What is the process for an Indian Visa?
Each state in India is a vast and diverse entity in itself, resembling a nation. Take your time to explore this immense and captivating country. The positive aspect is that obtaining visas is a straightforward process, providing ample time for your exploration.
Discover all the essential information about visa requirements for India, covering everything from the application process for e-Visas to details about overland travel and extending your stay. Depending on your nationality, you have two options for applying for an India visa:
- Visit the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Apply online through the Visa Collect website.
Here are the steps you need to follow for each option:
Applying for an India Visa at an Embassy or Consulate
This option is suitable for those who prefer to apply in person or who need a visa category that is not available online.
To apply for an India visa at an Embassy or Consulate, you need to:
Choose the right visa type for your travel purpose. India offers various visa categories, such as tourist, business, student, employment, medical, emergency, and others. Each category has its own requirements and conditions, so make sure you understand them clearly before applying.
Collect all the required documents and evidence. You will need to provide some standard documents, such as your passport, passport-sized photos, visa fee payment receipt, invitation letter (if applicable), proof of accommodation, and financial documents. The exact documents may vary depending on your visa category, so check the official website for more details.
Fill out the online application form. You can access the form through this link. You need to enter all the information accurately and truthfully, as any mistakes or inconsistencies can cause problems with your application. You can save your form as a draft and complete it later if you need more time. Once you submit the form, you will receive an Application ID, which you need to keep for future reference.
Submit your application and documents at the Embassy or Consulate. You need to make an appointment and bring your printed application form, documents, and passport to the Embassy or Consulate. You may also need to undergo an interview or biometric verification. The processing time and fee may vary depending on your visa category and nationality.
What are the mandatory requirements for an India visa?
To apply for an India visa, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in India.
- A completed and signed application form, which you can download from the official website of the Indian embassy or consulate in your country.
- A recent passport-size photo, which should be glued to the application form.
- A copy of your previous India visa, if you have visited India before.
- Proof of income, such as a bank statement, tax return, or salary slip, to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in India.
- A proof of residence, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or property deed, to show that you have a permanent address in your country of origin.
- A copy of your onward air ticket, to show that you have a confirmed flight out of India.
- A proof of visa fee payment, which you can make online or at the nearest branch of the designated bank.
Process for applying for an India Visa Online
This option is convenient and fast for those who are eligible for an e-visa or an electronic travel authorization (ETA). To apply for an India visa online, you need to:\
Select the appropriate e-visa or ETA category for your travel purpose. India offers four types of e-visas: e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, and e-Medical Attendant Visa. India also offers an ETA for those who are transiting through India or visiting for a short duration. Each category has its own eligibility criteria and validity period, so make sure you check them carefully before applying.
Gather all the necessary documents and information. You will need to upload some standard documents, such as your passport, passport-size photo, visa fee payment confirmation, invitation letter (if applicable), and medical certificate (if applicable). The exact documents may differ depending on your e-visa or ETA category, so consult the official website for more information.
Complete the online application form. You can access the form through this link. You need to fill in all the details correctly. You can save your form as a draft and finish it later. Once you submit the form, you will receive an Application ID, which you need to keep for future reference.
Receive your e-visa or ETA by email. You will receive your e-visa or ETA by email within a few days or hours, depending on your e-visa or ETA category and nationality. You need to print out your e-visa or ETA and carry it with you when you travel to India. You also need to present your passport and other documents at the immigration checkpoint.
How to Apply for an India Visa
If you are planning to visit India, you will need to obtain a visa from the Indian authorities. The visa application process involves the following steps:
Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fee depends on the type and duration of the visa you want to apply for. You can find out the basic fee for your visa during the online application process. You will also have to pay additional fees, such as service charge, VAT, and other fees, depending on your visa type. You can calculate the total fee by choosing ‘Yes’ when prompted by the system. Please note that the visa fee is usually non-refundable, even if you cancel your application or get a different visa than you requested.
Attend the Appointment: You will have to book an appointment at a visa application center, embassy, or consulate, where you will submit your documents and biometric data. You should arrive on time and bring all the required documents with you. You will also have to provide your fingerprints and photographs. You should follow the instructions given by the staff, behave professionally, and ask for help if needed. You should also make sure that your documents are well-arranged and submitted as per the guidelines.
Wait for Visa Processing: The processing time for your visa application may vary depending on the visa type, your nationality, and the current workload. Normally, paper visas take 3 to 5 working days to process for standard cases. However, some categories of applications may take longer, especially if they need clearance from the authorities. These categories include non-UK passport holders living in the UK for less than two years (minimum 6-8 working days), Pakistani nationals (minimum 7-8 weeks), and applicants from Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and holders of UK Travel documents (minimum 15 working days).
Collect Your Visa: Once your visa application is approved, you will be notified by email or phone. You can then collect your visa from the place where you applied. You should check your visa details carefully and make sure they match your travel plans.
Travel to India: Before you travel to India, you should verify your visa details and make sure they are valid for your trip. You should also have your visa ready to show to the immigration officers when you arrive in India. You should also be aware of the visa conditions and follow the Indian immigration rules during your stay. This will help you avoid any problems or penalties while visiting India.
How to Get an India Visa Online
Getting an India visa online is easy and convenient. Just follow these simple steps:
Fill Out the Indian Visa Application Form
Enter all the information in the visa application form as per the instructions. Make sure that the details such as names, addresses, and dates of birth are correct and match your passport and supporting documents.
Check Your Application Carefully
Before you submit your application, review and check the information you have entered for any mistakes or inconsistencies. Any errors or discrepancies can cause your visa application to be delayed or rejected.
Save Your Application as a Draft
You can save your application form as a draft in the online system. This is helpful if you need to get more information or documents before you submit your application. However, you cannot make any changes to your application form once you submit it.
Get Your Application ID
After you submit your application form successfully, you will get an Application ID. This ID is automatically generated and is important for any future communication or queries about your visa application. Keep this Application ID safe and handy.
Pay the Visa Fee Securely
After you confirm your application details, you can start the payment process by clicking on “Pay Now.” The payment gateway is not under the control of the Visa Online application. You can use the trusted PayPal gateway to pay your visa fee, which accepts different currencies and payment modes.
Upload Your Passport and Documents
After you pay the visa fee, you will have to provide some additional information depending on your visa type and purpose of visit. You can easily upload these documents using a secure link that will be sent to your email.
Get Your Indian Visa Online Approval
You will normally get a decision on your Indian Visa within 1-4 days. If your visa application is approved, you will receive your Indian Visa Online in PDF format in your email. You should print a copy of your visa and carry it with you when you travel to the airport.