Posted by You may be wondering how to get an Indian visa for your vacation. Here’s a quick guide on what you need to prepare before applying for a tourist visa to India. Find out the documents you need, how long it will take to process your application, and what type of visa you need. Read on to get the information you need to make your trip a success! Getting your tourist visa is easier than you might think!
Documents required
If you are a US citizen and are traveling to India on a tourist visa, you will need to have certain documents ready before applying. There are some things you will need to bring with you to the application, and it is important to prepare as much information as possible. Luckily, getting an Indian visa is surprisingly easy. Getting an eVisa is 100% online and the entire process is done entirely over the internet.
First of all, your passport must be valid for at least six months. It should also have at least two blank pages. You cannot use a passport that is more than seven years old. Likewise, your passport must be accompanied by a recent 2×2 colour photograph that shows your full face with a white background. In case you are working, you must show proof of your occupation, such as a certificate from your employer or a copy of your educational institute ID. If you are retired, you must have your retirement papers, which prove that you are no longer working.
Processing time
The Processing time for an Indian Visa Application for Tourist Visa depends on when you apply. The winter tourist season runs from October to February and the low tourist season is from March to September. The processing time depends on the number of applications and if your application is being processed online, it may take up to three days. In addition, a reference check may take up to one week. Please note that you should allow additional time for processing if you are applying by mail.
The processing time for an Indian visa is normally 4 to 5 days, but some applicants have reported receiving their visas within 24 hours. If you’re travelling at an off-peak time, you can apply online for an electronic visa. Processing times are faster and easier than ever before, thanks to technology. However, be prepared to face some setbacks – mistakes in the application form, blurry scans of documents, and the like may cause your application to be delayed.
Cost
As of January 1, 2018, the standard fee for an Indian Tourist Visa is $100 USD. However, since April 1, 2017, the fee has increased to two hundred and twenty-five dollars. That means US citizens will have to pay more for each of the 14 different types of visas in India, including the Tourist Visa (T), Student Visa (S), Entry Visa (X), Medical Attendant Visa (MED), and Business/B1 multiple-entry visa.
The Tourist visa, or e-visa, is valid for four months from the date of issue and is not convertible or extendable. You are only allowed to enter India for tourism, and cannot engage in any other activity while there. Canada has recently been given five and ten-year visas, but these will no longer be accepted by mail. It is important to get the application form filled out properly and to be accompanied by a visa agent.
Read More: Details about Indian Business Visa
Type of visa
If you are planning to visit India and wish to work in the country, you may apply for a business visa. If you have a business card, you will need to present it when you apply for the visa. You can use the visa to carry out trades, lectures, meetings, and set up your own business in India. However, you cannot get a job in India without the right visa type. For more information, read the article “Types of Business Visas” to learn more about them.
Read More: How to Get Indian Visa Information
If your intention to visit India is solely for recreation or sight-seeing, you can apply for an e-Visa. This type of visa is not convertible or extendable and does not allow you to visit Protected Areas or Cantonment Areas. Moreover, you will need to obtain permission from the Civil Authority before visiting these places. However, if you are planning to visit any of these places for medical treatment, you must apply for another type of visa.
Note: This is not permanent information. It depends on government policy
