Foreign nationals planning to visit India must possess a valid visa endorsed on their passports to prove their identity. However, before applying for a visa, they must check if they can visit the country on ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization.)
India has given citizens of 160 nations an authority to travel without a visa under ETA. If eligible, the person can travel carrying your Passport and a printout of the ETA. There are certain conditions that they must meet to be eligible to travel on ETA. Otherwise, they need to get a tourist visa.
ETA rules and conditions:
The Indian visa online, introduced by the Indian Government in November 2014, enables applicants to submit and process their application without the need to visit an embassy or consulate.
The India e-Visa is a multiple-entry visa is valid for 365 days from the date of issue. Eligible citizens can travel to India for tourism purposes for a maximum stay of 90 days on each visit. Citizens of Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US can stay for 180 days. Applicants planning a shorter stay can apply for a double-entry visa that allows them to stay for a maximum of 30 days.
How to apply:
Eligible citizens can apply by visiting the official portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ and downloading the Indian visa online application form. The passport must be valid for more than six months from the day you land at any Indian port. It must have two blank pages for the immigration officers to stamp arrival and departure dates.
Types of visas:
There are five visa categories- Tourist visa, Business visa, e-Medical visa, e-Medical Attendant visa and e-Conference visa.
India's natural beauty, spirituality, and spicy cuisines attract many tourists. Likewise, the liberal policies of the government have opened the doors for business opportunities, and many business people are also visiting the country. Many even prefer coming to India for medical treatment as it is much cheaper here than in the Western world.
Indian visa requirements are almost similar for all categories mentioned above.
1] The passport must be valid for more than six months from the day the applicant intends to land at any Indian port. It must have two blank pages for the immigration officers to stamp arrival and departure dates.
2] Covering letter stating the purpose of the visit.
3] Confirmation of where you will stay- if on holiday- tour itinerary, sponsor papers from friends or relatives; if on business- the correspondence with Indian counterparts, Proof of stay; if for medical treatment, details of the treatment from the doctor in India.
4] Proof of funds to manage the expenses in India.
5] Valid contact details, including an email address you regularly use.
6] Visa fees will vary depending on the type you are applying for and the number of days you intend to stay.
Conclusion:
It is always better to apply for a visa much in advance than the proposed travel date. The standard processing time is three working days, but if there is some query, there could be a delay. It can upset all your travel programs.
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