How do I apply for an Indian tourist visa?
- Completing the online India visa application.
- Apply for the India self-declaration form.
- Review all information provided.
- Pay Indian visa fees and confirm payment of all fees for the category you selected.
- Receive your approved India e-tourist visa and self-declaration form via email.
Can I renew or extend my visa for India?
There are various places where you can renew your visa if you wish to extend your stay in India. The first place where most people find it convenient to renew their visa is at the registration offices. That is because registration offices possess most of foreigners details, which makes the verification process easy.
Is India issuing visas now?
Now, it is possible to apply for a visa to India. Selected commercial flights have resumed. To visit India vaccinated travelers must apply for a tourist visa. Foreign citizens from more than 160 countries can get an Indian eVisa online. There are also some additional requirements such as pre-departure testing and a health declaration form.
Are India visas still suspended?
With the onset of the pandemic in 2020, all visas to India were suspended in the month of March, with the shut down of regular (commercial) international travel. While a graded relaxation followed soon in October 2020 to ease visa and travel restrictions for Indian nationals other travellers, visiting the country for business, conferences, employment, studies and research purposes, tourist visas continued to remain suspended.
How safe is it to travel to India?
While not all parts of India are dealing with a rise in cases, most of the major cities are.
Why visit India?
India is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations and it has an architecture that is rooted in this history.
What level of warning is India?
According to the CDC, the COVID-19 situation in India is at warning level 4. This means, travelers should not visit the country at the moment.
What is the most famous building in India?
One building that should be on everyone’s bucket list is the Taj Mahal, which is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a marble mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In addition to this stunning structure, there are many other architectural wonders in India.
Why do people come to India?
Many tourists come to India to develop a deeper appreciation for their own spirituality, whether at a meditation or yoga retreat or simply through visiting the local holy sites. There is also a wide variety of foods, from moderately spicy northern curries to the burning hot flavors of the South.
When did India extend its ban on travel?
July 14 – India extends ban on international travel through July 31. India has extended its ban on inbound travel through July 31 amid concerns of a third wave of coronavirus fueled by the Delta variant, first detected in its territory. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), has requested the government not to reopen for tourism over ...
When did India reopen its borders?
India reopened its maritime and air borders for international tourism on Oct.15. Incoming travelers need to submit a self-declaration and upload a negative COVID-19 test result no older than 72 hours at the moment of boarding.
Is there an e-visa for India 2020?
As of 2020, the Tourist e-Visa itself is available in three different types depending upon its duration and visitors should apply for the one most appropriate to their purpose of visit to India.
Is India a tourist destination?
India is often seen as an exotic travel destination but it is truly a place full of a rich and diverse culture from where you are sure to take back varying and interesting memories. If you are an international traveler who has decided to visit India as a tourist you are in great luck because you do not have to go through too much trouble in order to make this long awaited trip happen. The Government of India provides an electronic Visa or e-Visa meant specifically for tourists and you can apply for the e-Visa online instead of from the Indian Embassy in your country as the traditional paper Visa is done. This India Tourist Visa is not only for tourists who visit the country for the purposes of sight-seeing or recreation but it is also supposed to make easier the lives of those who want to visit India for the purpose of visiting family, relatives, or friends.
What does Moca do before tickets are confirmed?
Before the tickets of such persons are confirmed, MoCA will ensure that the destination country allows entry of such persons in that country. The conditions, if any, imposed by the destination country, will have to be fulfilled by the person intending to travel.
How long can you quarantine a child?
Only for exceptional and compelling reasons such as cases of human distress, pregnancy, death in family, serious illness and parent (s) accompanied by children below 10 years, as assessed by the receiving states,home quarantine may be permitted for 14 days. Use of Aarogya Setu app shall be mandatory in such cases.
How much notice does MEA give?
MEA will display with at least two days notice, the scheduled (day, place and time of arrival) of the incoming flight/ship, on their online digital platform.
What precautions are required on a ship?
While on board the flight/ship, required precautions such as wearing of masks, environmental hygiene, respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene etc. are to be observed by airline/ ship staff, crew and all passengers.
What precautionary measures are required at airports?
Suitable precautionary measures such as environmental sanitation and disinfection shall be ensured at the airports as well as within the flights.
What is foreign technical specialist?
Foreign Technical specialists and engineers travelling for installation, repair and maintenance of foreign-origin machinery and equipment facilities in India, on the invitation of a registered Indian business entity. These could be for equipment installation, or is under warranty, or for after sales servicing or repair on commercial terms.
What is foreign engineering?
Foreign Engineering, Managerial, Design or other Specialists travelling to India on behalf of foreign business entities located in India. This includes all manufacturing units, design units, software and IT units as well as financial sector companies (banking and non-banking financial sector firms).
Can I get a 5-year visa for India?
This is the period of validity of their visa. With a 5- year India visa, tourists are allowed If you are planning to get an Indian visa that is 5 years valid, India e-tourist Five years with multiple entries is your sure plug. This visa type which was initiated in September 2019 is valid for 5 years from the date of the ETA issue. However, you will not be allowed to stay in India for the complete five (5) years. UK, USA, Canada and Japanese nationals can stay in India for at most 180 days during each visit. Other 161 e-visa eligible countries can only stay for a maximum of 90 days on each visit. It is a 5-year long valid visa not a 5-year stay visa . Overstaying in India during a trip will incur a heavy fine from the government of India. But realistically visitors holding this visa type can as well enter India as many times as they wish during the 5 years validity of their e-tourist visa. Aside from the e-tourist 5-year visa, other non-ETA visas are valid for 5 years or more (with multiple entries). They are Indian business, employment, and student visas.
How do I get a 5-year Indian visa from the UK?
Applying from the UK or with a UK passport , here are the steps to get a 5-year Indian e-tourist visa:
How long will it take to get a long-term 5-year Indian visa?
Each application has its merit, so there is no accurate guess. However, note that an e-tourist visa can be ready between 1 and 3 days .
What is the estimated range of time it takes for a long-term 5-year Indian visa?
An urgent India visa request's processing time is between 24 and 72 hours. That is with extra India visa cost your visa will be ready in maximum if three working days. The other category exists for whoever is not in a hurry. Visas processed under this normal processing time will be ready between three (3) and five (5) working days from the date an application is completed.
How long is an Indian visa valid?
If you are planning to get an Indian visa that is 5 years valid, India e-tourist Five years (multiple entries) is your sure plug. This visa type which was initiated in September 2019 is valid for 5 years from the date of the ETA issue. However, you will not be allowed to stay in India for the complete five (5) years. UK, USA, Canada and Japanese nationals can stay in India for at most 180 days during each visit. Other 161 e-visa eligible countries can only stay for a maximum of 90 days on each visit. It is a 5-year long valid visa not a 5-year stay visa. Overstaying in India during a trip will incur a heavy fine from the government of India. But realistically visitors holding this visa type can as well enter India as many times as they wish during the 5 years validity of their e-tourist visa. Aside from the e-tourist 5-year visa, other non-ETA visas are valid for 5 years or more (with multiple entries). They are Indian business visas, Indian employment, and Indian student visas .
What format is a passport photo?
Applicant photograph (colored passport with white background, less than 3MB in size, must be in either JPG, PNG and PDF format.
How long does it take to get an Indian visa?
The complete processing time can be up to four 1-3 working days and can be as fast as 24 hours. All the same, it's a quick and efficient process. The online application part only takes a few minutes provided all the required Indian visa documents and details are at the reach of the applicant. After submission, a mail will be sent to notify applicants that their e-visas are ready for download.
How long do you have to register to visit India?
Foreign citizens who visit India to study, do research, work, or act as missionaries, as well as all travelers and residents planning to stay more than 180 days, are required to register their visit or residency within 14 days of arrival with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) closest to where they will be staying in addition to having the appropriate visa when they enter India. The FRRO maintains offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Lucknow, Calicut, Goa, Cochin, Trivandrum, and Amritsar. District Superintendents of Police serve as Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in all other places. We recommend all U.S. citizens review the entry requirements described on the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section on the Indian Bureau of Immigration website.
What happens if you overstay your Indian visa?
If you overstay your Indian visa, or otherwise violate Indian visa regulations, you may require clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in order to leave the country. Generally, you will be fined and, in some cases, may be jailed for months. Visa violators seeking an exit permit must visit the Foreigners Regional Registration Office portal to submit the application and pay any levied fines. Processing of an exit permit under these circumstances can take up to 90 days and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
How old do you have to be to drink alcohol in India?
Alcohol: Each of India’s states has independent regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption. Legal drinking ages range from 18 to 25 and can vary by beverage type. Some states permit alcohol use for medicinal purposes only, others require you to hold a permit to buy, transport, or consume alcohol. Penalties for violation can be harsh.
What are the effects of a bandh?
Beyond the threat from terrorism and insurgencies, demonstrations and general strikes, or “bandh,” often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more. U.S. citizens caught in such a strike may find they are unable to make flight and rail connections, as local transportation can be severely limited. Local media generally give an idea of the length and geographical location of the strike. Large religious gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of people can result in dangerous and often life-threatening stampedes. Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services and posing risks to travelers. In response to such events, Indian authorities occasionally impose curfews and/or restrict travel. You are urged to obey such curfews and travel restrictions and to avoid demonstrations and rallies as they have the potential for violence, especially immediately preceding and following political rallies, elections, and religious festivals (particularly when Hindu and Muslim festivals coincide). Tensions between castes and religious groups can also result in disruptions and violence. In some cases, demonstrators specifically block roads near popular tourist sites and disrupt train operations in order to gain the attention of Indian authorities; occasionally vehicles transporting tourists are attacked in these incidents. India generally goes on “High Alert” status prior to major holidays or events. You should monitor local television, print media, Mission India’s American Citizens Services Facebook page, and enroll with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for further information about the current situation in areas where you will travel.
How to be a good citizen?
citizens should always practice good personal security and situational awareness. Be aware of your surroundings (including local customs and etiquette) and keep a low profile. Monitor local news reports, vary your routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when you visit public places, including religious sites, and when choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.
What is the number for emergency after hours?
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (0) 44-2857-4000. Ask for
Why is religious violence so common in India?
Religious violence occasionally occurs in India, especially when tensions between different religious communities are purposefully exacerbated by groups pushing religiously chauvinistic agendas. There are active "anti-conversion" laws in some Indian states, and acts of conversion sometimes elicit violent reactions from Hindu extremists. Foreigners suspected of proselytizing Hindus have been attacked and killed in conservative, rural areas in India in the past.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
How to request an expedited appointment?
How to Request an Expedited Appointment: Applicants can request an expedited appointment through our online appointment system at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/expedited-appointment.html. You must already have a confirmed interview appointment date in order to request an expedited appointment. If your expedited appointment request is approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. You should not cancel your existing appointment unless you receive a confirmation that your request for an expedited appointment has been approved. If you have not yet received an approval or denial, your request is still under consideration.
How long is a visa application valid for?
There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law.
What is business traveler?
Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.
What are the exceptions to the suspension of entry?
There are certain exceptions to the suspension of entry, including exceptions for certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, among other exceptions listed in the proclamations.
How to prepare for an interview?
Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
When did Biden suspend travel to India?
On April 30, President Biden signed Presidential Proclamation 10199 suspending most nonimmigrant travel from India. In light of the travel suspension and due to the current pandemic situation in India, most other routine nonimmigrant visa and VAC appointments at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, ...
What is the suspension of entry in India?
* Effective May 4, the entry into the United States of certain nonimmigrant travelers who have been physically present in India is suspended. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPR), and immigrants are not subject to the proclamation. The suspension of entry also does not apply to non-U.S. citizen spouses or unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. More information is available at travel.state.gov. For more information on who qualifies for an exception to the presidential proclamation, please click here
What is the highest level of travel advisory?
Level 4 is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.
What is the number to speak to a doctor in India?
The Indian Medical Association also has a 24/7 hotline for individuals to speak with a doctor at +91 99996-72238 or +91 99996-72239.
How long do you have to submit a self declaration form for India?
All international passengers must visit newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/allairports and submit a self-declaration form at least 72 hours prior to departure for India.
When will India extend visas?
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs stated that regular visas and e-visas of foreign nationals stranded in India because of COVID-19 restrictions have been extended until August 31 without penalty. Travelers should not be fined an overstay penalty upon departure if done by August 31.
When will India resume tourism?
Travel to India for tourism and other short-term purposes will resume fully on November 15 for individuals holding tourist or e-tourist visas issued on or after October 6, 2021. Tourist visas issued before October 2021 will not be honored and travelers attempting to enter India using one of these visas are likely to be detained and returned to their point of origin.
Is a negative PCR required for entry to India?
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes, as of February 22, 2021, all international travelers arriving in India, regardless of vaccination status, must upload a negative RT-PCR report to the Air Suvidha portal taken within 72 hours of the start of their journey. Additional testing on entry/quarantine may apply depending on nationality or country of embarkment/transit.
