Lois Larson
India has a complex visa policy that varies depending on the traveller's nationality and type of passport. Nationals of Japan, South Korea and the UAE are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Indian airports, while citizens of other countries must apply for an e-Visa online before their trip. E-Visas are available for tourism, business, medical, and conference purposes, and are valid for up to 180 days with multiple entries. However, those with Pakistani origins or passports, as well as diplomatic/official passport holders, are not eligible for e-Visas and must apply for a regular visa at an Indian diplomatic post.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival | Only available to nationals of Japan, South Korea and the UAE |
| Nationals of other countries must apply for an e-Visa online | |
| Nationals of Bangladesh and Pakistan are not eligible for e-Visas | |
| Nationals of China, Hong Kong and Macau are eligible for e-Tourist Visas | |
| Nationals of 150 countries are eligible for e-Visas | |
| Nationals of 180 countries are eligible for Visa on Arrival | |
| E-Visa | Completely online application with no intermediaries |
| Non-refundable processing fee | |
| Not valid for employment, NGO activities, or journalism purposes | |
| Not available to diplomatic/official passport holders or laissez-passer travel document holders | |
| Not available to individuals endorsed on a parent's/spouse's passport | |
| Not available to international travel document holders | |
| Valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years | |
| Valid for tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes |
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What You'll Learn
- Nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE can get a visa on arrival
- E-visa applications must be filled out online and require a fee
- E-visa holders can only enter through designated airports
- E-visas are not valid for employment, NGO activities, or journalism
- E-visa holders must carry a copy of their ETA at all times
Nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE can get a visa on arrival
India has launched a visa-on-arrival service for travellers from Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This provision, announced by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to streamline travel for tourists, business professionals, medical visitors, and conference attendees. Travellers from these three nations can now obtain a visa upon arrival at six designated Indian airports: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The visa is valid for up to 60 days with double entry.
The Visa-on-Arrival Scheme is applicable for UAE nationals who have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India. UAE nationals visiting India for the first time are advised to apply for an e-Visa or regular/paper visa. Pakistan-origin UAE nationals are not eligible for the Visa-on-Arrival Scheme. Japanese, South Korean, and UAE nationals are required to fill out an application form (Annexure I) and carry a duly filled 'VoA Application Form' along with a disembarkation card. They can either download and fill out the form in advance or fill it out on arrival, as the format will also be available from the airlines on board the flight.
A fee of Rs. 2,000/- or the equivalent in foreign currency per passenger (including children) is charged for the grant of Visa-on-Arrival. The Visa-on-Arrival facility is only available at the designated airports mentioned above, and e-Visa applicants from other eligible countries must fill out the application form online and wait for confirmation before travelling to India.
The Indian government has also set up a 24/7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline, which can be reached toll-free at 1800111363 or via short code 1363. This service offers assistance and information in 12 languages, including 10 international languages, serving both domestic and international tourists.
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E-visa applications must be filled out online and require a fee
E-visa applications for India must be filled out online and require a fee. The application process is straightforward and can be completed on the official government website. Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent websites and ensure they are using the correct portal. The e-visa facility is available for various types of visas, including tourist, business, medical, and conference visas. It is important to note that e-visas are not allowed for employment or NGO-related purposes. Additionally, certain restrictions apply for individuals with Pakistani origins or ties.
The e-visa application requires mandatory details, including previous visa information. Applicants can write "NA", "Not Available", or any other suitable phrase if they do not remember their previous visa details. The visa fee must be paid at least four days before the expected travel date, and it is non-refundable. Applicants should also be aware of bank transaction charges, which will be an additional 2.5% on top of the visa fee.
When applying for an e-visa, it is essential to plan ahead. For e-tourist and e-business visas, applicants must apply a minimum of four days in advance of their arrival date. For e-medical, e-medical attendant, and e-conference visas, the window is extended to 120 days. As an example, if applying on the 1st of September, the applicant can select an arrival date from the 5th of September to the 2nd of January.
Upon approval of the e-visa, applicants must carry a copy of their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) when travelling to India. It is crucial to confirm that the ETA status is shown as 'GRANTED' before commencing the journey. Additionally, biometric details of the applicant will be captured at immigration upon arrival in India. It is important to note that e-visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. They are also not valid for visiting protected, restricted, or cantonment areas without prior permission from the civil authority.
The Indian government has made significant strides in extending the e-visa facility to numerous nationalities. Over time, the list of eligible countries has expanded, and the validity of the e-visa has been extended to 180 days. Multiple entries are now permitted, and e-tourist visa holders can even receive a gift pack upon arrival. These developments showcase India's commitment to facilitating travel and promoting tourism.
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E-visa holders can only enter through designated airports
E-visa holders can only enter India through designated airports and seaports listed on the e-Visa website. The Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility is only available to nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE (who have previously obtained an e-Visa or regular/paper visa for India). Nationals of other countries eligible for e-Visas must apply online and wait for confirmation before travelling to India.
The e-Visa application process is entirely online, and applicants are advised to use only the official Government of India portal to avoid fraudulent websites. Applicants should also be cautious of intermediaries or agents demanding extra payment, as the e-Visa processing fee is non-refundable and covers all costs.
It is important to note that e-Visas are not available to individuals with a Pakistani passport or Pakistani origin, diplomatic/official passport holders, and international travel document holders. Additionally, e-Visas are not permitted for employment, NGO activities, or journalism purposes. However, voluntary work of a short duration (up to one month) without monetary compensation is allowed.
The types of e-Visas available include e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa, e-Medical Attendant Visa, and e-Conference Visa. The validity of e-Tourist Visas has been extended to 180 days, and multiple entries are now permitted. Applicants should be aware that e-Visas are non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for visiting protected, restricted, or cantonment areas without prior permission.
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E-visas are not valid for employment, NGO activities, or journalism
India offers e-visas to citizens of certain countries, allowing them to enter the country for specific purposes. However, it is important to note that e-visas are not valid for employment, NGO activities, or journalism. Here are some key points to consider regarding this restriction:
- Employment Restrictions: The e-visa is not allowed for employment purposes in India. If an individual intends to work in India, they must apply for a regular visa and follow the standard employment visa procedures. This includes obtaining the necessary labour certifications and approvals from the Indian government.
- NGO Activities: The e-visa does not permit individuals to engage in non-governmental organization (NGO) activities. If someone wishes to participate in NGO-related work or volunteer opportunities in India, they must explore alternative visa options that specifically cater to such activities.
- Journalism: E-visas are not valid for journalism purposes. Foreign nationals intending to visit India for news reporting, documentary filming, or other journalism-related activities must seek alternative visa options. It is important to note that some countries, like the Philippines, offer e-visas for journalism purposes, but India has specific restrictions against it.
- Voluntary Work: While e-visas do not allow for NGO activities or employment, they do permit voluntary work of a short duration (up to one month) as long as it does not involve any monetary payment or compensation. This distinction is important to understand when planning activities during your stay in India.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): India offers a Visa on Arrival facility, but it is limited to nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and only for UAE nationals who have previously obtained an e-visa or regular/paper visa for India. For citizens of other countries eligible for e-visas, the online application process must be followed, and travel to India should only commence after receiving confirmation or the Grant of ETA.
- Port of Entry Restrictions: Individuals holding an e-visa for India are allowed to enter the country only through designated international airports. Currently, there are 31 airports that permit entry on an e-visa. This restriction also applies to other types of visas, so it is essential to confirm the approved points of entry before travelling.
- Scams and Safety: It is important to be vigilant when dealing with travel agents, intermediaries, or taxi drivers, as scams are common at major airports, train stations, and tourist sites in India. Always use reputable businesses and follow the necessary safety precautions to avoid becoming a target of theft or harassment.
In summary, while India's e-visa offers convenience for tourists and short-term visitors, it is crucial to understand the restrictions on employment, NGO activities, and journalism. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a smooth entry into the country and help avoid any legal complications during your stay in India.
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E-visa holders must carry a copy of their ETA at all times
India offers e-Visas to citizens of certain nationalities who are travelling to the country for tourism or business purposes. Nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are the only ones eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Indian airports/seaports. For citizens of all other countries eligible for e-Visas, the e-visa application must be filled out online, and the applicant must wait for confirmation before travelling to India.
The e-Visa application process is entirely online. Applicants need a valid passport, a credit card, and an email address. Once approved, the e-Visa is linked to the passport number used in the application. Travellers are advised to check that the passport number included in their e-Visa approval email matches the one on their passport.
Additionally, e-visa holders should be aware that the Visa is only valid for entry through designated airports and seaports listed on the e-Visa website. It is also important to note that e-Visas are not allowed for employment, NGO activities, or journalism purposes. Voluntary work of a short duration (up to one month) that does not involve monetary payment is permitted.
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Frequently asked questions
The Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility is only for the nationals of Japan, South Korea and the UAE. For all other nationalities, an e-Visa application must be filled out online and confirmation received before travelling to India.
The e-Visa application is completely online and can be found on the official Government of India portal. Applicants are advised to be cautious of fraudulent websites offering e-visa services. The e-Visa fee must be paid at least 4 days before the expected date of travel and is non-refundable.
Nationals of China, Hong Kong, Macau and 150 other countries are eligible for an e-Visa. However, those with a Pakistani passport or of Pakistani origin are not eligible for e-Visas and must apply for a regular Visa at the Indian Mission.
