India, renowned for its spiritual heritage, delectable cuisine, and iconic architecture, has mesmerized travelers for centuries. Despite its allure, planning a trip to India can pose challenges.

With proper preparation and guidance, applicants can swiftly navigate any obstacles. This India e-Visa frequently asked questions guide will provide clear and concise answers. Natvisa team has compiled the India e-visa FAQs, helping travelers save time and streamline the visa application process.

Is the e-Visa hard to get?

No, the Indian e-Visa application form is straightforward. However, the application process is extensive, requiring detailed information, even regarding the applicant’s parents’ nationality.

If travelers face any difficulty, they can always allow Natvisa to take the reins. As a reputable online visa processing company, we are committed to making the India e-Visa application procedure more manageable and offer expedited processing.

Can I apply for the e-Visa twice?

Yes, travelers can apply for an India e-Visa twice in a calendar year. During the e-Visa application process, exercise caution when making payment to avoid application ID blockage.

If payment attempts are more than three, the application ID will be blocked, requiring the applicant to start a new application. Before re-applying, wait for up to four hours for payment status updates to reflect successfully.

How many entries are allowed on the e-Visa?

The number of entries depends on the e-Visa type the visitor is applying for. It ranges from single, double, triple, or multiple entries. The conference e-Visa grants single entry whereas the 30-day tourist e-Visa allows double entry to the visitors.

The medical attendant and medical e-Visa offer triple entries. On the other hand, the Indian business e-Visa, along with the 1-year and 5-year tourist e-Visas, allows multiple entries to the travelers.

What is the difference between entry visa and e-Visa for India?

Traditional entry visas involve physically visiting an Indian embassy and getting them processed. Usually, the entry visas are granted to foreign nationals for purposes not covered by other visa categories and to foreign nationals of Indian origin, their spouses, and dependent children visiting the country.

On the other hand, the Indian e-Visas are entirely online. Such electronic visas are for specific purposes such as tourism (30 days, 1 year, and 5 years), conference, business, medical, and medical attendant purposes. It is also granted to nationals of 171 countries only.

What is a double entry electronic visa?

A double entry electronic visa allows two visits within the validity period. The 30-day Indian tourist e-Visa allows double entry to individual and group tourists for sightseeing, recreation, family visits, short-term yoga programs, and more.

Why does the electronic visa get rejected?

The reasons for rejection of the Indian e-Visa can vary depending on the type of electronic visa the applicant may have applied for. The most common reasons are having a Pakistan connection, hiding a criminal background, missing business e-visa requirements, and more.

Other reasons can be blurred facial photographs, unclear passport scans, passports expiring soon, incorrect references from the applicant’s home country, and more.

What are the different types of electronic visas?

Indian e-Visas are available for tourism, business, conference, medical attendant, and medical purposes. The e-Emergency X Misc. visa is only for Afghan nationals.

India has introduced an eVisa for yoga, aiming to attract global yoga enthusiasts and bolster its wellness tourism by providing easy access to the country’s rich yogic traditions and programs.

Do British citizens need a visa to travel to India?

Yes, British citizens need a visa to go to India and are eligible for the Indian e-Visa. The facility has been extended to British citizens holding passports of Crown Dependency (CD) and British Overseas Territory (BOT).

Do United States citizens need a visa for travel to India?

Yes, US citizens require a visa to travel to India and are eligible to apply for the e-Visa. Please note they are not eligible for a visa-on-arrival.

Is the e-Visa valid for cruise ship entries?

Yes, the e-Visa is valid for cruise ship entries, but only if the cruise docks at an e-Visa-approved port such as Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mangalore, or Mumbai. For other seaports, a regular visa stamped inside the passport is required.

Do children or minors require an e-Visa?

Yes, all eligible travelers, including children and minors, must have a valid e-Visa to travel to India. It’s essential to ensure that the child’s passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.

India’s Business eVisa enables international entrepreneurs and investors to engage in trade, consultations, and business-related activities within the country, fostering global collaborations and economic exchanges..

When should I apply for the e-Visa?

It is advisable to apply for the e-Visa at least 7 days in advance of the arrival date, especially during peak season (October to March). The standard processing time is 7 business days.

What are the necessary documents for applying for a conference e-Visa?

When applying for a Conference e-Visa to India, applicants are required to provide several specific documents. Firstly, a scanned copy of the bio page of the passport, which includes the photograph and personal details of the applicant, must be submitted.

Additionally, an invitation from the event organizer is necessary, and the applicant can request this directly from the organizer. It is also mandatory to obtain political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs in India.

Lastly, applicants must secure event clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs in India, which is specific to the conference or event they plan to attend.

What distinguishes an OCI from an e-Visa for India?

The e-Visa for India is an electronic visa designed for mostly short-term visits, including tourism, business, or medical purposes, and is available to eligible foreign citizens.

In contrast, the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is a long-term visa category. It is granted to individuals of Indian origin, providing them with several rights and privileges. These include the ability to live and work in India indefinitely, which is not offered by the e-Visa.

Is an e-Visa allowed for journalism purposes and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)?

What are the limitations of the e-Visa regarding ports of entry?

Unfortunately, the Indian e-Visa restricts entry to the country through specific ports. Holders of the electronic visa are permitted to enter India only through twenty-five designated international airports or five approved seaports, as authorized by the Government of India.

Applicants are advised to check the list of designated ports of entry with the Indian embassy as they may get updated from time to time.

What does ’Visible Identification Mark’ refer to on the application?

The term’ Visible Identification Mark’ refers to noticeable physical marks such as moles, birthmarks, or permanent scars. These marks should be visible and can be verified upon request by the Indian Immigration authority.

Who is required to carry the ’Yellow Fever Vaccination card’?

Foreign nationals arriving in India within six days from a yellow fever endemic country must possess an original and valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

The list of yellow fever endemic countries can be found on the official Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website.

What should be done if there is a discrepancy in the details on the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

Applicants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all details, including name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, and photograph, before submitting their India e-Visa application.

In case of any discrepancies found on the ETA, applicants should contact the e-Visa support center at least 24 hours before their journey for assistance.

Is the e-Visa facility available for employment visas?

The Indian e-Visa is not applicable for employment purposes. Individuals seeking to work in the country should apply for a regular visa for employment purposes through the embassy.

What documents are needed to apply for a business e-Visa?

Applicants for an Indian Business e-Visa must submit several specific documents. First, a scanned copy of the bio page of their passport, displaying the photograph and personal details, is required.

Additionally, they must provide a copy of their business card. In some cases, if applicable, an invitation letter from the Indian parties with whom they intend to conduct business can be included, though this is optional.

Travelers seeking to apply for an Indian Business e-Visa can consider using Natvisa for a more streamlined and faster processing experience.

India e-Visa Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)