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Last Updated on January 27, 2023 by Mani Karthik
India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape, attracts millions of US citizens every year. In 2016, more than 1.3 million Americans visited the country, representing a hike of 27% in tourist arrivals in the last four years, says an article on Business Standard.
The entire process of getting a visa to India can be completed online. The first step is to determine what kind of visa you will need, depending on the purpose of your visit, such as a tourist visa, business visa, student visa and so on.
There are mainly 2 types of Indian visas:
- E-Visa or Online Visa: The validity of this visa is 60 days. This mainly caters to tourism, business and medical treatment purposes.
- Paper Visa: For stays longer than 60 days. You will need to visit your nearest Indian Consulate for this.
India Visa Application Process
Here is the India visa application process.
Step 1
Make sure that every individual fills in a separate application form for themselves. Once the online form has been submitted, it cannot be edited. Therefore, it is best to check every detail for accuracy before submitting it.
Step 2
Along with the application form, you will also need to submit a digital photograph in JPEG format, not be less than 10 KB and more than 300 KB in size. Make sure the photograph has a light or white background and is borderless.
Upon receiving the application, the Indian consulate requires at least 3 business days to process it. However, you can seek to expedite the process. The processing fee will vary according to the timeframe chosen, so make sure you check up on that before making a choice.
| Type of Processing | Time Taken |
| Standard Processing | 96 Hours |
| Rush Processing | 72 Hours |
| Super Rush Processing | 48 Hours |
The standard visa fee is $160, while the e-visa fee is $100.
After the form has been filled and submitted successfully, an automated Application ID is generated, which you should keep safely, since it is important for further communication with the consulate.
Step 3
The next step is scheduling an appointment with the Indian consulate. Keep in mind that each application requires a separate appointment for the submission of the application form. Make sure you print out the application form and check all the information before the date of the appointment.
Supporting Documents Required for an Indian Visa
- Original passport, with a minimum validity of six months
- Passport size colored photo of the applicant
- Profession proof
- International credit card or bank statement as proof of sufficient funds for travel and stay in India.
The process of applying for a visa for India is fairly simple. As long as you submit all the required documents and accurate information, there shouldn’t be a problem.
How much does an Indian visa cost?
The cost of an Indian visa depends on several factors, including the type of visa you are applying for, your nationality, and the duration of your stay.
Tourist visas for India are valid for six months and up to a maximum of 10 years. The cost of a tourist visa is determined by the length of stay, with one-year visas costing the most and six-month visas costing the least.
Tourist visas for Indian nationals cost $30 for 6 months, $50 for 1 year, and $80 for 5 years. For non-Indian nationals, the cost is $60 for 6 months, $80 for 1 year, and $150 for 5 years.
Business visas are valid for up to a maximum of five years and can be extended up to a total of 10 years.
The cost of a business visa is determined by the length of stay, with one-year visas costing the most and three-month visas costing the least. Business visas for Indian nationals cost $100 for 3 months, $150 for 1 year, and $250 for 5 years.
For non-Indian nationals, the cost is $200 for 3 months, $250 for 1 year, and $500 for 5 years.
Employment visas are valid for up to a maximum of two years and can be extended up to a total of five years.
The cost of an employment visa is determined by the length of stay, with one-year visas costing the most and six-month visas costing the least. Employment visas for Indian nationals cost $125 for 6 months, $175 for 1 year, and $275 for 2 years.
For non-Indian nationals, the cost is $250 for 6 months, $300 for 1 year, and $400 for 2 years.
Student visas are valid for up to a maximum of five years and can be extended up to a total of 10 years. The cost of a student visa is determined by the length of stay, with one-year visas costing the most and six-month visas costing the least.
Student visas for Indian nationals cost $50 for 6 months, $75 for 1 year, and $125 for 5 years. For non-Indian nationals, the cost is $100 for 6 months, $150 for 1 year, and $250 for 5 years.
The cost of an Indian visa is dependent on several factors, so it is important to make sure you understand the costs associated with the type of visa you are applying for. Additionally,
Can I apply for India visa online?
Yes, you can apply for an Indian visa online. The process is simple and straightforward, and the entire application can be completed in a matter of minutes.
First, you must visit the Indian government’s official website, https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/. You will be required to create an account if you do not already have one. Once you have created your account, you will be able to log in and begin the application process.
The application form requires that you provide personal information such as name, date of birth, passport number, and contact details. You will also need to upload a digital copy of your passport and other documents such as your travel itinerary. Once all of this information is provided, you will be asked to pay the visa fee online.
Once you have completed the application form, it will be sent to the Indian Embassy or Consulate for processing. Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, processing time may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
If your application is approved, you will be notified by email and will receive a visa sticker in your passport. This sticker will allow you to enter India and remain there for the length of your visa.
In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the Indian Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, you may be asked questions about your purpose of travel, financial stability, and any other information that may be relevant to your application.
When you arrive in India, you will be required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). This registration is necessary for all foreign visitors and must be completed within 14 days of your arrival.
Although the process of applying for an Indian visa online is straightforward, it is important to make sure that you provide accurate information on your application. Any incorrect information may result in your visa being denied or delayed. Therefore, it is important to double-check all information before submitting your application.
What documents are needed to apply for Indian visa?
When applying for a visa to India, the applicant must provide various documents depending on the type of visa they are seeking. The list of required documents includes:
1. A valid passport and at least two blank pages in the passport.
2. One recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
3. A completed and signed visa application form.
4. Evidence of the purpose of travel (e.g., proof of invitation letter, business contract, etc.).
5. Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay in India (e.g., bank statements, income tax returns, etc.).
6. Evidence of accommodation in India (e.g., hotel reservations, invitation letter from host, etc.).
7. Flight itinerary or flight booking confirmation.
8. A copy of the applicant’s medical insurance policy.
9. Any additional documents required by the Indian embassy or consulate (e.g., police clearance certificate, work permit, etc.).
In addition to these documents, applicants may also be asked to provide other documents depending on their nationality and the type of visa they are applying for. For instance, citizens of certain countries may be asked to provide a valid visa or residence permit from their country of origin.
How long does it take to get a visa to India?
Obtaining a visa to India is a process that requires the applicant to submit an application, pay the appropriate fee, and provide other required documents in order to be considered for the visa. The amount of time it takes to get a visa to India depends on several factors, including the type of visa being applied for, the country from which the applicant is applying, and the processing times of the Indian government.
In general, it can take anywhere from one to three weeks to get a visa to India, depending on the specific situation. For example, if an applicant is applying for a tourist visa, the process may take less than one week. However, if an applicant is applying for a business or work visa, the process may take up to three weeks. Additionally, applicants from certain countries may experience longer processing times, as their applications will need to go through additional security screenings before they are approved.
Another factor that affects the amount of time it takes to get a visa to India is the time it takes for the applicant to gather all of the necessary documents and fill out the application. The applicant must make sure that all of the information provided is accurate and complete, and that any required supporting documents are included. If any of these steps are missed or done incorrectly, the application may be delayed or rejected.
Finally, the applicant should also keep in mind that the processing times of the Indian government can vary significantly from one period to the next. During peak travel periods, such as the holiday season, it may take longer for visas to be processed. Therefore, it is important for applicants to plan ahead and apply for their visa as early as possible in order to ensure that they have enough time to receive it before their intended date of travel.
Overall, the amount of time it takes to get a visa to India can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for, the country from which the applicant is applying, the accuracy of the information provided, and the processing times of the Indian government. It is important for applicants to plan ahead and apply for their visa well in advance in order to ensure that they have enough time to receive it before their intended date of travel.
