.
5. E-Visa Application Timing: When Should I Apply?
- For e-Tourist Visa (01 year / 05 years), e-Business Visa, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference visas, apply online a minimum of 4 days before your arrival date. You can apply up to 120 days in advance.
- For e-Tourist Visa (30 days), apply online a minimum of 4 days before your arrival date. You can apply up to 30 days in advance.
Applying early is crucial to avoid last-minute complications. SIXT.VN recommends applying as soon as your travel plans are confirmed. We can help you track the application timeline and provide reminders to ensure you apply within the optimal window.
6. E-Visa Submission Confirmation: Will I Receive Confirmation?
Yes, immediately after submitting your e-Visa application and completing the payment, you will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided in the application form.
SIXT.VN advises you to save this confirmation for your records. If you don’t receive the confirmation, contact our support team for assistance in verifying your application status.
7. E-Visa Issuance: When Will I Receive It?
Your e-Visa application may take 72 hours or more to process. You will receive an email notification regarding your Visa status (approved or rejected) at the email address provided in your application.
SIXT.VN recommends regularly checking your email, including the spam folder, for updates. If you haven’t received a response within 72 hours, our team can help you check the status and provide guidance on the next steps.
8. E-Visa Status: How Can I Check It?
You can check your e-Visa application status by visiting https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and clicking on the ‘Check your Visa Status’ tab.
SIXT.VN provides step-by-step guidance on how to check your visa status and offers real-time support to address any issues you may encounter.
9. E-Visa Validity: How Long Is It Valid?
The validity of your e-Visa depends on the type of e-Visa you applied for:
- e-Tourist Visa (01 year / 05 years): Valid for 365 days / 05 years from the date of ETA grant, with multiple entries. The 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, allowing 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, with multiple entries. Each continuous stay should not exceed 180 days. Registration with the FRRO/FRO is required if you plan to stay longer than 180 days.
- e-Conference Visa: Valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in India, allowing a single entry.
- e-Medical Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of the first arrival in India, allowing triple entry within the validity period.
- e-Medical Attendant Visa: Valid for 60 days from the date of the first arrival in India, allowing triple entry within the validity period.
SIXT.VN provides detailed information about the validity of different e-Visa types and ensures you understand the terms and conditions associated with each.
10. E-Visa Conversion: Can I Convert It to Another Visa Type?
No, e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.
If your travel plans change and you require a different type of visa, SIXT.VN can advise you on the appropriate steps to take. Contact our support team for personalized guidance.
11. Port of Arrival/Departure: Can I Change It?
You can arrive at 31 designated airports and 5 designated seaports. You may depart from any of the Indian Immigration Check Posts (ICPs).
SIXT.VN ensures your travel arrangements align with the permitted ports of entry and departure. We can assist you in planning your itinerary to comply with these regulations.
Designated Airports
| Airport | Airport | Airport | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tiruchirapalli |
| Trivandrum | Varanasi | Visakhapatnam |
Designated Seaports
| Seaport | Seaport | Seaport | Seaport | Seaport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cochin | Goa | Mangalore | Chennai | Mumbai |
12. Delayed E-Visa Intimation: What Should I Do?
If you haven’t received any intimation even after 72 hours of submitting your e-Visa application, contact the e-Visa support team at (+91) 82 7808 7808 or +91 11 24300666 or email indian-evisa[at]gov[dot]in.
SIXT.VN can help you escalate the issue and follow up with the concerned authorities. We advise being cautious of unscrupulous elements/travel agents/intermediaries in this regard.
13. E-Visa for Minors: Do I Need a Separate E-Visa for My Child?
Yes, each individual, including minors, requires a separate e-Visa. Ensure your child’s passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.
SIXT.VN assists families in applying for e-Visas for all members, ensuring compliance with the regulations and providing a hassle-free travel experience.
14. E-Visa Cancellation: Will I Get a Refund?
No, the e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable, as it covers the processing of the application, regardless of whether the e-Visa is granted or rejected.
SIXT.VN advises you to carefully review your travel plans before applying for the e-Visa, as the fee cannot be refunded in case of cancellation.
15. Airport Payment: Do I Need to Pay Anything Extra at the Airport?
No, you do not need to pay anything extra at the airport for the e-Visa, as you have already paid the required processing fee online. Be cautious of anyone demanding extra payment.
SIXT.VN ensures you are aware of all costs upfront, so you can avoid any unexpected charges during your trip.
16. Liquor Permit: Can I Submit My Application with My E-Visa Application?
This matter pertains to the customs department and is separate from the e-Visa application process.
SIXT.VN can provide you with information on how to obtain a liquor permit, if required, and guide you through the necessary procedures.
17. Payment Issues: What If the Payment Is Not Accepted?
If your payment is not accepted by the e-Visa website, try the following steps:
- Clear your browser history and cookies.
- Try using a different browser.
- If the problem persists after multiple attempts, you may need to resubmit the entire application form.
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. For other countries: +91-40-6717-4100
- SBI ePay Payment Support: +91-22-2753-5773 (24 x 7)
SIXT.VN provides technical assistance to ensure your payment is processed smoothly. We can guide you through troubleshooting steps and provide contact information for payment support.
18. E-Visa Payment Invoice: How Can I Get It?
Visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ and click on ‘Verify Payment/ Pay e-Visa fee’ to get the invoice/receipt of the e-Visa payment.
SIXT.VN advises you to keep a copy of the invoice for your records. If you have trouble retrieving the invoice, our support team can assist you.
19. E-Business Visa Documents: What Documents Are Required?
Besides your passport, you need to upload your business card and details of the Indian Firm/Company you intend to associate with for business activities. For sports-related activities, refer to the instructions for applicant page for a list of required documents.
SIXT.VN provides a checklist of all necessary documents for the e-Business Visa, ensuring you have everything prepared before applying.
20. What Qualifies as a Business Card?
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.
SIXT.VN helps you understand the requirements for a valid business card and can assist in preparing the necessary documentation.
21. E-Medical Visa Documents: What Documents Are Required?
You need a copy of a letter from the concerned hospital in India on its letterhead, including the tentative date of admission/treatment, and mentioning the name, nationality, and passport number of the patient/e-Medical Visa applicant.
SIXT.VN ensures you have the necessary medical documents, including hospital letters and medical reports, to facilitate a smooth visa application process.
22. E-Conference Visa Documents: What Documents Are Required?
For the e-Conference Visa, you need:
- Invitation from the organizer (mandatory)
- Political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India (mandatory)
- Event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India (optional)
SIXT.VN assists you in obtaining the necessary clearances and invitation letters for your e-Conference Visa, ensuring compliance with all government regulations.
Alt text: A conference setting in India showcasing the importance of proper documentation for attending events.
23. New Passport with Valid ETA: How Can I Proceed?
You may be allowed entry into India on the new passport even if the ETA was issued on the old passport, provided you carry both the new and old passports.
SIXT.VN advises you to keep both passports with you during your travel. If you have any concerns, contact our support team for clarification.
24. Land Border Entry: Can I Enter India via Land with an E-Visa?
No, you can only enter through the designated airports/seaports listed on the e-Visa website.
SIXT.VN helps you plan your travel route to comply with the designated entry points, ensuring a seamless arrival in India.
25. Previous Visa Details: How Can I Fill in the Application Form?
You must provide previous visa details in the application form. If you don’t remember the details, you can write NA, Not Available, or Not Applicable.
SIXT.VN advises being as accurate as possible when filling out the application form. If you have any doubts, contact our support team for assistance.
26. Visa on Arrival: Is It Available?
Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility is available only for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and UAE (only for such UAE nationals who had previously obtained e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India). Nationals of all other countries eligible for e-Visa must apply online and wait for confirmation before traveling.
SIXT.VN clarifies the availability of Visa on Arrival and ensures you apply for the appropriate visa type based on your nationality.
27. Rejected E-Visa: Can I Get a Refund?
No, the e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is granted or rejected.
SIXT.VN advises you to carefully review your application before submitting it to avoid any potential issues that could lead to rejection.
28. Cruise Ship Entry: Can I Enter India by Cruise Ship with an E-Visa?
Entry by cruise ship is allowed with the ETA through 5 designated seaports: Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Goa, and Mangalore.
SIXT.VN can help you plan your cruise travel, ensuring compliance with the designated entry points and providing seamless transportation from the seaport.
29. Visible Identification Mark: What Does It Mean?
‘Visible identification mark’ refers to moles, birthmarks, permanent scars, etc., that are visible and can be shown if asked by the Indian Immigration Authority.
SIXT.VN advises you to accurately describe your visible identification mark in the application form to avoid any discrepancies.
30. Yellow Fever Vaccination Card: Who Needs to Carry It?
All foreigners arriving in India within 6 days of departure from any yellow fever endemic country must possess a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (in original).
SIXT.VN provides you with a list of yellow fever endemic countries and advises you on the necessary health precautions to take before traveling to India.
31. ETA Discrepancies: What Should I Do?
Check all details, including Name, Nationality, Passport Number, Date of Birth, and photograph, before the 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 the journey date.
SIXT.VN advises you to carefully review your ETA for any discrepancies and provides support in contacting the appropriate authorities to resolve any issues.
32. Employment Visa: Is E-Visa Allowed?
E-Visa is not allowed for employment. You must apply for a Regular Visa.
SIXT.VN clarifies the permitted activities under the e-Visa and advises you on the appropriate visa type for your intended purpose of visit.
33. NGO Activities and Journalism: Is E-Visa Allowed?
E-Visa is not allowed for NGO activities and journalism purposes. However, voluntary work of short duration (for a maximum period of one month, which does not involve any monetary payment or consideration of any kind in return) is allowed.
SIXT.VN ensures you are aware of the activities permitted under the e-Visa and advises you on the appropriate visa type for your intended purpose of visit.
34. Medical Attendants: How Many Attendants Are Allowed?
Only two e-Medical Attendant Visas will be granted against one e-Medical Visa (patient).
SIXT.VN ensures you are aware of the number of attendants allowed and assists in applying for the necessary visas for all accompanying individuals.
35. How Tourism of India Can Be Benefited?
Tourism of India can be benefited by easing the visa application process. The e-Visa allows foreign nationals to easily and quickly obtain a visa, which encourages more tourists to visit India. The increased tourist numbers boost the hospitality industry, local businesses, and cultural exchange. The convenience and accessibility of the e-Visa system make India a more attractive destination for international travelers.
SIXT.VN: Your Partner for Seamless India Travel
Planning a trip to India involves several steps, but with SIXT.VN, you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free experience. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to cater to all your travel needs:
- Airport Transfers: Start your journey with a comfortable and reliable airport transfer to your hotel.
- Hotel Bookings: Choose from a wide range of hotels to suit your budget and preferences.
- Guided Tours: Explore India’s rich cultural heritage with our expertly curated guided tours.
- Visa Assistance: Get assistance with your e-Visa application to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
Contact SIXT.VN today to start planning your unforgettable journey to India. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on creating lasting memories.
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By providing this comprehensive guide and offering tailored travel services, SIXT.VN aims to be your trusted partner in exploring the wonders of India.
