What You Need to Know About Applying for an India Visa

A visa is essential if you want to visit India, but what kind of visa do you need? If you’re traveling on business, should you get an M category visa or an X category visa? And what if you want to apply for an India visa at the airport when you arrive? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process of applying for and getting an India visa.

How Do I Get an Indian Visa?

There are several steps you will need to take before your India Visa Application can be reviewed by government officials. First, plan your itinerary: Determine where you will go and how long you will stay in India. Make a copy of your airline tickets and any travel documents, such as a train or bus pass. Second, contact your local Indian embassy or consulate and find out what type of visa you will need (Business, Tourist, Transit, etc.). Third, apply for your India visa at least two months before leaving for India. The length of time it takes to receive an Indian visa varies from embassy/consulate to embassy/consulate depending on how many applications they have received and current backlogs. Plan accordingly!

Requirements & Documents Required

An India visa is required to enter India. Most travelers must apply for a visa in advance of their trip. India has three types of visas: e-Tourist, e-Business, and e-Medical. The type of visa you will need depends on your citizenship, how long you plan to stay in India and what activities you want to participate in while in India. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs maintains a comprehensive list of requirements and documents needed to obtain an India visa. Visas can be obtained at Indian embassies or consulates located around the world. If you are traveling through India by air, land, or sea, it is recommended that you apply for an India visa before arriving in India. However, if it is not possible to obtain a visa before your arrival in India, there are options available that allow foreign nationals who have never previously visited India to receive permission to travel into India without obtaining a traditional tourist or business visa. These include applying for either an e-Visa or visiting one of four designated airports where foreign nationals may receive permission from immigration officials upon arrival.

Which Type of Indian Visa Should I Apply For?

Currently, there are two types of visas available: visa on arrival and India visa application. If you will be staying in India for fewer than 30 days, a visa on arrival is your best bet. It’s easy, convenient, and can be obtained upon arrival at any major airport in India. The paperwork is minimal and usually takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Any passport that is valid for six months or more will qualify, as long as you have proof of an onward ticket out of India (this can be either a printout from Travelocity or another travel website, or it can be a direct flight reservation). However, if you plan on spending more than 30 days in India, then it makes sense to apply in advance for an Indian visa application. India Visa On Arrival

Can I Use My Indian Tourist Visa To Work in India?

Tourist visas are non-extendable, and cannot be converted into employment visas. However, there is one exception to this rule: you can apply for a business visa if you have an investment worth at least US$200,000 in India or create at least 10 new jobs (or 25 in a special category). If your application is successful, you’ll be able to enter India on a multiple-entry business visa which will allow you access to India for five years. Also, make sure that you have adequate funds before entering India.

How Long is my India Tourist Visa Valid For?

India tourist visas are typically valid for up to six months. However, you should confirm how long your visa is valid before applying. The length of time your visa will be valid depends on when you enter India and where you apply. Before arriving in India, you should check if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). For example, nationals from certain countries require eTA while visiting India as a tourist. This can vary based on your citizenship, so it’s important that you confirm any travel requirements beforehand.

Tips For Visiting India

For most people, India is a bucket-list destination. It’s a place that you visit once in your life—so it’s important to make sure that you have all of your bases covered when planning your trip. Here are some tips and information on things like: what do you need to know about applying for an India visa, what vaccinations do you need before traveling to India, and how can you best prepare yourself when visiting such a culturally diverse place? To learn more about visiting India, check out one of our articles today!