How to Apply for an Indian e-Visa in 7 Easy Steps
Did you know that you need a visa to visit India unless you’re a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan? Since taking the DNA test with Ancestry, I would love to visit the countries listed in my DNA results.
My cousin Krista will be traveling to India (aka our other motherland) solo, and today, she’s sharing my first guest post on how to get a visa to India from the US in seven easy steps.
I was so excited to be going to India, so the first person I called was my travel buddy, Cousin Joanna. She was so excited on the phone and said, “My friend just came back and said it was easy to apply for a visa.” Ladies and gentlemen, I didn’t know I needed a visa to travel from the U.S. to India. Thank the travel Gods, I had enough time before my trip and applied for an electronic or e-visa.
The Indian e-visa application process was very quick. I filled out the online Indian visa form on Friday night and received an approved Indian visa application status (“Granted e-Visa”) by Sunday afternoon. It was super easy! If you’re looking for how to get a visa to India from the US, read more and follow the steps below.
How to Apply for an Indian e-Visa
Step 1: Realize You Need a Visa
Freak out that you were about to go to the other side of the world like a dummy with no Visa. For U.S. citizens, this means obtaining an Indian tourist visa, often called an e-tourist visa.
This type of visa allows for short-term travel to India for tourism, casual visits, yoga programs, or visits to friends and family.
It is important to know that an eVisa is admissible only under the following categories:
- e-Tourist Visa
- e-Business Visa
- e-Conference Visa
- e-Medical Visa
- e-Medical Attendent Visa
- e-Ayush Visa
- e-Ayush Attendent Visa
- e-Emergency X-Misc
Step 2: Visit the Indian e-Visa Portal
Calm down, and then head to the official Indian Visa Online website. It is a completely online application, which makes it convenient for applicants worldwide, with some exceptions. Select the e-Visa Application menu to start the process.
Things You’ll Need to Complete the Application:
- A scanned PDF copy of your valid passport (with at least six months of validity and two blank pages).
- A recent photo with a white background (this must be different from your passport photo and saved as a JPEG between 10KB and 1MB).
- The address and phone number of your contact in India.
- A list of countries you’ve visited in the last 10 years.
- Details of the places you plan to visit in India.
- Your parents’ nationality status.
- A credit card or banking information for payment (applicable e-Visa fees).
If you cannot complete the e-visa application form, you can save the application and return it to complete.
Step 3: Complete the Application and Pay the Fee
After filling out the e-Visa application form, click “Pay Now.” Payments are processed through SBIePay, the State Bank of India’s payment aggregator service.
This platform accepts MasterCard and Visa credit/debit cards. Be patient if the payment doesn’t go through immediately—wait for 4 hours before trying again to avoid getting blocked.
Step 4: Check Your Indian Visa Application Status
Once your payment is successfully processed, you’ll receive an email with your application status. If the status shows as “Granted,” you’re almost ready to go!
Step 5: Print Out Your e-Visa
Click the link in your email to access your granted e-visa. Enter your application ID and print out your e-visa in color.
It’s a good idea to make multiple copies, as you’ll need to present them to an immigration officer for review on arrival before stamping your passport.
Step 6: Keep Your Documents Handy
Once in India, keep a copy of your e-visa and passport with you at all times.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Trip to India
With your visa in hand, you’re ready to explore India! Whether you’re visiting for a casual trip, medical treatment, or business, ensure you adhere to the visa requirements, including the maximum stay period, which is 60 days for e-tourist visas.
Additional Information for U.S. Citizens and Other Travelers
For U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens can apply for an e-visa for various purposes, including tourism, business, and medical treatment. If you’re traveling for a specific purpose, like attending a conference or seeking medical treatment, you’ll need to select the appropriate type of visa (e-conference visa or e-medical visa).
International Travellers should have at least six months validity at the time of making an application for a grant of e-Visa, a return ticket or onward journey ticket, and sufficient money to spend during their stay in India.
Official Passport Holders
Holders of official passports or international travel documents, such as those issued by the United Nations, Diplomatic or Laissez-passer travel document holders need to apply for a regular visa through the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate General of India. The e-Visa facility is generally not available for such cases.
For Family Members
If you’re traveling with family, ensure each member, including children, has a separate passport and an individual e-Visa. Spouses should carry copies of each other’s visas and passports, especially if one is a non-U.S. citizen.
Business and Employment Visas
For those planning to work or engage in business in India, it’s crucial to apply for the correct visa type, such as an employment visa or e-business visa. These visas often have different requirements, such as a business card or documentary evidence of employment.
Pakistani Nationals and Those of Pakistani Origin
Individuals holding Pakistani passports or of Pakistani origin must apply for a regular paper visa, as the e-Visa service does not extend to them. The process may involve longer processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum period I can stay in India with an e-Visa?
- For most e-Visa categories, the maximum stay period is 60 days, which can only be extended under specific circumstances.
- Can I apply for an e-visa if I hold dual nationality?
- Yes, but you must use the passport you will be traveling with. Ensure that this passport meets the six-month validity requirement.
- What should I do if I’m traveling with an old passport?
- You must apply using a new passport, as the e-Visa is electronically linked to your passport number. Carrying an old passport with a valid visa will not be accepted.
- How long does it take to process the e-visa?
- Typically, it takes about 3-5 business days. However, it’s advisable to apply at least a week before your planned arrival date in India.
- Where can I find further information?
- For more details, visit the Government of India website or contact the nearest Indian Embassy. You can also use the dedicated website and helpline numbers provided on the e-Visa portal for additional information.
Applying for an Indian e-visa is relatively easy if you have all the necessary documents and follow the guidelines carefully.
Whether you’re visiting for leisure, a short-term yoga program, medical treatment, or business, ensure that you meet all the visa requirements and keep track of your visa status before your trip.
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